“My intent in proposing the public records exemption was that they would always propose multiple candidates,” said Jeff Brandes, the law's co-sponsor. UF’s presidential search was not done as Florida law intended, lawmaker says. via Divya Kumar tampabay.com/news/education…

#OpenCourtsVictory: Florida court system will launch a new website providing public access to non-confidential civil court filings due to a settlement in access litigation brought by Thomas & LoCicero PL on behalf of Courthouse News. Learn more below! floridafaf.org/statewide-acce…

As newspapers struggle with continued shrinkage and layoffs, we are working on expanding our staff and reach. We're here for you today. Help us be here for you tomorrow to keep fighting for open government in Florida. Your support will ensure our success. ow.ly/tImY50LQq91

#FAFNews: First Amendment Foundation expresses concerns about Rules 60H-6.005 and .008 proposed by the Department of Management Services (“DMS”). The proposed rules seek to alter free speech and open government. ow.ly/Zm0450LRZgL

#PublicRecordsVictory: Child welfare authorities’ refusal to hand over case records leads to an award of $375k in legal fees & costs. Huge thanks to Thomas & LoCicero PL for representing us and our fellow media partners in the fight for transparency! floridafaf.org/florida-defied…

FAF is now accepting submissions for the 2023 Ken Weiss Open Government Legal Fellowship. The deadline is February 28th. See application details here: ow.ly/GhC750MAcz1

We're looking for an immediate hire for the 2023 Ken Weiss Open Government Legal Fellowship. The deadline has moved up to February 21st. Apply today! #FSULaw #MiamiLaw #FAMULaw #UFLaw #FIULaw #LawOpportunities #FirstAmendment See application details here: ow.ly/GhC750MAcz1

FAF OPPOSES CALLS TO WEAKEN FREE SPEECH & PRESS LAW: "We are deeply concerned that Florida is attempting to turn back the clock on legally protected free speech that criticizes public figures & elected officials,” said FAF Executive Director Bobby Block. conta.cc/3DQf8tq

FAF Opposes new state rules restricting access to the Capitol. “People have a right of access to their house to make their thoughts and feelings known to lawmakers whether DMS thinks their presence aligns with their ‘mission’ or not,” Block added. ow.ly/a6v250N1Y3O

Under the recently released rules, the Department of Management Services is requiring that events held at the Capitol must “align” with the “mission” of the state. The Florida FAF, as it should, opposes this as a content-based restriction on free speech.

"Imagine a world in which political discussion has been cowed into silence, and all government business takes place behind closed doors, and nobody can talk about what might have transpired in this darkness unless they want to end up broke." Florida FAF floridafaf.org/hb991-bad-for-…

HB991: Bad for Florida, bad for America! Please protect your freedom of speech by using yours to tell your representatives to throw out HB991. Read why here : ow.ly/uwvF50N3GZs

Support 1A Rights! floridafaf.org

We are fighting to ensure Floridians and all people — liberal, conservative, nonaffiliated and religious — have a voice and the right to use it. But we can’t wage this battle without you. We need your support. Help us reach our $35k goal: ow.ly/35Bj50NtVg3

FAF’s 2023 Lucy Morgan Awards for Open Government Reporting is now OPEN! Submit your nominations today! conta.cc/43VXVJf

An impressive win in NM, after a long fight for university public records: Florida FAF UF College of Journalism and Communications Cronkite School

RIGHTS ORGS, BROADCASTERS DEMAND INFO ON FBI RAID OF JOURNALIST'S HOME Read about it here: floridafaf.org/rights-orgs-br…

Today, Freedom of the Press Foundation, ACLU and Florida FAF led over 45 broadcasters, press freedom and civil liberties organizations in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Justice demanding transparency over the FBI's May raid of journalist Timothy Burke's home newsroom. freedom.press/news/rights-or…

📣CPJ joined partner organizations calling for greater transparency in the FBI raid of journalist Tim Burke's home Freedom of the Press Foundation Florida FAF ACLU Association of Health Care Journalists The Authors Guild Center for Democracy & Technology The Center for Public Integrity Defending Rights & Dissent EFF The E.W. Scripps Co. National Freedom of Information Coalition Read the full letter: cpj.org/2023/10/cpj-jo…