Floridas

Edwin Scales III Takes the Helm: New Chief Judge Elected for Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal

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MIAMI, Fla. — Judge Edwin Scales III has been appointed as the chief judge of Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal, beginning July 1. His election marks a significant moment, as Scales is the first resident of Monroe County to hold this position. Appointed to the court by former Governor Rick Scott in December 2013, Scales has made a notable impact in the legal community. Prior to his judicial appointment, he operated as a sole practitioner in Key West, focusing on appellate and commercial litigation, land use law, and mediation. In addition to his work … Read more

Florida’s New Condo Laws Aim for Transparency Amidst Market Turmoil: Governor Desantis Raises Affordability Concerns

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis has acknowledged that recent housing laws in Florida are well-intentioned but has raised concerns about their potential effects on affordability for residents. At a press conference for the signing of legislation aimed at reforming the state’s condominium landscape, DeSantis noted community apprehensions regarding the financial implications of various assessments that could impact whether people can remain in their homes. The Florida housing market has been in the spotlight recently due to an increase in inventory and a decline in home prices. As of late June 2025, data from Altos … Read more

17 States Unite to Support Florida’s Immigration Law Appeal Amid Legal Turmoil

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Republican leaders from 17 states have expressed their unified support for Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier in his bid to enforce a law aimed at undocumented immigrants. This legal alliance comes as Uthmeier seeks intervention from the U.S. Supreme Court after a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against the law. Last week, Uthmeier appealed to the Supreme Court to allow the state to implement the law while ongoing legal challenges unfold. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams ruled in April that the law is likely preempted by federal immigration authority, effectively … Read more

Florida’s Legal Battle: State Moves to Dismiss Lawsuit Challenging Seminole Tribe’s Online Sports Betting Deal

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The state of Florida is seeking to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the legality of a sports betting agreement between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the state, a deal critics claim violates a constitutional amendment aimed at curbing casino gambling. Last week, Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office submitted a detailed motion to a Leon County circuit judge, requesting the lawsuit, initiated in April by Protect the Constitution, LLC, be thrown out. The 34-page motion argues that Protect the Constitution lacks the legal standing necessary to continue its challenge and asserts that the … Read more