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 Secures Victory in Getting Fort Lauderdale Panhandling Ordinance Declared Unconstitutional
January 31, 2024 MIAMI— U.S. District Court Judge Roy K. Altman released his post-trial findings, concluding that the one Fort Lauderdale panhandling ordinance remaining in the case was unconstitutional, and enjoined the City from enforcing it. The ordinance prohibited pedestrians from exchanging anything by hand with motorists and aimed at
Court Grants FJI Requests for Injunction Against Ordinance Restricting Requests on Public Property
January 30, 2024 JACKSONVILLE, FLA.– In a resounding victory for all homeless advocates, U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has granted FJI’s request and entered a preliminary injunction enjoining enforcement of two Columbia County Ordinances that prohibited solicitation and loitering on all County property with a building on it. The
FJI Suit Against County Challenges Law Targeting Unhoused People
December 22, 2023 JACKSONVILLE, FLA— FJI has filed a lawsuit against Columbia County challenging a pair of County Ordinances that prohibit solicitation and loitering on all County property with a building on it. The Ordinances have the effect of prohibiting solicitors from the Homeless Voice newsletter from distributing newspapers and
FJI Sues Miami to End Anti-Panhandling Ordinance
December 19, 2023 MIAMI— FJI has filed a lawsuit against the City of Miami challenging a City Ordinance that prohibits requesting donations in large portions of the City, including most of the downtown area. Failure to comply is punishable by up to 30 days in jail. In the last year,
FJI Objects to FDOC’s Legal Mail Rule Change
November 16, 2023 MIAMI— Florida Justice Institute, together with other civil rights groups, have objected to a proposed legal mail rule by the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) that would make it more difficult for attorneys to communicate with incarcerated people. The proposed rule would impose extra burdens on lawyers,
FJI Sues FDOC for Family of Man Who Committed Suicide with Chainsaw
October 31, 2023 MIAMI— The Florida Justice Institute (FJI) has filed a lawsuit against the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) for the family of a man with schizophrenia who committed suicide with a chainsaw while incarcerated at South Florida Reception Center, an FDC prison in Doral. Tristin Murphy had an