Florida is joined in this important action by attorneys general from 20 other states. Our multistate action seeks an immediate end to the forced masking on public transportation and at travel hubs across the country.
These shortsighted, heavy-handed and unlawful policies are frustrating travelers and causing chaos and confusion on public transportation. It’s long past time to alleviate some of the pressure on travelers and those working in the industry.
This multistate action points out that the mask requirements exceed the authority of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They also run against reason, as now even the states with the most stringent COVID-19 policies are lifting indoor mask mandates.
Over the past year, we have seen the federal government take unprecedented and often unlawful actions to force states and U.S. citizens to comply with erroneous, often confusing requirements. As concerning as this may be, the good news is, Florida is pushing back—and winning.
I’m proud to stand with Governor DeSantis and to lead my fellow Attorneys General in this effort to end the forced masking of travelers. By pushing back against unlawful requirements, we are building a Stronger, Safer Florida.
In The News
Florida is challenging federal mask requirements for travelers, WFSU Public Media
DeSantis, AG Moody announce federal lawsuit over travel mask mandates, WFLA Tampa
Florida Reaches Opioid Settlements Topping $870 Million, CBS 4 Miami
Florida Reaches $878M Opioid Settlements With CVS, Teva, Others, Insurance Journal
Florida AG warns deadly new drugs flowing from southern border will 'devastate' US workforce, FOX Business
Florida warns synthetic opioid more powerful than fentanyl is popping up around the state, The Hill
DeSantis, Cabinet honor FHP trooper who put self in harm’s way to protect runners in 10K, News 4 Jax
Scam alert: Attorney general warns about wrong number text scam targeting Floridians, ABC 9 Orlando
Protecting Floridians
CONSUMER ALERT: Wrong Number Text Scam Targets Floridians
Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning Floridians about texting scams that entice victims with suggestive messages. The scam is commonly referred to as the wrong number text scam. Floridians being targeted by a version of the scam in Charlotte County are calling it the Read More
BACK THE BLUE ALERT: Attorney General Moody Presents Back the Blue Award to Master Trooper for Saving Countless Floridians
Attorney General Ashley Moody presented a Back the Blue Award to Master Trooper Toni Schuck of the Florida Highway Patrol. On March 6, a drunk driver barreled toward runners in a 10K race in St. Petersburg. Trooper Shuck risked her life by driving a patrol vehicle in front of the speeding drunk driver, injuring herself to protect the runners.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Every now and then, you read a story so powerful that words escape you. That’s how I felt when I heard about the heroic actions taken by Trooper Schuck and watched the terrifying dashcam video. Her instant reaction to put her life on the line to protect countless Floridians is admirable beyond words. Thank you, Trooper Schuck for your selfless service.” Read More
Attorney General Moody Joins Gov. DeSantis at Bill Signing of New Law Providing Sign-On Bonuses, Training Scholarships to LEO Recruits
Attorney General Ashley Moody is thanking state lawmakers and Governor Ron DeSantis for law enforcement bonuses and new recruitment tools. Attorney General Moody joined Gov. DeSantis in Brevard and Polk counties today for a bill signing for HB 3. The bill was a top priority for Attorney General Moody and Governor DeSantis this past legislative session.Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Florida is the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation, and this new law is the perfect example of how our leaders back the blue. As the wife of a law enforcement officer, it is so important to me that we support the courageous men and women who swear an oath to protect and serve. This law does that and will also boost our law enforcement recruitment efforts through our Be a Florida Hero initiative. Thank you, Governor DeSantis, and each and every member who voted for this important legislation.” Read More
Attorney General Moody Secures More Than $870 Million From CVS, Teva, Allergan and Endo
Attorney General Ashley Moody announced the securement of more than $870 million for opioid abatement from CVS Health Corporation, CVS Pharmacy, Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. and Allergan PLC. CVS will now pay $484 million to the State of Florida, Teva will pay nearly $195 million, and Allergan will pay more than $134 million to resolve claims relating to the companies’ role in the opioid epidemic. Teva will also provide $84 million worth of its generic NARCAN nasal spray to the State. Additionally, Attorney General Moody is announcing that the Endo Health Solutions settlement is now finalized, with every litigating city and county in Florida—more than 90 in total—participating.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “The opioid epidemic is wreaking havoc on Florida families. Since my first day in office, I have worked tirelessly to hold accountable those companies who helped start this crisis—with today’s announcements we have now secured an additional $870 million to help mitigate the harm caused to Florida’s communities. The monies secured from CVS, Teva, Allergan and Endo will help further our efforts to remediate the harm and suffering of Floridians.” Read More
Florida is Headed to Trial with Walgreens Following Commitments of More Than $3 Billion from Other Pharmaceutical Companies to Help Abate Opioid Crisis
Following more than $3 billion in recoveries from defendants in Florida's historic opioid litigation, one remains—Walgreens. Attorney General Ashley Moody announced that the State of Florida will be in trial next week to hold Walgreens accountable for its role in helping create and fuel the deadly opioid crisis devastating Florida families and draining taxpayer-funded resources.Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “I am encouraged that all the other defendants in our historic opioid litigation stepped up, and we recovered more than $3 billion to help Florida address the devastation caused by the opioid epidemic. It’s time for Walgreens to face accountability for their part in fueling the opioid crisis, and my team is prepared to vigorously try our strong case against them.” Read More
Attorney General Moody Urges TikTok and Snapchat to Strengthen Parental Controls
Attorney General Ashley Moody, and a bipartisan coalition of 43 attorneys general, sent a letter to TikTok and Snapchat this week urging the companies to give parents the ability to monitor a child’s social media usage to protect children from online threats using parental control applications and features.Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “The internet is a dangerous place for children to explore without any guidance or protection. As a mother, I worry about what my child may encounter online. As Florida’s Attorney General, I am aware of how predators use social media to stalk the innocent and inexperienced online. It is imperative that these popular social media platforms develop strong, easy-to-use parental control systems to enhance child safety online.” Read More
Attorney General Moody Announces Arrest of Medicaid Provider for More Than $77,000 in Medicaid Fraud
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Hollywood Police Department arrested the owner and operator of a Medicaid-provider facility for committing more than $77,000 in Medicaid fraud. Senetta Wilson Carter operated Rayfield Family Literacy, a school that provided services for Medicaid recipients, many with severe disabilities. According to the MFCU’s investigation, Carter submitted falsified claims to Medicaid for online-based services not provided.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “My Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is dedicated to upholding the integrity of Florida’s Medicaid program. Not only did this owner of a Medicaid facility steal taxpayers’ dollars, but she also took advantage of clients with disabilities who attempted to use her company’s services. I am grateful my MFCU shut down this scheme before more fraud could be committed, and now this defendant will answer for her crimes.” Read More
Events
This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody presented a Back the Blue Award to Master Trooper Toni Schuck during a meeting of the Governor and Florida Cabinet.
From left to right: Attorney General Ashley Moody, Governor Ron DeSantis, Master Trooper Toni Schuck, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis
From left to right: Attorney General Ashley Moody, Governor Ron DeSantis, Master Trooper Toni Schuck, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis
Attorney General Moody and Gov. Ron DeSantis announcing action against the federal government’s unlawful mask mandate on public transportation in the Florida Cabinet Meeting Room. Attorney General Moody is leading a 21-state coalition seeking the immediate end of the requirements.
Attorney General Moody joining with Gov. DeSantis, Florida law enforcement and legislators for two bill-signing ceremonies for HB 3. The new law provides bonuses to new Florida law enforcement officers and new law enforcement recruitment resources.
To view Attorney General Moody's remarks regarding the new law, click here.
To view Attorney General Moody's remarks regarding the new law, click here.
Law enforcement recruitment benefits created through this new law will bolster Attorney General Moody’s Be A Florida Hero initiative. For more information about the nationwide recruitment tool, click here.
