Dara Kam | The News Service of Florida

An appeals-court panel has put on hold a judge’s ruling that blocked parts of a law prohibiting non-Florida residents and non-U.S. citizens from collecting signatures for ballot proposals.

Calling it "exactly the kind of disaster that Congress took pains to avoid," attorneys for immigrants held at a detention center in the Everglades filed a lawsuit alleging Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration lacks the authority to run the facility.

The hearing addressed issues including allegations that detainees at the facility lack the ability to meet privately with their attorneys in person or online, as required by law, and don’t have a way to access immigration judges to challenge their detention or potential deportation.

Gulfstream Park Racing Association has filed a lawsuit arguing that a requirement that the South Florida thoroughbred track conduct races to maintain its lucrative slot-machine operations is an unconstitutional “special law” that “thoroughly undermines” its ability to compete with other parimutuels.

The capacity issue is expected to escalate in Florida in the coming weeks as sheriffs and police chiefs ramp up arrests and detention of undocumented immigrants, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd told Gov. Ron DeSantis and state Cabinet members, who met Tuesday as the State Board of Immigration Enforcement.

The petition said Uthmeier's "staffing needs are pronounced," with 61 out of 451 attorney positions vacant.

Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit seeking to close "Alligator Alcatraz," but the Trump administration has sought to distance the federal government from the project.

Acquiring a medical marijuana license, setting up facilities and securing dispensary locations costs tens of millions of dollars. Meanwhile, hemp retailers can set up shop faster, easier and cheaper.

The board of Florida’s only public historically Black university has chosen a lobbyist with ties to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to be the school’s next president, alarming students, faculty and alumni.

The court order said that Farmer’s suspension without pay will go into effect next week. Farmer, 62, will remain suspended until the allegations against him are resolved.

Broward County Circuit Judge Gary Farmer, a former Senate Democratic leader, has argued that he has "learned his lesson" and should not be suspended without pay pending the outcome of the proceedings.

A Florida House panel is halting a probe into a foundation linked to First Lady Casey DeSantis’ signature economic-assistance program, Hope Florida.