James Uthmeier
Coverage of James Uthmeier in the Nexus archive.
- Byron Donalds says he’ll remove local officials who indulge in ‘sanctuary’ policies
Byron Donalds stated that local officials who decide to create 'sanctuaries' by ignoring federal or state immigration law will be removed from office. This concern echoes past threats, where James Uthmeier reportedly threatened city officials in Florida over opposing full support of ICE’s efforts under 287(g) agreements. In response to these tensions, politicians like Eileen Higgins and Charlie Crist have signaled intentions to revisit or potentially rescind local participation in the agreement.
- Florida opens civil probe into Anthony Fauci
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is investigating Anthony Fauci over allegations that he received financial and professional benefits while providing guidance affecting Florida businesses and consumers. The probe follows the release of a diary attributed to Fauci and includes a subpoena for documents related to awards, grants, and interactions during the pandemic.
- Federal appeals court clears way for DeSantis-backed law restricting children at some drag shows
A federal appeals court allowed Florida to enforce a law restricting children from attending certain sexually explicit live performances, including drag shows deemed obscene for minors. The 11th Circuit ruled 8-5 that the law, backed by Governor Ron DeSantis, does not violate the First or Fourteenth Amendments, rejecting Hamburger Mary’s challenge and sending the case back to a lower court for further proceedings.
- Federal appeals court clears way for DeSantis-backed law restricting children at some drag shows
A federal appeals court allowed Florida to enforce a law restricting children from certain sexually explicit live performances, including drag shows deemed obscene. The 11th Circuit ruled 8-5 that a restaurant's challenge to the law was unlikely to succeed, vacating a preliminary injunction and sending the case back to district court.
- Judge rules Florida property tax amendment must be rewritten due to ‘misleading’ language
A Florida judge ruled that the language of a property tax amendment on the November ballot is misleading and must be rewritten. The amendment, which proposes increasing homestead exemptions, was criticized for using emotionally charged titles and summaries that advocate for the proposal rather than remaining neutral. The rewritten version must be submitted by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier within 10 days.
- Uthmeier says he’ll push to increase criminal penalties for poaching next legislative session
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced plans to advocate for harsher criminal penalties for poaching during the next legislative session. Current penalties for poaching are mostly misdemeanors, but proposed changes would elevate penalties to third-, second-, or first-degree felonies based on factors like location and repeat offenses. Florida Land Council Chair Joshua Kellem highlighted that repeat poachers often face minimal consequences.
- Amendment 3 ballot title, summary language, don’t pass muster, judge rules
A Florida circuit court judge ruled that the ballot title and summary language for Amendment 3 are misleading and violate state law by using political slogans and omitting key information. The judge ordered Attorney General James Uthmeier to revise the language, which claims the amendment 'benefits' taxpayers and 'protects small businesses,' before the Aug. 14 deadline.
- Florida AG launching investigation into Fauci after Senate hearing
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is investigating Dr. Anthony Fauci after he invoked the Fifth Amendment over 100 times during a Senate hearing on the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Florida AG launching investigation into Fauci after Senate hearing
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is launching an investigation into Dr. Anthony Fauci following his invocation of the Fifth Amendment over 100 times during a Senate hearing about the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Uthmeier announces felony charges against a Canadian citizen who voted in Florida elections
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced felony charges against Giorgio Dominique Mucelli, a Canadian citizen and lawful permanent resident, for voting illegally in Florida seven times. The charges stem from Mucelli's false claim of U.S. citizenship during voter registration in 2004, verified through the DHS's SAVE database. A federal judge recently blocked the SAVE system's use nationwide, prompting Florida and other states to sue for its reinstatement.
- Florida Investigates Fauci; Obesity Drug Trial Sparks Lawsuit; 'Early Bird' Dinners
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier launched a state investigation into Anthony Fauci over COVID claims. An obesity drug trial is also reported to have sparked a lawsuit.
- Florida AG launching investigation into Fauci after Senate hearing
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced an investigation into Dr. Anthony Fauci following his invocation of the Fifth Amendment over 100 times during a Senate hearing on the COVID-19 pandemic. Uthmeier criticized Fauci's 'lack of candor' to Congress.
- Florida Democratic chair calls on Ashley Moody to release grand jury report on Hope Florida
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried is urging Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody to release a grand jury report related to $10 million in taxpayer funds diverted to the Hope Florida Foundation. The funds, part of a legal settlement, were allegedly used to support political committees and oppose a 2024 recreational marijuana ballot initiative. A grand jury investigation followed, but the report remains unsealed despite state law requiring its release unless objections are raised.
- AG James Uthmeier launches investigation into bread additive
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced an investigation into commercial baking products containing potassium bromate, which has been linked to cancer in animal testing and is banned in many countries. The probe targets companies like General Mills and its Pillsbury subsidiary, with subpoenas to follow. Legislation to ban potassium bromate and other additives, co-sponsored by Rep. Lindsey Cross and Rep. Meg Weinberger, stalled in committee.
- DeSantis calls overruling of ‘Stop WOKE Act’ ‘judicial overreach’
Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized the 11th Circuit Court's 2-1 ruling blocking Florida's 'Stop WOKE Act,' calling it judicial overreach. The law prohibited teaching concepts like systemic racism in state universities, which DeSantis argued were ideological fads undermining academic missions. The court majority, including Trump appointee Britt Grant, ruled the law violated free speech, while dissenting judge Barbara Lagoa, also a Trump appointee, disagreed.
- Florida is suing OpenAI and Sam Altman, making it the first state to target the company over AI safety
Florida is suing OpenAI and Sam Altman, making it the first state to target the company over AI safety. The civil suit by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier alleges OpenAI prioritized profit over user safety.
- DeSantis announces CAIR Florida as a domestic terrorist group under new law
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a recommendation to designate CAIR Florida, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Antifa as domestic terrorist organizations under a new law (HB 1471). The law authorizes the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to label groups as terrorist organizations based on specific criteria, with the Cabinet required to approve or reject the designation within seven days.
- Birthright citizenship ruling by U.S. Supreme Court splits Florida lawmakers
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship, leading to mixed reactions from Florida lawmakers. Republican officials expressed disappointment and criticized the ruling, while Democrats celebrated it.
- Florida attorney general and Roku announce agreement to strengthen children’s digital privacy
Florida’s attorney general James Uthmeier and Roku announced a $25 million agreement to enhance child protection features, giving parents greater control over children’s streaming experiences. The changes will roll out nationwide over the next 12 months without any findings of wrongdoing or penalties.
- Fort Lauderdale woman accused of helping others take Florida teacher certification exams arrested, Florida’s attorney general says
A Fort Lauderdale woman was arrested for allegedly taking Florida teacher certification exams on behalf of others, enabling them to obtain unearned teaching licenses. Authorities stated that check-in photos showed her face instead of the actual test-takers, and she could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
- Florida Republicans gather at Hard Rock Casino for annual Sunshine State Showdown
Florida Republicans gathered at the Hard Rock Casino for the annual Sunshine State Showdown, expressing confidence ahead of upcoming elections. Multiple candidates, including Byron Donalds endorsed by President Donald Trump, and high-profile figures like Attorney General James Uthmeier and U.S. Senators Ashley Moody and Rick Scott, participated. The event included debates among congressional candidates in District 25 and featured criticism between contenders.
- Roku and state resolve complaint alleging the sale of children’s data
Roku agreed to a $25 million engineering effort to comply with Florida's Digital Bill of Rights under a settlement with Attorney General James Uthmeier, who alleged the company violated state law by selling children's data. The agreement does not involve a finding of wrongdoing or a fine, and Roku stated it prioritizes protecting children's privacy and empowering parental control.
- DeSantis hails ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ as victory while confirming its shutdown
Ron DeSantis announced the closure of the state-run Everglades immigration detention facility 'Alligator Alcatraz,' which processed nearly 21,000 migrants during its under-a-year operation. While DeSantis praised the facility as a success, critics highlighted financial overruns and disorganization, with costs estimated up to $1.7 billion. The facility's closure follows environmental and legal concerns, with plans to repurpose the site as a pilot training airport.
- More 7-OH related products made illegal in Florida by a new emergency rule
Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a new emergency rule classifying several 7-OH-related compounds as Schedule 1 substances, extending prior regulations. The rule aims to address public health concerns linked to overdoses and misuse, with officials citing cases affecting individuals from infants to the elderly.
- What comes after ‘Alligator Alcatraz’? Uthmeier hopes for a protected environmental area
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier aims to convert the shuttered 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration facility into a protected environmental area for the Everglades. The facility, facing environmental lawsuits, is closing, with detainees transferred or deported. Environmental groups remain skeptical of Uthmeier's commitment despite his stated plans.
- WATCH: Florida AG on lawsuit alleging TikTok targets kids, deceives parents
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit alleging TikTok targets children and deceives parents. He discussed potential future actions against entities harming children.
- Uthmeier’s positions on gun rights praised by some, but misfires with others
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier's support for Second Amendment rights has drawn praise from gun rights advocates but caused division, with Republican Steven Leskovich endorsing Democrat José Javier Rodríguez for attorney general. Leskovich cited Uthmeier's lack of courtroom experience and his blending of personal beliefs with legal practice as reasons for his endorsement.
- Florida court says 18-year-olds have same gun rights as other adults
A Florida appeals court ruled that the state's ban on concealed carry for 18- to 20-year-olds violates the Second Amendment, granting young adults the same gun rights as older adults. The decision cited constitutional protections and historical militia laws, rejecting arguments that age restrictions are justified by concerns over firearm misuse.
- Florida court says 18-year-olds have same gun rights as other adults
A Florida appeals court ruled that the state's ban on concealed carry for adults aged 18 to 20 violates the Second Amendment, granting them the same constitutional protections as older adults. The decision overturned a trial court's rejection of Jaylen Eubanks' challenge after his 2024 arrest for carrying a concealed firearm.
- Florida appeals court shoots down concealed carry age restrictions
A Florida appeals court ruled that the state's 2023 law banning 18- to 20-year-olds from carrying concealed firearms violates the Second Amendment. The decision, issued in a case involving Jaylen Eubanks, who was arrested for improper firearm exhibition, found age-based restrictions on self-defense unconstitutional. Florida's attorney general declined to defend the law, while local prosecutors argued for its upholding.
- Florida sues TikTok over platform allowing children under 14 to open accounts
The State of Florida is suing TikTok for violating its child protection law by allowing children under 14 to create accounts without parental consent. State Attorney General James Uthmeier claims the platform's design exposes kids to harmful content and excessive screen time, while TikTok states it is updating the app to comply with Florida law.
- Florida lawsuit accuses TikTok of violating state’s child social media ban
Florida sued TikTok for allegedly violating a state law restricting social media access for teenagers. The attorney general claimed TikTok exposed children to harmful sexual content and addictive features like unlimited scrolling and push notifications.
- Supreme Court will decide whether criminal cases must have 12 jurors, in Florida case
The Supreme Court will decide if states can use six-person juries in criminal cases instead of 12, with Florida chiropractor Hamed Kian arguing it violates the Sixth Amendment. Florida and five other states use six-person juries for non-death penalty cases, and the Court previously allowed this in 1970.
- TikTok is not complying with social media law restricting minors, state says
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging the company violates the state’s 2024 social media law by failing to require parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds and allowing children under 13 to access apps with addictive features. The lawsuit claims TikTok misrepresents the frequency of mature content on its platform, which includes drugs, nudity, and profanity, and accuses the app of enabling easy access to such material for minors.
- Florida hits TikTok with suit over ensnaring kids and downplaying risks
Florida filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging the platform violates state laws by targeting minors, deceiving parents about content risks, and failing to comply with new child protection regulations. The state claims TikTok's design exploits children's addictive behaviors and exposes them to harmful content, including sex, drugs, and self-harm.
- Supreme Court will decide whether criminal cases must have 12 jurors, in Florida case
The Supreme Court will determine if states can use six-person juries in criminal cases instead of 12, focusing on the case of Hamed Kian, a Florida chiropractor convicted by a six-person jury. The decision could affect Florida and five other states that use smaller juries for non-death penalty cases. Kian's lawyers argue this violates the Sixth Amendment, while Florida's attorney general defends the 1970 ruling allowing six-person juries.
- Supreme Court will decide whether criminal cases must have 12 jurors, in Florida case
The Supreme Court will determine if states can use six-person juries in criminal cases, focusing on the case of Hamed Kian, a Florida chiropractor convicted by a six-member jury. Kian's lawyers argue this violates the Sixth Amendment's jury trial guarantee, while Florida's attorney general defends the 1970 ruling allowing smaller juries.
- OpenAI says it's 'committed to learning' as a coalition of states investigates ChatGPT's impact on young users
A coalition of states is investigating OpenAI over the impact of ChatGPT on young users. OpenAI stated it is 'committed to learning' and has introduced safeguards for minors and vulnerable users, while facing lawsuits alleging the tool contributed to suicides and a campus shooting.
- Uthmeier says ‘teen takeover’ participants could legally be run over, charged with racketeering
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier stated that teens participating in violent 'takeover' riots could be charged with racketeering and legally be run over under Florida's 'anti-riot' law. The comments followed a shooting during a Clearwater Beach event and increased police presence in areas affected by the unsanctioned gatherings, which have led to blocked traffic, violence, and arrests.
- Florida Supreme Court rejects emergency petition to stop DeSantis’ redistricted congressional map
The Florida Supreme Court rejected an emergency petition to stop Gov. Ron DeSantis’ redistricted congressional map from taking effect. The Equal Ground Education Fund filed the petition, arguing the map violates Florida’s 2010 Fair Districts Amendments, but the court declined to intervene, allowing the map to remain in place for upcoming elections.