March 2024 Summaries

Wednesday, March 6

SC2022-1042 Kevin Vericker v. Norman Christopher Powell

Statewide

Begins at 9:00 a.m.

This case involves a Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, or SLAPP, statute passed by the legislature with the intent of protecting free expression of public issues. District Courts of Appeal have differed in how to interpret the protections in the law and this case seeks to resolve those conflicting rulings.

SC2023-0095 Gustavo Bojorquez, etc., et al. v. State of Florida, et al.

Hillsborough County

Begins at 9:40 a.m.

This case involves the defunct Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission (PTC) and its regulations of taxis in Hillsborough County. The PTC issued medallions—permits and certificates to operate taxicabs.  When the Legislature dissolved the PTC in 2017, taxicab operators argued their medallions were unconstitutionally “taken” and demanded just compensation.

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SC2023-0079 John Sexton v. State of Florida 

Pasco County

Begins at 10:30 a.m.

In this case, John Sexton appeals his sentence of death for the 2010 murder of Ann Parlato.  Sexton, who seeks a new penalty phase, raises eight issues.

Thursday, March 7

SC2023-0962 In Re: Amendments to Florida Rules of Civil Procedure

Statewide

Begins at 9:00 a.m.

This is a proposed rules case regarding active case management of civil cases. The Florida Bar’s Civil Procedure Rules Committee filed a report with the Supreme Court proposing two options. One proposal is intended to put into the civil procedure rules the existing case-management requirements created in the Supreme Court’s COVID administrative orders. The second proposal is intended to refine certain recommendations of the Workgroup on the Improved Resolution of Civil Cases.

SC2023-0338 Matthew Lee Caylor v. State of Florida 

Bay County

Begins at 10:00 a.m.

Caylor was convicted of first-degree murder for the 2008 killing of 13-year-old Melinda Hinson. The jury voted to recommend death sentences for the murder, and the trial court sentenced him to death. This Court affirmed the sentences on direct appeal. In Caylor’s habeas petition, this Court vacated his death sentences and remanded the case for a new penalty phase proceeding. In February 2023, the trial court sentenced him to death, and this appeal followed.