The Fernandez Law Group

NEW FLORIDA LAWS IN 2025 THAT TOOK EFFECT ON JANUARY 1ST

FLG — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:47:25 +0000

NEW FLORIDA LAWS IN 2025 THAT TOOK EFFECT ON JANUARY 1ST

Florida lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis passed over 200 new state laws in 2024. The majority took effect in July and October.

12 additional laws from the 2024 Legislative season took effect at the start of 2025.

Included in the new laws are social media bans for minors, provisions for first responder safety and safeguards against financial exploitation.

Summary of the 12 new Florida Laws in 2025 that took effect on January 1st:

HB 3 — Social Media Restrictions for Children

Children under 14 years old are banned from having social media accounts. The law allows parents to give consent for 14 and 15 year olds to have accounts.

Under the law, “social media” is defined as an online platform with all of the following properties:

Allows users to upload content or view the content of others
At least 10% of daily active users under 16 years old spend an average minimum of two hours per day over the prior year
Uses algorithms that analyze user data
Has addictive features like “infinite scrolling,” push notifications and personal interactive metrics

HB 135 – Voter Registration Applications

Parts of the state’s voter registration application statutes have been amended with House Bill 135.

Voters can usually only switch their party affiliation if they designate and agree to the change in writing in order to prevent issues for residents renewing their driver’s licenses.

However, sources allege that some voters in Florida have had their party affiliation switched without their knowledge due to a “glitch” in the software used by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

As part of the new Florida Laws in 2025, this one requires that the DHSMV will ensure its “technology process and updates do not alter an applicant’s party affiliation without the written consent of the applicant.”

HB 267 — Building Regulations

The state’s building code has been amended with House Bill 267 and is included with the new Florida Laws in 2025.

Set time limits for local governments to either approve or deny permit applications have been implemented with the amendments.

The amendments to the bill also include the following changes:

Auditing standards must be created by local governments before auditing a private provider.
An internship program for residential building inspectors must be completed as a pathway for licensure as a residential building inspector.
In certain homes, sealed drawings will not be required for replacements of windows, doors or garage doors, as long as they meet state standards.

HB 1093 – Florida Uniform Fiduciay Income and Principal Act

House Bill 1093 codifies the Florida Uniform Fiduciary Income and Principal Act (FUFIPA) into law.

The law will replace the Florida Uniform Principal and Income Act (FUPIA), which governs the allocation of trust and estate receipts and disbursement between principal and interest when a Florida trust doesn’t provide its own terms for such allocation.

The changes are part of the new Florida Laws in 2025 and will modernize the state’s trust law, allowing for total-return investing under the modern portfolio theory.

FUFIPA will also provide flexibility for more individualized estate planning, and allow an existing trust to be converted into a unitrust.

HB 1491 – Public Records (DLA Investigations)

Linked to HB 1, House Bill 1491 establishes public record exemptions involving investigations by the Department of Legal Affairs.

Once an investigation by the DLA is finished, the law provides that the following information is covered under these exemptions:

Personal identifying information
Computer forensic reports
Information that would otherwise reveal weaknesses in data security
Information that would otherwise disclose proprietary information

Unless reenacted by the Legislature, these exemptions are part of the new Florida Laws in 2025 and are set to be repealed on Oct. 2, 2029.

HB 7017 — Amendment 5

Amendment 5 was sent to the ballot for the 2024 General Election with House Bill 7017, and was approved by over 60% of Florida voters.

The methods used to determine how some property taxes are calculated for Florida homeowners who have a homestead exemption is changing. The result will help to lower their annual property tax increases.

HB 7019 — Confirming Amendment 5

House Bill 7019 makes confirming statutory changes in line with HB 7017 following the approval of Amendment 5 during the 2024 General Election.

SB 184 – Threatening First Responders

In order to give more protection to first responders, Senate Bill 184 establishes the following as first-degree misdemeanors:

Interrupting, disrupting, hindering, impeding or interfering with a first responder’s ability to perform their duties
Threatening a first responder with physical harm
Harassing a first responder by interfering with his/her performance of his/her duties

SB 362 — Medical Treatment

Senate Bill 362 increases the maximum medical reimbursements for physicians and surgical procedures — as well as maximum fees for expert witnesses — under Florida’s “Workers Compensation Law.”

SB 556 — Protection from Financial Exploitation

Senate Bill 556 is another one of the new Florida Laws in 2025. It provides more protections for specified adults ages 65 years and older, as well as vulnerable adults who might be victims of financial exploitation.

Under this law, financial institutions can delay disbursements or transactions of funds from an account of a specified or vulnerable adult under the following conditions:

There is a reasonable belief that financial exploitation of the specified adult is at play.
The financial institution provides written notice to all parties authorized to transact business on the account (as well as trusted contacts) within three business days after the delay was first placed.
A state-chartered financial institution notifies the Office of Financial Regulation of the delay within three business days after the delay was first placed.
The financial institution must start an internal review of the facts that caused the employee to believe that financial exploitation was at play.

Any such delay in a disbursement/transaction expires in 15 business days, though it may be extended for an additional 30 business days.

SB 892 – Dental Insurance Claims

Dental insurance claims undergo the following changes with this substantial bill that became part of the new Florida Laws in 2025:

Prohibits contracts between health insurers and dentists which contain certain restrictions on payment methods — for example, contracts specifying that credit card payment is your only option.
Prohibits health insurers from charging a fee to transmit a payment to a dentist through Automated Clearing House transfer unless the dentist has consented to such a fee.
Prohibits a health insurer from denying claims for procedures included in a prior authorization.
Prohibits contracts between prepaid limited health service organizations and dentists from containing certain restrictions on payment methods, similar to the first point.

SB 7054 — Private Activity Bonds

State statutes regarding private activity bonds are being revised with Senate Bill 7054.

These types of bonds are generally Issued by state or local governments. They provide special benefits to firms that are undertaking certain kinds of projects, especially those that are in the public’s interest.

As part of the new Florida Laws in 2025, this one has a few minor changes, including:

Legislative intent to maximize the annual use of private activity bonds to finance improvements, projects and programs serving public purposes
Revisions to the regions, pools and timelines related to bond allocations to consolidate infrequently-used pools and expedite usage of bonds
Allowances for for all volume cap allocated in a confirmation to be entitled to be carried forward, rather than limiting to specific types of projects or basing it on the amount of the confirmation

EXPERIENCE. STANDARDS. RESULTS.

With a combined legal experience of over 50 years in both State and Federal courts, the Tampa Lawyers at Fernandez Law Group are committed to providing quality service to clients while maintaining a high level of respect, integrity, and appreciation for each individuals’ legal needs. If you have questions about any of the new Florida Laws in 2025, we’re here to help.

Our Personal Injury Lawyers work aggressively seeking compensation for damages and have recovered millions of dollars in settlements.

Our Criminal Defense Lawyers fight to protect the rights of our clients and have successfully litigated to reduce thousands of sentences and fines.

We offer free initial consultations with detailed case reviews.

CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.

Learn More: https://thefernandezlawgroup.com/criminal-defense-lawyers/

NEWSLETTER: NEW FLORIDA LAWS IN 2025 THAT TOOK EFFECT ON JANUARY 1ST – 2/6/25

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BILL COULD REPEAL FLORIDA GUN BUYING AGE LAW ENACTED AFTER PARKLAND SHOOTING

FLG — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 21:39:30 +0000

BILL COULD REPEAL FLORIDA GUN BUYING AGE LAW ENACTED AFTER PARKLAND SHOOTING

As a long-running legal battle continues, a state senator proposed repealing a law that prohibits people under age 21 from buying long guns and rifles in Florida.

Sen. Randy Fine, of Brevard County, filed the proposal (SB 94) on Tuesday, December 9th, for consideration during the 2025 legislative session, which will start on March 4th. Fine will also be running in an upcoming special election for a congressional seat.

A similar measure passed in the House but failed in the Senate during the 2024 session.

Lawmakers and Governor Rick Scott approved raising the minimum age to biy rifles and other long guns in 2018 after the mass shooting at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that killed 17 people.

People under 21 years old are already barred from buying handguns due to Federal law.

A lawsuit was filed by the National Rifle Association contending that the 2018 Florida gun buying age law violates Second Amendment rights, however, Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker upheld the age restriction.

The Florida gun buying age law was also upheld by a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, but the NRA asked the full appeals court to consider the case. The issue is currently pending at the Atlanta based appeals court.

After eight years in the House, Fine was elected to the Senate last month but qualified to run in a special election last week. The special election is being held to replace U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz, R-FL, from Congressional District 6 after President-elect Donald Trump selected Waltz for the National Security Advisor position.

Our law firm is here to answer questions about the Florida gun buying age law and any other gun, firearm or weapon related questions.

If someone has been charged with any type of gun, firearm or weapons violation, they need to act immediately in order to preserve every possible opportunity for a stronger defense.

At Fernandez Law Group, our team of gun lawyers work diligently at scrutinizing over every single last detail in every case in order to find any flaws or errors in the police procedure.

These errors can lead to reduction in charges, fines, and sentencing. In some cases, we’ve even had cases that were completely dismissed.

We pay very close attention to every case and review them with our clients on a continual basis.

We offer free initial consultations with detailed case reviews.

CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.

Learn More: https://thefernandezlawgroup.com/criminal-defense-lawyers/

NEWSLETTER: BILL COULD REPEAL FLORIDA GUN BUYING AGE LAW ENACTED AFTER PARKLAND SHOOTING – 1/23/25

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310 MILLION VERDICT ISSUED FOR AMUSEMENT PARK FATALITY

FLG — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 20:29:47 +0000

310 MILLION VERDICT ISSUED FOR AMUSEMENT PARK FATALITY

On March 24, 2022, 14-year-old Tyre Sampson fell to his death from the Orlando FreeFall ride at ICON Park in Orlando, Florida. The ride, which was operated by a company called The SlingShot Group, was a 430-foot-tall free-fall tower that dropped riders at high speeds.

His parents argued that Orlando Slingshot and Funtime should have warned their son about the risks of someone his size going on the ride and didn’t provide an appropriate restraint system. Adding seat belts would have cost $660.

Late Thursday, the Orange County jury ordered that the manufacturer Funtime pay $155 million each to Tyre Sampson’s parents, Nekia Dodd and Yarnell Sampson after winning a record $310 million verdict against the attraction’s Austrian builder.

The state ordered the ride closed after the accident and it never reopened. It is now being demolished.

Tyre Sampson’s death has been a subject of significant legal scrutiny and controversy, with questions about the ride’s safety and the responsibilities of both the ride manufacturer and the amusement park operators.

Key Events Leading to Tyre Sampson’s Death:

Tyre Sampson, who was visiting Orlando with his friends, was reportedly too large for the ride’s restraints. Despite his size (he weighed 380 pounds, which was above the recommended weight limit of 287 pounds for the ride), Sampson was allowed to board the ride.
When the ride began its ascent and dropped, Tyre fell out of his seat and plummeted to the ground, ultimately causing fatal injuries.
Investigations following the accident found that the ride’s seatbelt and restraint system were not properly secured. Additionally, evidence showed that the ride’s safety sensors had been manually adjusted, possibly to accommodate riders who were too large for the ride.

Legal Findings and Liability:

In the aftermath of Tyre Sampson’s death, multiple investigations and lawsuits were launched to determine who was responsible for the incident.

1. The Ride Manufacturer (Chance Rides, Inc.):

The ride was manufactured by Chance Rides, a company known for creating amusement park attractions. According to the investigation, the ride’s design and operation played a significant role in the fatal accident. Specifically:

Faulty Restraints: The restraint system was designed in a way that was inadequate for larger riders. This contributed to Tyre being able to slip out of his seat during the free fall.
Safety Protocols: The ride’s sensors, which were supposed to ensure that restraints were properly secured, were found to have been manually overridden or adjusted. This action made the ride dangerous, especially for individuals whose body size was outside the safe operating parameters.

As a result, Chance Rides was found partially liable for the accident due to both the faulty design and the failure of the ride’s safety mechanisms. The company was accused of not properly ensuring that the ride could safely accommodate larger riders and for allowing a dangerous condition to persist without addressing it.

2. The Park Operators (The SlingShot Group and ICON Park):

While the ride operator and park staff were certainly involved in the incident, they were not found to be as directly responsible as the manufacturer. The SlingShot Group, the company that ran the ride, and ICON Park, the location where the ride was housed, were sued for negligence. However, the court found that their role in the accident was secondary to the manufacturer’s failure to provide a safe ride.

Negligence in Screening Riders: The park staff failed to properly screen riders for safety and to check that restraints were secured. However, given the overriding of safety sensors and the inadequate design of the ride, the park staff’s actions were not deemed the primary cause of the incident.
Lack of Oversight: Although the park staff should have prevented Tyre Sampson from riding or at least ensured his safety by properly securing him, their negligence did not directly cause the accident in the same way the ride’s faulty design and safety measures did.

3. Lawsuit Outcome:

In legal terms, Chance Rides, Inc. was found to bear the brunt of the responsibility for the accident due to its role in designing and manufacturing the ride with insufficient safety features. Tyre’s family filed a lawsuit against both Chance Rides and the park operators, but it was the ride manufacturer who faced the largest portion of liability.

Why the Ride Maker Was Found More Liable Than Workers at the Park:

Design Flaws: The ride’s design and failure of safety restraints were a primary factor in the accident. The ride’s restraints were inadequate to keep a larger rider like Tyre Sampson safely secured during the ride’s drop.

Manual Override of Safety Sensors: Evidence showed that the ride’s safety systems had been manually adjusted, which was a significant factor in allowing the fatal accident to occur. The park workers were not directly involved in this override, which was done by the ride’s maintenance or technical staff, but this decision was linked directly to the ride’s manufacturer.

Park Workers’ Limited Role: While the park workers did not properly assess Tyre Sampson’s suitability for the ride, and some safety procedures were not followed, the overriding of safety systems meant the park’s role was secondary. In legal terms, while negligence in supervision or screening riders could be a factor, it didn’t carry the same weight as the ride’s design flaws and safety system failures.

Manufacturing Defects: The ride’s design was ultimately found to be flawed in such a way that it didn’t account for larger riders, and the safety systems were easily bypassed. The manufacturer was found liable for these fundamental problems that contributed to Tyre’s death.

In the Tyre Sampson case, the ride manufacturer, Chance Rides, was found to be more liable than the workers at the park due to the core issue of faulty design and the failure of safety mechanisms that could have prevented the tragedy.

While the park and ride operators were also found to have been negligent, the primary responsibility for the incident was placed on the ride’s design flaws and the failure of the manufacturer to ensure the ride was safe for all potential riders. Due to negligence, an amusement park fatality occurred.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) attempts to track every injury or amusement park fatality in the United States.

Fatality statistics

Since 2010, there have been more than 20 occurrences of an amusement park fatality in the United States
From 1987 to 2000, there were about 4.5 occurrences of an amusement park fatality, related to rides
From 1990 to 2004, there were 52 occurrences of an amusement park fatality, related to rides

Remember that every personal injury case is unique, and success depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the incident. Consulting with a qualified personal injury attorney is advisable to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case and navigate the legal process effectively.

Our Personal Injury Lawyers work aggressively seeking compensation for damages and have recovered millions of dollars in settlements.

We offer free initial consultations with detailed case reviews.

CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.

Learn More: https://thefernandezlawgroup.com/criminal-defense-lawyers/

NEWSLETTER: 310 MILLION VERDICT ISSUED FOR AMUSEMENT PARK FATALITY – 1/9/25

The post 310 MILLION VERDICT ISSUED FOR AMUSEMENT PARK FATALITY appeared first on The Fernandez Law Group.

NEW OPEN CARRY BILL FILED FOR 2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

FLG — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 20:16:03 +0000

New Open Carry Bill Filed for 2025 Legislative Session

A new open carry bill that would allow Floridians to openly carry firearms has been filed and will be up for consideration during the 2025 Legislative Sessions.

The new open carry bill would also repeal a “red flag” law which was passed after the Parkland shooting in 2018. That law allows authorities to take guns from anyone found to pose a significant danger to themselves or others.

The bill was filed on Monday, December 9th, State Rep. Joel Rudman, R-Navarre. It faces opposition from Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula.

Rudman is running in a special election to replace former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. In a Facebook post, Rudman says the Florida’s red flag laws are unconstitutional.

Due to his congressional candidacy, Rudman will be leaving the state House before the legislative sessions begin on March 4, 2025.

While residents of Florida can carry concealed weapons, open carry is currently prohibited.

When asked about the issue last month, Albritton cited opposition from law-enforcement officials to what is known as open carry.

“Let me be clear about this, I’ve supported law enforcement my entire life. It’s the way I was raised, and I’ve been super-consistent as a legislator to support law enforcement in Florida. And I’d encourage you to check that record,” Albritton told reporters.

“And I stand with them today in opposition. They oppose it. I trust my law-enforcement officials, and that’s where I stand.”

The red-flag law has drawn pushback from Second Amendment advocates and some law-enforcement officials. But supporters say the law has saved lives.

Our law firm is here to answer questions about the new open carry bill and any other gun, firearm or weapon related questions.

If someone has been charged with any type of gun, firearm or weapons violation, they need to act immediately in order to preserve every possible opportunity for a stronger defense.

At Fernandez Law Group, our team of gun lawyers work diligently at scrutinizing over every single last detail in every case in order to find any flaws or errors in the police procedure.

These errors can lead to reduction in charges, fines, and sentencing. In some cases, we’ve even had cases that were completely dismissed.

We pay very close attention to every case and review them with our clients on a continual basis.

We offer free initial consultations with detailed case reviews.

CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.

Learn More: https://thefernandezlawgroup.com/criminal-defense-lawyers/

NEWSLETTER: New Open Carry Bill Filed for 2025 Legislative Session – 12/12/24

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IF YOU THINK YOU ARE AT FAULT IN AN ACCIDENT YOU SHOULD STILL CONSULT WITH AN INJURY LAWYER

FLG — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 18:06:59 +0000

IF YOU THINK YOU ARE AT FAULT IN AN ACCIDENT YOU SHOULD STILL CONSULT WITH AN INJURY LAWYER

Changes to Florida’s tort laws in recent years have made it more difficult for the party at fault in an accident to successfully sue for crash-related injuries.

However, it would be wrong to assume you have no legal remedies or potential for an injury settlement unless you talk with a personal injury lawyer specializing in car accidents – especially if your injuries were serious enough to require hospitalization or time off work.

While the new comparative fault law certainly creates legal challenges, rarely are matters of personal injury entirely black-and-white.

According to studies by The Center for Internet and Society at Stanford Law School, the vast majority of Florida car accidents are caused by human error.

Common causes include inattention, speeding, failure to yield, intoxication, and more.

Many people view car accidents as situations where one person was at fault in an accident, and another was hurt because of it. Sometimes that’s true, however, in many car accidents, more than one person can be the cause of the crash or the severity of injuries.

Some examples include situations where one driver may have been speeding, but the other wasn’t paying attention. Or if a driver ran a red light, but the other wasn’t wearing a seat belt.

The question for insurers (and possibly the courts) then becomes, “To what extent is each person at fault in an accident – for the crash and resulting injuries?”

As Tampa Car Accident Lawyers, we often find many cases where the answers aren’t obvious. Our injury attorneys are experienced enough to know what evidence is needed to make a compelling case to show that someone is still entitled to compensation, even for people who know they made some missteps.

Florida is a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents. If someone’s injuries aren’t major, damages will likely be covered by their own auto insurance through personal injury protection (PIP) and health insurance.

However, if the injuries are substantial enough to meet the serious injury threshold, as outlined in F.S. 627.737, accident victims can go beyond the no-fault system and file a claim for damages against the other at-fault driver.

A driver who is “at fault in an accident” is one who failed to exercise the reasonable care they should have when they assumed the privilege of driving. This is called negligence.

When a plaintiff (person who is filing the claim for monetary damages for a car accident) is partly at-fault, this is called “contributory negligence.”

Previously, Florida had a system of pure comparative fault. Under this system, you could be 99% at-fault and still succeed in suing the other driver for their 1% of fault (though in that case, you would only collect 1% of your total losses, so that wouldn’t be an ideal outcome).

Now, Florida follows a modified comparative fault system with a 51% bar. What that means is you can still successfully sue another driver who is at fault in an accident for financial damages, so long as your percentage of the blame doesn’t exceed half. So if you were partly at-fault in an accident, the most you could share fault and still collect would be 50%.

But who decides the difference between 48% fault and 52% fault? Either insurance companies or the courts – and it’s often not a clear line. This is why having a skilled Tampa car accident lawyer as an advocate is so essential. We help our clients craft a strong argument advocating for them to collect the compensation they deserve.

If you aren’t sure whether you have a case or who was more at-fault in an accident, there’s nothing to lose in reaching out to a personal injury attorney. Our Florida injury attorneys offer free initial consultations with detailed case reviews.

Our Personal Injury Lawyers work aggressively seeking compensation for damages and have recovered millions of dollars in settlements, even in situations where people thought they were at fault in an accident.

CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.

Learn More: https://thefernandezlawgroup.com/personal-injury/car-accident-lawyers/

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NEWSLETTER: 11/7/24 – IF YOU THINK YOU ARE AT FAULT IN AN ACCIDENT YOU SHOULD STILL CONSULT WITH AN INJURY LAWYER

If you or someone you know may think they’re at fault in an accident, it is important to speak with a lawyer right away.

CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.

Learn More: https://thefernandezlawgroup.com/personal-injury/car-accident-lawyers/

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SEARCH FOR SEX CRIME VICTIMS ON CRUISE SHIPS INTENSIFIES AS FLORIDA TRAVELERS LINE UP TO SUE

FLG — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 19:19:49 +0000

SEARCH FOR SEX-CRIME VICTIMS ON CRUISE SHIPS INTENSIFIES AS FLORIDA TRAVELERS LINE UP TO SUE

A class-action lawsuit was filed on behalf of sex crime victims on cruise ships on Tuesday, October 15th against Royal Caribbean and one of its former employees, room attendant Arvin Mirasol.

Mirasol admitted to installing cameras and recording passengers, including children, during previous cruises dating back to December 2023.

At least 23 sex crime victims on cruise ships have been notified by police that they were recorded on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and they’ve hired lawyers.

The complaint defines the class as passengers aboard Symphony of the Seas between Dec. 1, 2023, and Feb. 26, 2024, who stayed in cabins serviced by Mirasol.

The lawsuit comes less than two months after Mirasol was sentenced in Fort Lauderdale federal court to 30 years in prison on a charge of producing child pornography.

Two additional Miami law firms say they expect to file civil lawsuits against the cruise company. The lawsuits could reveal the number of sex crime victims on cruise ships is far greater than initially identified. As more victims are discovered, it is likely that several more lawsuits may be brought against Royal Caribbean in the coming months.

Mirasol still faces charges in Florida state court of up to 15 counts of “video voyeurism.” A hearing in Broward Circuit Court set for Oct. 15 was canceled and has not yet been rescheduled.

In his plea agreement, Mirasol admitted he had been placing cameras in guest room bathrooms “since he started working on Symphony of the Seas around December 2023.”

That means he could have worked on 12 different cruises before the one where he was caught. At this time, it is unknown how many people were sex crime victims on cruise ships Mirasol was working on.

This year, at least 16 crew members from several cruise giants have returned to South Florida ports on their ships only to get hauled away in handcuffs, according to Jim Walker, co-founder of the firm Walker & O’Neil Maritime Lawyers. Almost all were charged with possession or transport of child pornography, a federal crime.

This comes as law enforcement agents are trying to slow the spread of images across the dark corners of the internet.

If you or someone you know may have become sex crime victims on cruise ships, it is important to speak with a lawyer right away.

Our Personal Injury Lawyers work aggressively seeking compensation for damages and have recovered millions of dollars in settlements.

CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.

Learn More: https://thefernandezlawgroup.com/personal-injury/car-accident-lawyers/

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NEWSLETTER: 11/7/24 – SEARCH FOR SEX-CRIME VICTIMS ON CRUISE SHIPS INTENSIFIES AS FLORIDA TRAVELERS LINE UP TO SUE

If you or someone you know may have become sex crime victims on cruise ships, it is important to speak with a lawyer right away.

Our Personal Injury Lawyers work aggressively seeking compensation for damages and have recovered millions of dollars in settlements.

CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.

Learn More: https://thefernandezlawgroup.com/personal-injury/car-accident-lawyers/

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FLORIDA ATTORNEY GENERAL WARNS CRIMINALS OF HARSHER PENALTIES IN THE WAKE OF HURRICANE MILTON

FLG — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 19:40:15 +0000

Florida Attorney General warns criminals of harsher penalties in the wake of Hurricane Milton

Following Hurricane Milton’s devastation, Florida Attorney General warned criminals that harsher penalties will apply during the state of emergency.

On Sunday, October 13th, Moody emphasized that Florida will not tolerate looting or lawlessness and provided law enforcement with guidance on enforcing enhanced penalties for crimes like burglary, theft, and unlicensed contracting during emergencies.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Florida is a law-and-order state, and even though we have been damaged by Hurricane Milton, we will not allow looting to take root here. I am offering guidance to Florida sheriffs and police chiefs about enhanced penalties for crimes committed during a state of emergency.”

Moody also highlighted that those committing dangerous crimes may not receive nonmonetary pretrial release until they appear before a judge.

Additionally, Moody cautioned residents to be vigilant against price gouging and disaster-related scams, urging them to report such incidents through the No Scam app or by contacting the Attorney General’s Office.

Fernandez Law Group’s team of Award Winning Criminal Defense Attorneys fight to protect the rights of our clients and have successfully litigated to reduce thousands of sentences and fines.

Our law firm has established a solid reputation for protecting the rights of our clients while working for the best outcome possible, no matter how hard the fight.

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If you or a loved one is under investigation, facing charges, or has been arrested and/or jailed, there are too many rights we can protect and preserve for Defendants that are risk when someone uses an inexperienced lawyer.

CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.

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NEWSLETTER: Attorney General warns criminals of harsher penalties in the wake of Hurricane Milton

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NEW FLORIDA LAW AFFECTING HOMELESSNESS BEGINS OCTOBER 1ST

FLG — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 17:43:30 +0000

New Florida law affecting homelessness begins October 1st.

NEW FLORIDA LAW AFFECTING HOMELESSNESS BEGINS OCTOBER 1ST. HERE’S WHAT WILL CHANGE:

A new public sleeping ban takes effect October 1, 2024 in Florida under House Bill 1365, which was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in March.

“Florida has chosen to reject comfortable inaction and tackle this problem head on,” House bill sponsor Sam Garrison, R-Fleming Island, said in June after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of an Oregon city’s ordinance cracking down on public camping.

Part of the measure gives legal standing to residents and business owners to file civil lawsuits against local governments that allow sleeping or camping on public property. The law mandates that counties and cities must enforce a ban on public camping, or face lawsuits beginning January 1st, 2025.

Supporters claim it upholds “law and order” while critics argue it criminalizes homelessness.

The law will allow people to sleep in cars if they are properly registered and legally parked.

The new Florida law bars local governments from allowing people to sleep at places such as public buildings and in public rights of way. Local governments would be allowed to designate areas for homeless people to sleep.

If local governments choose to create temporary encampments, those will be subject to approval by the Department of Children and Families, and they cannot be near residential areas.

The law also excludes “fiscally constrained counties” from some of the safety standards.

In recent months, communities have scrambled to try to comply with the law.

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said he hoped Gov. Ron DeSantis would delay enforcement.

“We’re doing our best to try to address it. We’ve staffed our police department, our civilian homeless outreach program, we’ve doubled it this past year, because we feel it’s a priority,” Trantalis said during a Sept. 1 meeting. “But the mandate from the state is an onerous burden.”

Miami-Dade County has considered “tiny houses,” managed by a homeless agency, the Homeless Trust, as emergency accommodations to limit the impact of the changes on jails.

Jacksonville rolled out a $13.6 million plan to address the law that included a point person in the mayor’s office to address homeless issues, expanded outreach teams and an increase in beds at shelters.

“It’s not just about keeping people off the streets. It’s about making sure they can become viable members of our society,” Mayor Donna Deegan said in July.

Our Criminal Defense Lawyers fight to protect the rights of our clients and have successfully litigated to reduce thousands of sentences and fines. We offer free initial consultations with detailed case reviews.

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Newsletter – 10/3/2024: New Florida law affecting homelessness begins October 1st

CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.

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RECENT BAIL REFORM LAWS MAY BE CAUSING OVERCROWDING IN JAILS

FLG — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 04:13:50 +0000

Recent bail reform laws may be causing overcrowding in jails

Due to being extremely overcrowded in recent months, the Pinellas County jail deputies have run out of regular beds and instead, have been providing hundreds of mattresses held a few inches from the ground by plastic frames.

Recent bail reform laws were blamed for the crowding by Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, who has observed the jail population steadily climbing since January after the bill went into effect.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office also said its jail population has increased since January and Pasco County acknowledged its jail was over capacity.

Touted by lawmakers as a way to make bail procedure uniform across the state, House Bill 1627 was also designed to limit violent criminals from being released before seeing a judge.

Passed in 2023, the law required the Florida Supreme Court to create statewide uniform bond recommendations.

Under the law, judges can increase the amount of bail beyond what the Supreme Court recommends. But to reduce it, a jurisdiction would have to petition for the court’s approval.

Fernandez Law Group’s team of Award Winning Criminal Defense Attorneys fight to protect the rights of our clients and have successfully litigated to reduce thousands of sentences and fines. We are experienced with recent bail reform laws and how to protect the rights of our clients.

Our law firm has established a solid reputation for protecting the rights of our clients while working for the best outcome possible, no matter how hard the fight.

CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.

Newsletter: 9/12/24 – Recent bail reform laws may be causing overcrowding in jails

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FLORIDA RESIDENTS HAVE LOST HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS TO INVESTMENT FRAUD

FLG — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 18:00:43 +0000

INVESTMENT FRAUD HAS COST FLORIDA RESIDENTS HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS

According to a recent investment fraud report, residents of Florida have been getting scammed out of money at an alarming rate, losing hundreds of millions of dollars last year alone.

Conducted by the investment fraud law firm, Carlson Law in Miami, the report found Floridians lost more than $311 million to investment schemes in 2023, the third highest total in the country.

Only California and Texas had higher totals. “It’s a huge problem,” said Scott Silver, an investment fraud attorney in Coral Springs with the Silver Law Group. “Social media, the internet, the ability to basically promote these kinds of frauds and Ponzi schemes has made it much easier to target specific people and communities.”

Experts said retirees are often the target of investment scams and can sometimes become victims of something called affinity fraud. Meanwhile, the report indicated younger people are also losing money in investment fraud at an increasing rate.

Protecting yourself against investment fraud schemes involves a combination of vigilance, research, and caution. Here are some strategies to help safeguard your investments:

Research the Investment: Before investing, thoroughly research the opportunity. Look into the company’s background, the credibility of its promoters, and its financial health. Verify the legitimacy of any investment platform or broker through regulatory bodies.

Understand the Risks: Every investment carries some level of risk. Be wary of investments that promise unusually high returns with little to no risk. Understanding the risk profile of an investment is crucial.

Check Regulatory Status: Ensure that the investment and the individuals or firms offering it are registered with appropriate regulatory agencies. In the U.S., for example, check with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious with unsolicited investment offers, whether they come through email, phone calls, or social media. Scammers often use these methods to reach potential victims.

Verify Credentials: Confirm the credentials of anyone who is offering you investment opportunities. This includes checking their licenses and registration with regulatory bodies.

Read the Fine Print: Always read the terms and conditions associated with any investment. Pay attention to fees, penalties, and the specifics of how your money will be used.

Avoid Pressure Tactics: Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics or urgency to invest quickly. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to prevent you from thinking through the decision.

Diversify Investments: Avoid putting all your money into a single investment. Diversifying helps spread risk and reduces the impact of any single investment’s failure.

Monitor Your Investments: Regularly review your investment portfolio and statements. Report any suspicious activity or discrepancies to your financial advisor or the relevant authorities.

Seek Professional Advice: Consult with a qualified financial advisor or investment professional before making significant investment decisions. They can provide valuable guidance and help you avoid potential scams.

Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common fraud tactics and scams. Knowledge is a powerful tool in recognizing and avoiding fraudulent schemes.

Protect Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing personal and financial information. Scammers often use this information to perpetrate fraud.

By staying informed and vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to investment fraud schemes.

Our law firm has established a solid reputation for protecting the rights of our clients while working for the best outcome possible, no matter how hard the fight.

Newsletter – 8/29/24 – Florida residents have lost hundreds of millions to investment fraud

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