Jim Saunders - News Service of Florida

The judge ruled that Floridians Protecting Freedom, the committee that supported the failed effort to get Amendment 4 passed, could not show “irreparable harm.”

Attorney General Ashley Moody wants the high court to decide whether hospital districts and school boards should be able to pursue opioid lawsuits after she reached settlements with the pharmaceutical industry.

The complaint, citing a recent state investigation, alleges more than 16% of the signatures are invalid and that multiple state elections supervisors failed to conduct a sufficient review.

AHCA Secretary Jason Weida signed a 49-page final order that cited a “pattern of deficient performance” at a now-closed Louisiana clinic with ties to the proposed Pensacola facility.

The denial means the use of puberty blockers and hormone therapy for children with gender dysphoria will remain restricted while the federal appeals court considers an underlying case.

The Leon County judge rejected an injunction request by the sponsor of the ballot measure and wrote it is not for the courts to intervene and "decide what the people will be permitted to consider."

Plaintiffs' attorneys say the state is interfering in the Amendment 4 vote. The state's lawyers contend public agencies are required to opine on policy. The judge says he will “do his best” to make a ruling soon.

The suit centers on part of Florida’s Medicaid system that contracts with managed care plans to provide what are known as home- and community-based services for people who need long-term care.

The committee pushing for Amendment 4 claims a website and ads created by the state Agency for Health Care Administration are carrying "misinformation." The agency says it is providing facts for Floridians.

The case stems from 193 abortions that an OB-GYN at the Center of Orlando for Women clinic, performed during a two-week period immediately after the waiting-period law took effect.