No. 4:26-cv-00388-MW-MJF (N.D. Fla.)
A challenge to Florida’s whole registration scheme, arguing its combined requirements amount to punishment.
Pending. Pleading stage. Responses to the first amended complaint were due October 13, 2026; FAC reports more than 30 motions to dismiss, not yet on the public docket copy. Larry Keefe succeeded Mark Glass as FDLE commissioner on September 29, 2026 and is substituted as the defendant under Rule 25(d). Bench-trial period begins November 8, 2027. Binds the parties to the case. Other courts may find it persuasive.
The Florida Action Committee sued FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass and dozens of Florida counties and cities on August 11, 2026. The complaint argues that the cumulative weight of Florida’s registration requirements amounts to punishment. A first amended complaint filed September 29, 2026 names the commissioner, 32 counties and 15 cities, and adds a count alleging that the state and local defendants enforce the scheme in concert.
Nothing yet. Judge Mark E. Walker is presiding. Motions to dismiss by Boca Raton (ECF 80) and West Palm Beach (ECF 139) were denied as moot after the complaint was amended; no claim has been ruled on.
Florida has one of the largest and heaviest registries in the country. The suit applies the Does v. Snyder approach — judging a scheme by its total effect — to Florida’s law.
No court has ruled on any claim. The case is in the pleading stage; discovery closes May 10, 2027 and summary-judgment motions are due June 1, 2027.
Complaint filed against 52 defendants.
Boca Raton moves to dismiss (ECF 80).
West Palm Beach motion to dismiss (ECF 125) pending; 132 docket entries. Commissioner Glass’s response set for October 6.
Scheduling order: bench-trial period beginning November 8, 2027; discovery closes May 10, 2027; summary judgment due June 1, 2027 (ECF 146).
First amended complaint filed, adding a conspiracy count (ECF 147); motions to dismiss ECF 80 and ECF 139 denied as moot (ECF 148).
Miami-Dade County’s motion to enlarge its word limit granted (ECF 156).
Responses to the amended complaint due. FAC reports more than 30 motions to dismiss; Larry Keefe, FDLE commissioner since September 29, substituted for Glass by operation of Rule 25(d).
Last verified against the sources above on October 15, 2026.
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