appeals court

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals grants an emergency stay of the requirement by OSHA that companies with 100 or more employees require vaccinations by Jan. 4.

The decision bolstered the case brought by three Sarasota County private hospitals that contend they should be reimbursed for indigent care, at least in part because of a 2003 state law.

A jury awarded damages to the estate of Janice Hamilton, a smoker who died of lung cancer. But R.J. Reynolds argued in the appeal that a circuit judge improperly allowed a hearsay statement.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue’s workers’ comp carrier opposed the claim, saying it was filed too late. A judge sided with the employee, but a Florida appeals court overturned the decision.

The city and county filed a petition asking for a rehearing by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals or by a panel that ruled local ordinances banning the therapy violated the First Amendment.

The 1st District Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal filed by Leon County GOP Chairman Evan Power after a circuit judge rejected the challenge in July.

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 2-1 decision, sided with marriage and family therapists who challenged the constitutionality of Palm Beach County and Boca Raton ordinances.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will be asked to decide whether Florida Blue violated antitrust laws by preventing agents from selling policies for rival Oscar Insurance.

At issue is a county order requiring people to wear masks at businesses. The case could serve as a test for requirements that have been approved in various parts of the state.