Governor Ron DeSantis Makes Two Appointments To The Broward Bench

Leave a reply

From the press office of Governor Ron DeSantis:

Christopher Wigand

Christopher Wigand, of Plantation, to serve as Judge on the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court

Wigand has owned and operated The Wigand Law Firm since 2012. Previously, he was a Partner at Williams Hilal Wigand Grande. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and his juris doctor from Nova Southeastern University. Wigand fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Weekes.  

Michele Ricca

Michele Ricca, of Weston, to serve as Judge on the Broward County Court

Ricca has worked as a Partner at Boyd, Richards, Parker & Colonnelli, P.L. since 2010. Previously, she was a Partner at Cooney, Mattson, Lance, Blackburn, Richards & O’Connor, P.A. She earned her bachelor’s degree from St. Thomas University and her juris doctor from the University of Miami. Ricca fills the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Avalos. 

Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Social Media Legislation To Protect Children And Uphold Parental Rights

Leave a reply
Governor Ron DeSantis

From the press office of Governor Ron DeSantis:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 3, which prohibits children under the age of 14 from becoming social media account holders and allows 14- and 15-year-olds to become account holders with parental consent. 

“Social media harms children in a variety of ways,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “HB 3 gives parents a greater ability to protect their children. Thank you to Speaker Renner for delivering this landmark legislation.” 

“The internet has become a dark alley for our children where predators target them and dangerous social media leads to higher rates of depression, self-harm, and even suicide,” said House Speaker Paul Renner. “I am proud of the work of all our bill sponsors, Representatives Tyler Sirois, Fiona McFarland, Michele Rayner, Chase Tramont, and Toby Overdorf for delivering a legislative framework that prioritizes keeping our children safe. Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ signature, Florida leads the way in protecting children online as states across the country fight to address these dangers.”

Specifically, this bill: 

  • Prevents a minor who is younger than 14 years of age from becoming a social media account holder.
  • Empowers parents to decide whether 14- and 15-year-olds can have a social media account.
  • Protects the ability of Floridians to remain anonymous online.

In addition to protecting children from the dangers of social media, HB 3 requires pornographic or sexually explicit websites to use age verification to prevent minors from accessing sites that are inappropriate for children.