Our Recent Work
At FJI, we are committed to defending civil rights and advocating for justice in Florida.
Explore the current cases we are passionately pursuing to protect and empower our community.
FJI Settles with Columbia County over Solicitation and Loitering Law
September 9, 2024 FJI has reached a settlement with Columbia County, resolving its lawsuit against the ordinance which prohibited solicitation and loitering on county property with a building. The ordinance had prevented the plaintiff Cosac Foundation from distributing its magazine the Homeless Voice and requesting donations in front of the
FJI and SPLC Challenge $500,000 Lien Imposed by Florida Department of Corrections Against Incarcerated Man
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – In a motion filed last week, Jason Baez challenged a $547,850 lien imposed by the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) in July 2024 after he settled a lawsuit against FDC officers who beat him so severely that he lost an eye. If this lien is allowed
Final Order Issued In FJI’s Case Against Pompano Beach Ordinance
Following a bench trial, the District Court issued a final order in McDonald v. Pompano Beach, FJI’s long-running case against several city ordinances that criminalize requesting donations and standing on medians to do so. With respect to Ordinance § 100.35(C)(1)(b) (the Median Provision), the Court concluded that the particular medians
FJI Sues Lake City Over Ordinance Restricting Requests for Donations at Intersections
The Florida Justice Institute has filed a lawsuit against the City of Lake City over ordinance that restricts requests for donations at certain intersections. The ordinance prohibitspedestrians from standing, soliciting, or leafletting on Lake City’s four principal roads and at least twenty intersecting roads. FJI represents the Cosac Foundation, Inc.,
FJI Settles with Miami to Repeal Anti-Panhandling Law
February 29, 2024 MIAMI— The Florida Justice Institute (FJI), a nonprofit civil rights litigation and advocacy organization, has reached a settlement with the City of Miami to resolve its lawsuit against the City challenging an Ordinance that prohibits requesting donations in large portions of the City, including most of the
FJI Sues Jacksonville Challenging Anti-Solicitation Ordinance as Unconstitutional
Yesterday, the Florida Justice Institute (FJI) and Pensacola attorney Benjamin Stevenson filed a lawsuit challenging a Jacksonville Ordinance that prohibits requesting and receiving donations in large swaths of the City. The Ordinance outlaws solicitation on all streets and sidewalks, and prohibits standing on medians and exchanging items with motorists along