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News Clips

Fox 13

Florida bill would allow businesses to sue local governments if ordinances lead to loss of revenue, profits

In a proposal drawing heavy fire from local governments, a Senate committee Tuesday approved a measure that could lead to cities and counties facing lawsuits because of decisions that lead to reduced revenue or profits for businesses. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 7-4 to back the proposal (SB 620), which would allow businesses to sue if local ordinances cause at least 15 percent losses of revenue or profits. The bill would apply to businesses that have been operating for at least three years. Sponsor Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine, said the requirements of at least 15 percent losses and three years in business create a "pretty high threshold." He said the bill would give the businesses an avenue to recover revenue.

Tampa Bay Times

Florida COVID vaccine rules make it easy for workers to opt out, experts say

Last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature made it easy for a vaccine-hesitant person to opt out of a workplace coronavirus vaccine requirement. Then hours later, the Florida Department of Health made opting out even easier. On Thursday, Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo signed an emergency rule outlining a number of exemptions an employee can claim to avoid a workplace vaccine mandate. Earlier that day, DeSantis had signed a law restricting a company’s ability to mandate vaccines unless they offered the following carve-outs:

  • Those with medical reasons not to get the vaccine — including pregnancy or anticipated pregnancy — may opt out.
  • Those who have already been infected with COVID-19 are exempt.
  • Those with a religious objection to vaccination may opt out.
  • Those who agree to periodic testing can claim an exemption.
  • Those who agree to wear personal protective equipment may opt out.

CBS 12

Judge refuses to block health care vaccination rule

A federal judge has quickly rejected Florida’s request to block a Biden administration requirement that workers at hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare providers be vaccinated against COVID-19. U.S. District Judge M. Casey Rodgers issued an 11-page order Saturday denying a motion by Attorney General Ashley Moody for a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order against the federal rule. Moody’s office filed a lawsuit Wednesday challenging the rule and sought an injunction or temporary restraining order before the vaccination requirement takes effect Dec. 6. Rodgers, however, wrote that Florida had not shown “irreparable harm” to justify an injunction or temporary restraining order. In part, the state contended that rule would affect state-run facilities, such as veterans’ nursing homes, and exacerbate healthcare staffing shortages.