Some US Federal court districts are more favorable than others for certain cases. Several are very liberal in their decisions. Since Texas and Florida are generally conservative states, I assume both courts are conservative. I wouldn't think it should matter except like someone else said there is more boating in Florida, but there's a quite a lot in Texas also. Applicable laws are federal laws so theoretically it should be the same in both states. Also pretty sure most lawyers only need some paperwork to work in both states in federal courts, but obviously it would cost more for Texas lawyers to travel to Florida. I don't understand DOJ not just trying it in Texas unless they think the amount of damages is excessive and a particular Florida judge is the one they want.