Too many plaintiffs’ lawyers believe all negligence cases warrant punitive damages, and may have believed their burden of proof and the threshold lessened after Perlmutter. Not so fast, says the Third DCA. The court reversed an order permitting a punitive-damages claim arising from a minor rear-end collision involving a shuttle-bus driver who allegedly lacked a… Read More
Florida Supreme Court Clarifies the Standard for Pleading Punitive Damages
Hot off the press: a new Florida Supreme Court decision clarifies the standard a trial court must apply in deciding whether a plaintiff has met the burden to assert a claim for punitive damages. Under Florida law, before a plaintiff may bring a punitive damages claim, the plaintiff must first make an evidentiary showing sufficient… Read More
FL Supreme Court Opinion: Use of Artificial Intelligence in Court Filings
On May 28, 2026, the Florida Supreme Court took decisive action regarding the use of artificial intelligence in court filings, underscoring the importance of accuracy and accountability. While several Florida jurisdictions had already implemented A.I.-related certification requirements, the Court has now established a uniform statewide standard by amending Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial… Read More
Fl Supreme Court opinion: Florida Private Whistleblower Act
Finally, a Florida Supreme Court decision on the Private Sector Whistleblower Act, § 448.102(3) determining that an employee must establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the employer’s activity, policy, or practice is in violation of law—that is, it constitutes a violation of the law. There is no longer circuit splits on this issue, and… Read More
G. Jeffrey Vernis receives NRRDA President’s Award
We are proud to announce that G. Jeffrey Vernis, Managing Partner of Vernis & Bowling, was presented with the NRRDA President’s Award at the Annual Conference in Amelia Island, FL.