The purpose of this summary provided by the Communications Department of The Florida Bar is to present media coverage that may be of interest to members. Opinions expressed in the articles are attributable solely to the authors. The Florida Bar does not adopt or endorse any opinions expressed below. For information on previous articles, please contact the publishing newspaper directly.
June 11, 2025
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The Florida Bar
DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR THE PARKER THOMSON AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING LEGAL JOURNALISM IN FLORIDA AND THE SUSAN SPENCER-WENDEL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The Florida Bar | Article | June 11, 2025
Nominations are open for the 2025 Parker Thomson Awards for Outstanding Legal Journalism in Florida and the Susan Spencer-Wendel Lifetime Achievement Award. The deadline to submit is June 16. The awards are presented by The Florida Bar’s Media & Communications Law Committee. First-place winners will receive $500, a plaque, and travel reimbursement. Second-place winners will receive $250. Entries must have been published or produced between January 1 and December 31, 2024. Eligible journalists must work for Florida-based media, including print, radio, TV, podcasts, or online-only publications. Awards will be given in four categories: Print, Television, Radio/Podcast, and Online-Only Publications. The Susan Spencer-Wendel Award honors a journalist who has extensively covered Florida’s legal system. Award winners will be honored at the Florida Media Conference in July in Orlando. The judging panel includes two out-of-state journalists, two Florida lawyers, and one Florida educator. Winners will be notified in advance.
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Judiciary
BEFORE JUDGE TOREA SPOHR RESIGNED, SHE WAS REMOVED FROM A CHILD CUSTODY CASE BY THE SIXTH DCA
Lakeland Ledger | Article | June 10, 2025
On March 28, the Sixth District Court of Appeal removed Circuit Judge Torea Spohr from a child custody case, citing bias and disregard for law. Spohr allegedly attempted to return an infant to Yeimarie Baez, whose actions contributed to a March 11 shootout in Lakeland that killed Baez’s 3-year-old son. Despite a court stay, Spohr continued proceedings, questioned DCF’s case, and defied state law requiring a home study. DCF and the Guardian ad Litem petitioned for her removal. On Nov. 13, the court disqualified Spohr and voided her post-stay orders. Spohr submitted a resignation letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis on April 29, effective July 15. Her resignation was disclosed in late May. Spohr, elected in 2020 to the 10th Judicial Circuit covering Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties, has been on leave since April 29. Judge Roger Gannam authored the disqualification opinion, joined by Chief Judge Dan Traver and Judge Brian Lambert.
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Legal Profession
GREG KEHOE RETURNS TO MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA AS U.S. ATTORNEY
News Channel 8 | Article | June 10, 2025
Gregory Kehoe was appointed Interim U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida by Attorney General Pamela Bondi on March 31, 2025. Kehoe previously served over 20 years as a DOJ prosecutor in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and South America. He prosecuted the Outlaws motorcycle club and the BCCI case, which led to charges in Tampa after a two-year undercover operation in 1988. He also served as a war crimes prosecutor for the former Yugoslavia and advised the Iraqi Special Tribunal. Kehoe replaced Roger Handberg and emphasized continuity, prioritizing cases involving transnational crime, drugs, guns, exploitation, and fraud. The Middle District spans 350 miles and includes divisions in Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando, and Tampa. Kehoe said his return was driven by public service and the greater good. His appointment requires Senate confirmation.
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Legislature
FLORIDA’S BALLOT BATTLE: NEW LAW SPARKS LEGAL SHOWDOWN
News Channel 8 | Article | June 10, 2025
Governor Ron DeSantis prioritized changes to Florida’s citizen-led ballot initiative process, calling for reform during a special session focused on immigration, condos, and petition laws. The resulting law, HB 1205, introduces felony charges for circulating over 25 petitions without registering, a 10-day deadline to return them, fines for delays, and eligibility requirements—only U.S. citizens, Florida residents, and people without un-restored felony convictions may participate. Rep. Bracy Davis (D-Ocoee) criticized the bill as silencing democracy, while Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka (R-Fort Myers) defended it. Mitch Emerson of Florida Decides Healthcare said the law intimidates citizens. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker denied most injunctions against the law but struck down the criminal penalties. Emerson called the ruling a step forward and vowed to keep challenging the law.
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Civil Justice
FLORIDA WANTS TO ENFORCE SOCIAL MEDIA AGE RESTRICTIONS WHILE CASE GOES THROUGH COURTS
News Service of Florida | Article | June 10, 2025
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier asked the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday to stay a preliminary injunction blocking a 2024 law (HB 3) designed to restrict children’s access to certain social-media platforms. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker had ruled the law likely violated First Amendment rights and blocked it. The law prevents children under 16 from opening accounts on some platforms unless parents consent for ages 14 and 15; children under 14 are barred. Uthmeier argued the law regulates commercial activity, not speech, and aims to protect children’s mental health from addictive features. The injunction followed a lawsuit by tech groups including Google and Meta, who sued in October. Walker emphasized parental control over children’s social media. The law targets platforms with addictive algorithms, such as Snapchat and YouTube. Uthmeier’s office has subpoenaed Roblox and sued Snapchat for violations. The stay would allow enforcement while legal battles continue.
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Legislature
FLORIDA SENATE BILL 606: THE END OF HOTEL EVICTIONS?
Daily Business Review | Article | June 11, 2025
Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 606 (House Bill 535) into law on June 2, 2025, aiming to make it easier and faster for Florida hotels to evict unwanted guests. The bill passed the House 104-9 and the Senate 35-2. The law removes the rebuttable presumption that guests are tenants if the hotel is their sole residence unless there is a written lease explicitly stating so. This change targets extended-stay hotels where guests sometimes claim tenancy rights, complicating eviction. Under current law, hotels struggle to remove “nontransient” guests without costly lawsuits. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supports the bill, citing protections for operators and clarity in guest status. Critics worry the law will harm those temporarily between housing. The law goes into effect on July 1, 2025.