Florida vs. CDC: Judge to hear cruise ship lawsuit arguments on Thursday Judge to hear arguments in cruise ship lawsuit A federal judge is expected to hear arguments Thursday over whether to grant Florida’s request to temporarily block federal restrictions on the cruise industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. - A federal judge is expected to hear arguments Thursday over whether to grant Florida’s request to temporarily block federal restrictions on the cruise industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hearing is set to begin on Thursday morning in Tampa, where U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday will consider the preliminary injunction request.