November 10, 2021, TALLAHASSEE Disability Rights Florida, the state’s designated Protection and Advocacy system for individuals with disabilities, has reached a settlement with the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) requiring the FDOC to improve its treatment of incarcerated people with physical disabilities. The settlement resolves a lawsuit, brought with the assistance of attorneys from the […]
Recent Work
Judge rules Florida lawsuit can have all children in solitary as plaintiffs
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The federal judge presiding over the case of G.H. v. Tamayo, a statewide challenge to the Department of Juvenile Justice’s use of solitary confinement, has ruled that the case can proceed as a class action. This means that the 15- year- old plaintiffs, G.H. and R.L., will represent all children who are […]
FJI joins social justice organizations in letter opposing anti-camping ordinance
FJI joins with other organizations calling on the City of Miami Commission to vote against a proposed anti-camping ban that would result in more arrests of people experiencing homelessness. We call on the City to honor the promises it made to the Pottinger court that it would not revert to criminalization.
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City of West Palm Beach considering removal of panhandling restrictions
Steve King, Reporter WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Panhandling could soon be legal in West Palm Beach, as the city commission gets ready to discuss rolling back restrictions. The city commission will discuss possibly repealing the city’s panhandling ordinance, which makes it unlawful to panhandle or solicit in certain areas, during Monday’s meeting. Go to […]
FJI awarded $10,000 by The Foundation for Improvement of Justice
FJI is excited and honored to share that we were awarded the Paul H. Chapman Award from The Foundation for Improvement of Justice. The Award recognizes significant accomplishments that improve the justice system and can serve as an effective model for others. The Award includes the Paul H. Chapman Gold Medal, a check for $10,000, […]
Judge Says Fort Lauderdale’s Anti-Panhandling Law Treads on First Amendment
A federal judge has put a hold on Fort Lauderdale’s anti-panhandling law, rejecting the city’s attempt to paint beggars as a public-safety hazard. The nine-year-old ordinance prohibited panhandlers from asking for money in public parks, near sidewalk cafés, and in the vicinity of businesses and ATMs, among other places. Panhandling in the restricted areas was […]