The Sunshine State’s Strangest News
Because Only Florida Could Produce This Much Chaos
Welcome to the Florida Man Files — your daily dose of “Wait… he did WHAT?”
From gator-wrestling in a gas station parking lot to people getting arrested with a live raccoon in their backpack, this is where Florida’s strangest headlines come to sunbathe.
Quick reads. Real stories. Peak Florida.
Scroll responsibly.
Florida Supreme Court Ends ABA Monopoly on Law School Accreditation
Florida becomes the second state to end exclusive reliance on the ABA for law school accreditation, opening new paths to the bar exam amid conservative criticism of “woke” oversight in legal education.
New Florida Bill Seeks to Protect Medical Marijuana Patients’ Parental Rights
A new bill in Florida seeks to prevent family courts from restricting custody or visitation rights solely due to a parent’s legal medical marijuana use. It aims to ensure fair treatment for medical marijuana patients in custody disputes, aligning family law with state marijuana regulations while addressing safety concerns raised by critics.
Broward Courts Launch Family Court Services Pilot to Improve Accountability and Child-Focused Outcomes
Broward County’s court system has launched a Family Court Services Pilot Program aimed at improving accountability and protecting children in family law cases. This initiative connects families with vetted services, ensures compliance with court orders, and establishes clear roles for staff. The program seeks to reduce conflict and prevent repeat litigation, promoting more effective family…
Florida’s Teacher Shortage Isn’t New — But the Midyear Numbers Are Hard to Ignore
Midyear data shows Florida’s teacher shortage remains unresolved, with some districts improving while others see alarming turnover. New vacancy numbers from the Florida Education Association highlight why classroom stability — not political rhetoric — may be the state’s biggest education challenge.
Florida’s 2026 Legislative Session Opens Amid Tax Battles, AI Push, and Budget Tensions
The 2026 Florida Legislative Session opens January 13, focusing on key issues like property tax relief, artificial intelligence regulation, and insurance reforms. Governor DeSantis prioritizes cutting property taxes amid rising housing costs. The session is expected to be contentious, with numerous bills proposed and debates on local government impacts and innovation concerns.
Who Is Running for Governor of Florida in 2026?
The 2026 Florida gubernatorial election is set for November 3, with primaries on August 18. Incumbent Ron DeSantis is term-limited, leading to an open race. Byron Donalds, backed by Trump, is the GOP frontrunner. Democrats David Jolly and Jerry Demings hope to challenge in a Republican-leaning state.
False Paternity, Real Consequences: Georgia Case Highlights a Blind Spot in Child Support Trust
A Georgia case highlights concerns in family law regarding trust and child support enforcement. An 18-year-old, Brya Hardy, allegedly deceived her ex-boyfriend into paying $7,000 in child support for a child that wasn’t his. This incident raises questions about verification processes and the potential for exploitation in informal child support claims.
Fraud at the Top: Tiffany Carr Case Exposes Florida’s Nonprofit Oversight Failures
Tiffany Carr, former CEO of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, pleaded no contest to organized fraud and misconduct, avoiding prison despite her role in diverting millions meant for domestic violence victims. The case highlights severe oversight failures in Florida’s nonprofit sector, raising concerns about accountability and the handling of public funds.
Florida Supreme Court’s DIY Insemination Ruling Exposes a Legal Gap — and Puts Families on Notice
The Florida Supreme Court ruled that the state’s “donor relinquishment” law does not apply to at-home insemination, allowing sperm donor Angel Rivera to pursue fatherhood claims through general paternity law. This highlights legal uncertainties around DIY insemination, urging legislators to clarify laws regarding parental rights and agreements for informal arrangements.
Georgia’s Cop City RICO Setback: A Procedural Loss, Not a Verdict on Violence
A Georgia judge’s dismissal of sweeping RICO charges tied to Atlanta’s “Cop City” protests was a procedural setback—not a ruling on the merits. With the training center already open and separate violence-related charges still pending, the legal and political fight is far from over.
Florida Supreme Court Rejects Uthmeier Plan to Loosen Bar Rules for Government Lawyers
The Florida Supreme Court unanimously rejected a proposal allowing out-of-state lawyers to work in the executive branch without passing the Florida Bar exam. The ruling emphasizes maintaining attorney licensure standards despite staffing challenges. The Florida Bar opposed the plan, asserting that it undermined public protection and expertise in state law.
Florida’s Year of Turmoil: The Five Biggest Scandals and Stories of 2025
In 2025, Florida faced significant scandals impacting both parties, primarily linked to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration. Key issues included the Hope Florida Foundation scandal, misuse of public funds for political advocacy, and controversies surrounding Rep. Cory Mills. These events highlighted internal GOP conflicts and raised concerns about ethics and governance in the state.
Florida Man Sentenced to 3 Years After Police Chase Uncovers Illegal Machine Gun Conversion Device
A routine traffic stop in Tallahassee turned into a federal firearms case after police found an illegally modified handgun capable of automatic fire. A convicted felon from Homestead has now been sentenced to three years in federal prison, highlighting growing concerns over the spread of dangerous machine gun conversion devices on Florida streets.
Lakeland Murder-Suicide Highlights Deadly Mix of Alcohol, Domestic Violence, and Crisis Failures
A Christmas-week tragedy in Lakeland left a mother dead, a teenage girl critically wounded, and three children without their parents after an alcohol-fueled domestic dispute escalated into a murder-suicide. Authorities say the case highlights how unreported abuse, substance use, and moments of crisis can turn fatal with devastating consequences for families.
Unsealed Court Filings Reveal Family Court Turmoil After Anna Kepner’s Death at Sea
Newly unsealed family court records reveal the private turmoil that followed the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard a cruise ship, highlighting how custody disputes, media pressure, and an active FBI homicide investigation collided—raising serious questions about due process, child protection, and the limits of family courts when tragedy strikes.
A Father Steps Forward: Georgia Custody Case Exposes Gaps in Unmarried Parents’ Rights
A Georgia family court ruling granted Adrian Harden full custody of his son Chance after the death of the boy’s mother, revealing gaps in state law that hinder parental rights for unmarried fathers. Advocates are calling for “Chance’s Law” to reform these outdated legal barriers and prevent unnecessary government intervention in such cases.
Florida Lawmakers Revisit Grandparent Visitation — A Narrow Proposal Raises Big Questions About Family, Courts, and Child Welfare
As Florida approaches the 2026 legislative session, SB 674 seeks to expand grandparents’ rights to petition for visitation under specific tragic circumstances while prioritizing parental rights. The bill aims to ensure children’s emotional stability amidst loss but raises concerns about subjective interpretations in family court. Public attention to this legislation is critical.
Florida Family Courts Under Scrutiny: When Custody Failures Turn Deadly
Florida’s family courts are facing renewed scrutiny after a series of deadly custody-related domestic violence cases in Broward County. An investigative report highlights how warning signs were missed, enforcement failed, and reforms like Greyson’s Law remain uneven—raising urgent questions about how courts can better protect children and parents while preserving due process and fairness.
Accountability Without Conspiracy: What Fulton County’s Unsigned Tabulator Tapes Really Mean
A viral claim suggests Georgia acknowledged hundreds of thousands of illegal votes in Fulton County during the 2020 election. However, while 134 tabulator tapes lacked signatures, audits confirmed the votes were valid. The Georgia State Election Board referred the issue for potential sanctions but did not decertify the election. Election integrity requires enhancing administrative procedures.
Mississippi Supreme Court Elections Ordered by Federal Judge, Raising Questions About Race, Representation, and Judicial Independence
A federal court has ordered special nonpartisan elections for the Mississippi Supreme Court, declaring the state’s judicial districts violate the Voting Rights Act. This follows claims that the current system dilutes Black voting power. The ruling ignites debate on voting rights and federal intervention in state judicial elections, emphasizing the tension between race-conscious remedies and…
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