James Uthmeier Archives - Creative Loafing Tampa

Exterior view of Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, featuring the 'Go Bucs' sign and entrance area under a clear blue sky

Florida AG issues investigative subpoena to NFL over minority hiring rule

“Unfortunately, neither your letter nor the changes to your website assuage our concerns over the NFL’s violations of Florida law.”

by News Service of Florida May 14, 2026May 14, 2026

Attorney General James Uthmeier isn’t satisfied with the National Football League’s response to his March letter requesting it suspend the “Rooney Rule” requiring teams to interview minority candidates for head coach and other executive and leadership positions. Now, he’s issuing a subpoena to the NFL and maintaining the rule runs afoul of Florida laws against […]

Florida Chief of Staff James Uthmeier at a press conference in front of the Attorney General seal and American flags, standing at a podium labeled "Investigating OpenAI" with colleagues.

Florida opens ‘criminal investigation’ into ChatGPT, fueled by FSU shooting

The move comes two weeks after Uthmeier revealed the state’s initial investigation into OpenAI.

by News Service of Florida April 22, 2026April 22, 2026

Photos: In front of Tampa Tiger Bay Club, Uthmeier draws mix of boos and cheers for comments about LGBTQ community

Florida’s latest appointed Attorney General is up for election for the first time ever this fall, and also tool questions on Hope Florida, UF teaching job and more.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix April 20, 2026April 20, 2026

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Chief of Staff James Uthmeier at a "Florida Leads" press conference with the American flag in the background.

‘Climate cartel’: Florida AG subpoenas environmental nonprofit for alleged trade law violations

His investigation marks the latest anti-climate-change policy pushback under Gov. Ron DeSantis.

by Liv Caputo and Florida Phoenix April 17, 2026April 17, 2026

Music

Florida among states to win in fight against Live Nation-Ticketmaster

A Live Nation rep said, ‘The jury’s verdict is not the last word on this matter.’

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix April 17, 2026April 17, 2026

FDLE officials and James Uthmeier at the Miami Regional Operations Center announcing updates on cold case investigations

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s campaign backed by Big Tobacco, gun companies and more

The gun manufacturer Sig Sauer Inc., which was behind a failed effort in the 2026 legislative session to shield gun makers from liability lawsuits over a defect that isn’t required by federal law, gave the political committee $50,000.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida April 13, 2026April 13, 2026

Florida AG says state can now fund religious charter schools, and ‘encourage’ Christianity

The U.S. Supreme Court last year effectively upheld an Oklahoma Supreme Court decision rejecting a push to create a Catholic charter school.

by Gray Rohrer and News Service of Florida April 3, 2026April 3, 2026

DeSantis Administration claims NFL’s ‘Rooney Rule’ violates state’s anti-DEI law

The rule requires NFL teams to interview at least two minority candidates for vacant head coach, GM, and coordinator position.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix March 26, 2026March 26, 2026

James Uthmeier, Chief of Staff to Governor Ron DeSantis, speaking at a microphone during the Annual National Day of Prayer event in front of the Florida State Capitol steps.

Gun lobby praises Florida AG over push for ‘nondangerous’ felon gun ownership

“Attorney General Pam Bondi needs to sit up and take notes! This is what a REAL pro-gun attorney general looks like.”

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix March 20, 2026March 20, 2026

Florida launches investigation into Discord over child safety concerns

“With so many criminal investigations leading to Discord, they owe us an explanation as to why predators keep getting to kids on the app.”

by News Service of Florida March 19, 2026March 19, 2026

Close-up of a person's hands inspecting a black semi-automatic pistol on a display stand in a weapon shop.

Florida AG says ‘nondangerous’ felons should be allowed to own guns

That opinion — never previously offered by a Florida attorney general — is being lavishly praised by Second Amendment advocates.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix March 17, 2026March 17, 2026

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor speaking at a podium during a Hillsborough County, Florida press conference, flanked by local officials and first responders.

Tampa Police Dept. revises its immigration policies following Florida AG’s warning

James Uthmeier had accused officials last week of implementing ‘sanctuary policies.’

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix March 17, 2026March 17, 2026

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor speaking at a podium during the State of the City address, featuring the City of Tampa official seal and Florida flag.

Immigration attorneys say Tampa mayor should ‘stand up’ for residents in wake of removal threat

If Castor challenges the removal, argues one attorney, she could help set precedent for the entire state and force courts to define ambiguous language in statute.

by Valerie Smith March 16, 2026March 16, 2026

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at a Speech and Debate event podium flanked by American and Florida flags, with a seated man in a blue suit and red tie in the background.

Florida bill authored by DeSantis allowing state to label groups as ‘domestic terrorist organizations’ now heads to DeSantis

by Liv Caputo and Florida Phoenix March 12, 2026March 12, 2026

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor speaking at a podium during a press conference, flanked by five Tampa Police Department officers in uniform in front of the City of Tampa Florida seal.

DeSantis Administration threatens to remove Tampa mayor from office over alleged ‘sanctuary’ policies at TPD

If Castor is removed before her term is up in May of next year, then the Tampa City Council Chair would become acting mayor, which is currently District 1’s Alan Clendenin.

by Valerie Smith March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

Florida AG sues Starbucks over what he says is race-based hiring

The suit alleges Starbucks has violated a state civil-rights law.

by News Service of Florida December 11, 2025December 11, 2025

Kratom byproduct battle heats up in court

A clash has erupted over the privacy of the users who are part of the legal challenge.

by Dara Kam and News Service of Florida December 1, 2025December 1, 2025

Campbell’s says it uses ‘100% real chicken’ after AG Uthmeier moves to investigate

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix November 26, 2025November 26, 2025

A group of nine drag queens pose for a festive photo on a stage. A queen dressed as Santa Claus, wearing a red sequined suit and white beard, is seated in the center. The other eight queens surround Santa in glamorous, elaborate outfits with dramatic makeup and large, styled wigs. Behind them, red banners read "MURRAY & PETER PRESENT A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS."

‘Drag Race’ star claps back at Florida AG ‘Mister Urethra’ for targeting Christmas show

‘If you’re worried about children, worry about gun control and feeding them instead of worrying about drag queens.’

by Selene San Felice November 11, 2025November 18, 2025

Florida AG sues Planned Parenthood over abortion pill safety claim

Planned Parenthood’s website says the abortion pill is safer than medicines “like penicillin, Tylenol, and Viagra.”

by News Service of Florida November 6, 2025November 6, 2025