Hillsborough County Sued for Punishing People Who Ask Drivers for Help
The Florida Justice Institute has filed a lawsuit against Hillsborough County against an ordinance that criminalizes panhandling.
Press Coverage
In this section you’ll find press coverage of our work.
FJI Lawsuit Says Miami’s Ban on Panhandling Hurts Free Speech
The Florida Justice Institute (FJI) and Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell LLP have filed a lawsuit against the City of Miami, challenging an ordinance that criminalizes panhandling. This law raises First Amendment concerns by targeting specific speech forms. With nearly 400 arrests made, the plaintiffs—Miami residents experiencing homelessness—argue that it fails to address poverty’s root causes. Discover how this case seeks to protect the rights of vulnerable communities and challenge poverty criminalization in Florida.
Florida Prison System Seizes Beating Victim’s Settlement, FJI and SPLC Sue
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and Florida Justice Institute (FJI) have filed federal and state suits challenging the Florida Department of
Advocacy Groups Fear Trump Pressure Will Force Big Law Into Civil Rights Retreat
By Stefania Palma | April 6, 2025Financial Times US advocacy groups and small legal offices fear Big Law will retreat
Housing and Poverty, Our Recent Work, Press Coverage, What We Do
FJI Win Ends With Lake City Repealing Solicitation Ban, Paying Settlement
November 25, 2024 Following FJI’s lawsuit against a Lake City ordinance that prohibited standing, soliciting, or leafletting at certain intersections,
Criminal Justice Reform, Press Coverage
Prisoners Plead for Air Conditioning in Lawsuit Against Florida Corrections Department
By KATE PAYNE | November 1, 2024Associated Press TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — It was the hottest September in more than
Criminal Justice Reform, Press Coverage
Florida Accused of “Deliberate Indifference” to Inmates in Sweltering Heat at Miami-Dade Prison
By CBS/News Service of Florida | November 1, 2024CBS Miami TALLAHASSEE — Accusing the state of “deliberate indifference,” a federal lawsuit
Prison Reform Advocates Sue in Federal Court for Air Conditioning in Florida Prisons
By Elena Barrera | October 31, 2024Tallahassee Democrat A new lawsuit is aiming for a big chill. After what was
Florida Prisoners File Federal Lawsuit Over Deadly Heat With No A/C
By Minnah Arshad | October 31, 2024USA Today Stifling heat at a Miami-area concrete prison without air conditioning contributed to