A three-judge panel Tuesday rejected another challenge to state constitutional amendments that give property tax breaks to Florida's primary homeowners, but not to owners of second homes.

The panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal disagreed with arguments that the amendments violate U.S. constitutional rights of travel and interstate commerce by favoring longtime Florida homeowners over those who have recently moved to the state.

The judges cited a July decision that also upheld the Save Our Homes Amendment, which limits annual assessment increases to no more than 3 percent for homesteads, in a case filed by out-of-state residents who own second homes.

In the new case filed by recently arrived Florida residents, the judges also for the first time upheld a new state constitutional amendment passed last year that includes a "portability" provision. It lets homeowners take at least part of their Save Our Homes benefits with them when they move.

The panel, though, returned a third appeal attacking both tax breaks to a trial judge for reconsideration because he erroneously dismissed the case on grounds that he lacked jurisdiction. That case also was filed by out-of-state residents who own second homes in Florida.

The appellate court in July ruled the tax benefit is based on the way the property is used, not on the status of the owner as a resident or nonresident. That case, now on appeal to the Florida Supreme Court, did not include the portability provision.

A South Florida lawyer suspected of operating a $1 billion Ponzi scheme is asking for his own disbarment.

A Florida Bar committee has approved the disbarment request submitted by attorney Scott Rothstein. A spokeswoman said Wednesday the final decision must be made by the state Supreme Court.

The FBI says Rothstein sold investments in legal settlements that did not exist. The total amount lost could top $1 billion. No criminal charges have been filed yet.

Once disbarred, Rothstein would no longer be allowed to serve on a panel that nominates appeals court judges. Gov. Charlie Crist appointed Rothstein to that panel in 2008. Rothstein was a major contributor to Crist and many other high-profile politicians nationwide.

A look at President Barack Obama's nominees to fill federal court vacancies:

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NOMINEES CONFIRMED

_ Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme Court, nominated June 1, confirmed Aug. 6.

_ Gerard Lynch, 2nd Circuit, nominated April 2, confirmed Sept. 17.

_ Jeffrey L. Viken, district judge-South Dakota, nominated June 25, confirmed Sept. 29.

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APPEALS COURT NOMINEES AWAITING CONFIRMATION

_ Joseph A. Greenaway, 3rd Circuit, nominated June 19.

_ Thomas I. Vanaskie, 3rd Circuit, nominated Aug. 6.

_ Andre M. Davis, 4th Circuit, nominated April 2.

_ Barbara Milano Keenan, 4th Circuit, nominated Sept. 14.

_ Jane Branstetter Stranch, 6th Circuit, nominated Aug. 6.

_ David F. Hamilton, 7th Circuit, nominated March 17.

_ Beverly Baldwin Martin, 11th Circuit, nominated June 19.

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DISTRICT COURT NOMINEES AWAITING CONFIRMATION

_ Irene Cornelia Berger, district judge-West Virginia, nominated July 8.

_ Louis Butler Jr., district judge-Wisconsin, nominated Sept. 30.

_ Edward Milton Chen, district judge-California, nominated Aug. 6.

_ Charlene Edwards Honeywell, district judge-Florida, nominated June 25.

_ Dolly M. Gee, district judge-California, nominated Aug. 6.

_ Abdul K. Kallon, district judge-Alabama, nominated July 31.

_ Roberto A. Lange, district judge-South Dakota, nominated July 8.

_ Jacqueline H. Nguyen, district judge-California, nominated July 31.

_ Richard Seeborg, district judge-California, nominated Aug. 6.