Opinion ID: 1846655
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: First District Review

Text: On review, the First District affirmed the trial court's decision holding that section 408.036(3)( l ) is an unconstitutional special law. Id. at 431. The First District first found the trial court's findings to be supported by competent, substantial evidence, noting that the trial judge considered both current and prospective applicability of the statute, heard extensive, conflicting expert testimony, and found the appellees' testimony to be more credible. Id. at 434-35. The First District further held that the trial court correctly applied the law when it concluded that there was no reasonable possibility that the exemption could apply to any other party before it expired. Id. at 435. The First District relied upon its earlier opinion in Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation v. Gulfstream Park Racing Ass'n., Inc., 912 So.2d 616 (Fla. 1st DCA 2005), aff'd, Nos. SC05-2130 & SC05-2131, 967 So.2d 802, 2007 WL 2492308 (Fla. Sept. 6, 2007), emphasizing that, based upon Gulfstream Park, the proper standard [in determining whether a law is an unconstitutional special law] is whether there is a reasonable possibility that the class will include others. St. Vincent's, 928 So.2d at 434 (quoting Gulfstream Park, 912 So.2d at 622) (emphasis supplied). St. Vincent's Medical Center now appeals the First District's decision that section 408.036(3)( l ) is unconstitutional. [1]