Overview
- The Florida Supreme Court, which issued its 6–1 order on Wednesday, June 10, refused to block the map or take immediate jurisdiction and directed the appeal to continue in the lower courts.
- Because candidate qualifying closes this Friday at noon the court’s decision effectively ensures the new map will be used for the 2026 primary and general elections.
- Voting rights groups led by Equal Ground sued on May 4, arguing the map violates the voter‑approved 2010 Fair Districts Amendment that bars maps drawn to favor a party or weaken minority voting power.
- State officials including Attorney General James Uthmeier have filed briefs saying parts of the Fair Districts Amendment conflict with recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent and are constitutionally invalid.
- Evidence in the record shows Gov. Ron DeSantis’ aide used partisan data to draw the plan and analysts say the new lines could give Republicans the chance to pick up as many as four U.S. House seats, though the merits of the legal challenge will still be decided later.