Florida

Local Groups Raise First Amendment Concerns Over County's Social Media Policies

Local animal-welfare advocates raised concerns at commission meetings, contacted the agency, spoke on its public Facebook pages and sought assistance after their critical on-line comments about an animal-control facility allegedly became hidden. A national free speech organization then formally requested policy revisions and restoration of blocked users.

Civil Liberties & Human Dignity Public Testimony/Written Comments

Tampa Bay 28 • Lakeland, FL • Sep 14, 2026

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Community Advocacy Group Protests Development, Highlights Tree Canopy Concerns

Residents demonstrated outside a construction site where seven mature live oaks are slated for removal. They asked the developer to redesign the project and drew attention to the continuing loss of Tampa’s tree canopy.

Animals, Natural Resources & Environment Coalition Building/Community Organizing

Tampa Bay 28 • Tampa, FL • Sep 13, 2026

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How High School Students and Young Adults Helped Flip an Incumbent School Board

High-school students and young adults attended board meetings, organized with peers, canvassed neighborhoods and contacted voters. Some participated even though they were too young to vote themselves.

Education Coalition Building/Community Organizing

Suncoast Searchlight • Sarasota, FL • Sep 4, 2026

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Local Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Joins Other Local Local Groups to Host Early Voting Event

The 100 Black Women of Greater Gainesville, a local chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, is co-hosting an "Empowerment Sunday Get Out the Vote Early Voting" event before Florida's primary election. The event will feature free food, family entertainment, and appearances by political candidates.

Democracy & Elections/Voting Nonpartisan Voter Education/Engagement/Support

Gainesville Sun • Gainesville, FL • Aug 12, 2026

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National Coalition of 100 Black Women to Launch 2026 Non-partisan Voter Engagement Campaign

The Greater Gainesville chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women plans to reach eligible voters across three Florida counties with non-partisan registration assistance, accurate election information, community outreach, partnerships, and a “teach one, bring one” model. They seek to help people overcome information gaps and participate directly in decisions affecting their communities.

Democracy & Elections/Voting Nonpartisan Voter Education/Engagement/Support

Mainstreet Daily News • Gainesville, FL • Jul 10, 2026

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U.S. Appeals Court Rules Parts of "Stop WOKE Act" Violate First Amendment in Case Brought by Professor, Students

A professor, student, and student organization pursued a First Amendment court challenge part of Florida's "Stop WOKE Act" that limits what faculty at public universities may discuss in the classroom, including systemic racism and sexism. The 11th Circuit U.S. Appeals Court affirmed a lower court ruling that the law violates the First Amendment rights of Florida university faculty and students.

Education Litigation

Courthouse News Service • FL • Jul 9, 2026

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