Florida Courts Bogged Down by New Gun Law, Hurricane Suits

Florida’s new gun law is keeping courts busy, and the state Supreme Court also says lawsuits over hurricane disputes could be on the rise.

The Florida Supreme Court said Dec. 28 that 100 petitions a month have been filed statewide to try to keep guns out of the hands of people at risk to themselves and others. The Florida Legislature passed new gun restrictions in March following a school shooting in Parkland that left 17 dead.

The court also said to watch out for a rise in claims related to Hurricanes Irma and Michael, particularly involving indebtedness and contracts. Irma affected nearly the entire state in 2017, and Michael devastated communities from Mexico Beach to the Georgia border in October.

The court said four additional circuit court judges are needed next fiscal year, including one in the circuit that covers counties hit by Michael.

Topics Lawsuits Catastrophe Natural Disasters Florida Hurricane