The Cambo Ferry Law Firm has publicly opposed House Bill 1551, expressing concerns that the bill's prevailing party language could be exploited and destabilize Florida's property insurance system. This announcement was made in a White Paper released on March 19.
House Bill 1551 proposes a prevailing party standard for awarding attorney fees in property insurance disputes. However, the Cambo Ferry Law Firm warns that this framework lacks clarity and invites manipulation by plaintiffs’ attorneys. The firm argues that the bill undermines recent reforms and reopens legal loopholes that previously destabilized the state’s insurance market.
According to the White Paper, "House Bill 1551 is not a true prevailing party statute as it will be manipulated by the trial bar. The only way it will not be manipulated is if the trial results in a full defense zero verdict." The firm contends that this high threshold strips carriers of meaningful protection and reintroduces legal ambiguity. Without clearer definitions and safeguards, the bill could lead to increased litigation and higher premiums.
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation reports that Florida had been responsible for over 76% of national homeowners insurance litigation in recent years, while representing only 9% of total claims—a trend widely attributed to loopholes in previous fee-shifting statutes. Reforms in 2022 significantly curbed this pattern, with insurers reporting fewer lawsuits and more pre-suit resolutions. The concern is that HB 1551 could reverse this progress and recreate a market vulnerable to legal excesses.
Cambo Ferry Law Firm is a litigation-focused legal practice based in Florida, concentrating on property insurance and regulatory law. The firm provides legal counsel and advocacy for clients navigating high-exposure disputes and legislative shifts. Through active engagement in policy discussions, Cambo Ferry aims to support a stable, transparent insurance landscape across the state.