Gettysburg Address, Nov. 1863; A. Lincoln

“Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure. We are … Continue reading “Gettysburg Address, Nov. 1863; A. Lincoln”

Florida Bar Rule regulating contingent fees

(f) Contingent Fees. As to contingent fees: (1) A fee may be contingent on the outcome of the matter for which the service is rendered, except in a matter in which a contingent fee is prohibited by subdivision (f)(3) or by law. A contingent fee agreement shall be in writing and shall state the method … Continue reading “Florida Bar Rule regulating contingent fees”

Workers Compensation laws in Florida found unconstitutional

Workers compensation lawyers who represent workers injured on the job have recently gotten good news from the Florida Supreme Court. That good news was even better for the injured worker because these decisions expanded wage loss benefits and fees for lawyer who fight to get benefits for these workers. Those fees, contingency fees, are paid … Continue reading “Workers Compensation laws in Florida found unconstitutional”

Florida’s Sector Planning Process

By Jennifer B. Springfield In 1998 due to the mounting realization that a twenty-year planning period was too short and the existing planning tools were too constraining, in a fast growing state, to adequately protect natural systems and avoid piece-meal planning, the Florida Legislature created section 163.3245, Florida Statutes (FS), which established an experimental pilot … Continue reading “Florida’s Sector Planning Process”

HYDRAULIC FRACTURING: LAWS AND LEGAL MANEUVERS

By Jennifer B. Springfield What is hydraulic fracturing, aka fracking, or high-pressure well stimulation? A simple definition is the extraction of natural gas and oil deposits (difficult to access because they are trapped within tight pores of rocks deep underground) by injecting water, sand and chemicals into drilled holes or wells which serves to fracture … Continue reading “HYDRAULIC FRACTURING: LAWS AND LEGAL MANEUVERS”

Florida Eminent Domain Law: Condemnation Procedure

FLORIDA EMINENT DOMAIN LAW Condemnation Procedure By Jennifer B. Springfield and Alexander Boswell-Ebersole ​The government exercises its eminent domain authority by civil action, and the procedure for the exercise of this authority is generally called either a taking or a condemnation action. In addition to the substantive law of eminent domain in Florida, Chapters 73 … Continue reading “Florida Eminent Domain Law: Condemnation Procedure”

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT:”Citizen Suits” for the Environment

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT: “Citizen Suits” for the Environment By Jennifer B. Springfield and Alexander Boswell-Ebersole ​In 1971, the Florida Legislature passed the Florida Environmental Protection Act. This Act, codified as section 403.412, Florida Statutes, authorizes Florida citizens, subdivisions and municipalities of the state, as well as the Department of Legal Affairs, as well as … Continue reading “THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT:”Citizen Suits” for the Environment”

Florida Eminent Domain Law: “Public Purpose” and “Just Compensation” Requirements

FLORIDA EMINENT DOMAIN LAW “Public Purpose” and “Just Compensation” Requirements By Jennifer B. Springfield and Alexander Boswell-Ebersole ​In Florida, governmental entities may take privately-owned real property for a “public purpose,” provided the owner receives “full compensation.” Under the Florida Constitution, the public purpose and full compensation requirements generally result in greater protection for private landowners … Continue reading “Florida Eminent Domain Law: “Public Purpose” and “Just Compensation” Requirements”

Eminent Domian Law in Florida: An Overview

Eminent Domain Law in Florida: An Overview By Jennifer B. Springfield and Alexander Boswell-Ebersole ​As an “inherent attribute of sovereignty,” the government is empowered to “take” privately owned land. Such authority, known as “eminent domain” or “condemnation,” is restricted in several ways by both the United States and Florida constitutions. The government may take private … Continue reading “Eminent Domian Law in Florida: An Overview”