As we enter 2025, the legal landscape is evolving rapidly, with significant court rulings, regulatory shifts, and legislative changes poised to impact businesses, government contractors, legal professionals, and Florida litigators. From artificial intelligence in legal ethics to new government contract policies and Florida’s litigation reforms, the year ahead promises major developments across multiple practice areas.
In this article, we highlight some critical legal issues to watch in 2025 and how they could shape the legal industry and business operations.
Government Contracts: Key Cases and Policies
For companies dealing with federal contracts, 2025 will be a pivotal year. Several important court decisions and policy updates will define how government procurement is handled, affecting compliance, labor policies, and cybersecurity standards.
Major Cases to Watch
- Commercial Item Preference Under Review: The Federal Circuit is revisiting a ruling that could expand the ability of subcontractors to challenge procurement decisions under the government’s preference for commercial items. This decision could redefine how federal contracts are awarded and how agencies handle protests.
- Cybersecurity Compliance Crackdown: The Department of Justice (“DOJ”) is increasing its enforcement of cybersecurity requirements under the Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative. Its first intervention in a False Claims Act (“FCA”) case against Georgia Tech highlights the government’s commitment to penalizing contractors that fail to meet cybersecurity obligations.
- Mandatory Project Labor Agreements (PLAs): A federal rule requiring contractors on large federal construction projects to use PLAs is being challenged in court. The outcome could determine whether nonunion contractors will face disadvantages in securing government contracts.
- Davis-Bacon Act Wage Calculation Changes: The Department of Labor’s revised formula for calculating prevailing wages under federally funded construction projects is under litigation. If upheld, the change could increase costs for government contractors.
Regulatory Changes on the Horizon
- Buy American Act Expansion: The Federal Acquisition Regulatory (“FAR”) Council is set to finalize the definition of “critical items,” which will determine which products qualify for enhanced price preferences under domestic sourcing rules.
- Uniform Controlled Unclassified Information (“CUI”) Standards: A long-overdue regulation will define how government contractors handle sensitive but unclassified federal information, impacting cybersecurity compliance and contract terms.
- Small Business Mentor-Protégé Program Reform: The Small Business Administration (“SBA”) may revise its rules governing joint ventures between small and large businesses, potentially reducing the number of mentor-protégé agreements that qualify for set-aside contracts.
With the new presidential administration, other regulations—particularly those related to labor, environmental protections, and diversity initiatives—could also be rolled back.
Legal Ethics Trends for 2025
Ethical challenges in the legal profession continue to evolve, especially as attorneys integrate artificial intelligence into their practice, navigate government oversight, and handle cybersecurity risks.
- AI’s Role in Legal Ethics: The use of generative AI in legal research, drafting, and case management presents both opportunities and risks. Courts have sanctioned attorneys for submitting filings with AI-generated inaccuracies, emphasizing the need for proper oversight. In 2025, state bars may issue new guidance on when AI use is permissible and when attorneys must verify AI-generated content.
- Government Attorney Oversight: The fallout from disciplinary actions against attorneys involved in election-related misinformation, including Rudy Giuliani’s disbarment, could lead to stricter ethical standards for government lawyers. These cases reinforce the expectation that attorneys must verify claims before making public statements or court filings.
- Cybersecurity and Law Firms: As cyber threats increase, law firms must implement stronger safeguards to protect client data. Ethics rules may require attorneys to adopt enhanced data security measures, particularly when using AI or cloud-based platforms.
- Remote Practice and Multijurisdictional Ethics Rules: The legal profession is seeing a shift in remote work policies, with some states allowing lawyers to practice in jurisdictions where they are not licensed. In 2025, more states may revise their rules to accommodate remote legal practice while ensuring ethical compliance.
Florida Litigation and Legislative Updates
Florida courts and legislators are poised to address major legal issues affecting businesses, individuals, and attorneys in 2025.
Key Court Cases and Litigation Trends
- Florida’s Civil Litigation Overhaul: New rules aimed at expediting case management will transform how civil litigation is conducted. Modeled after federal court procedures, these changes could reduce case delays but may strain judges managing high caseloads with limited resources.
- Tort Reform Clarity: A recent appellate ruling confirmed that Florida’s tort reform law, which limits the evidence of medical expenses juries can consider, applies only to cases filed after its enactment. Further legal challenges may emerge as courts interpret the law’s impact.
- Social Media Restrictions and First Amendment Challenges: A federal judge in Tallahassee will review Florida’s law restricting social media access for minors. This case has national implications, as similar laws are being challenged in other states.
- Intellectual Property and Bankruptcy Law Intersection: The Eleventh Circuit will rule on whether artists can reclaim copyrights that were previously sold in bankruptcy proceedings. The decision could impact entertainment contracts and intellectual property rights.
- Florida Supreme Court and Punitive Damages: The state’s highest court will decide whether trial courts must make an initial determination on punitive damages claims before allowing them to proceed, potentially reshaping how damages are litigated.
Legislative Priorities in Florida
- Insurance Market Reforms: Lawmakers may expand programs like My Safe Florida Home to encourage homeowners to invest in hurricane-resistant improvements. New legislation could also adjust policies related to Citizens Property Insurance to stabilize the market.
- Disaster Preparedness and Response: Florida legislators may require gas stations to install backup generators to ensure fuel availability during hurricanes and disasters. The legislature is also expected to review emergency management funding.
- Agricultural and Rural Development Initiatives: Senate President Ben Albritton is pushing for a “rural renaissance” that includes expanding broadband, healthcare, and infrastructure in Florida’s smaller communities.
- State IT Procurement Overhaul: A newly established Florida House subcommittee will assess how the state manages technology purchases, potentially modernizing IT procurement processes.
Conclusion
With major legal changes on the horizon, businesses and government contractors must stay informed to navigate the evolving landscape of government contracting, litigation, and regulatory compliance in 2025.
Whether you are a business owner or government contractor, it is crucial to understand how these legal trends may impact your operations. Our firm is closely monitoring these developments and is available to provide strategic guidance tailored to your legal needs.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.
