Florida Record

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Reform News

Reform

Attorneys reaping a rising share injured workers' awards, studies find

Attorney fees as a percentage of workers’ compensation benefits and settlements in Florida have risen significantly in the wake of a controversial 2016 state Supreme Court decision, according to multiple studies.

By Michael Carroll | Dec 6, 2019

Reform

Insurance association hopes for more legal reforms - namely auto glass claims, bad-faith litigation

TALLAHASSEE -- As far as legal climates go, Florida ranks near the bottom, 46th out of 50 in a survey conducted by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform.

By John Severance | Oct 1, 2019

Latest News

Florida NFIB director: Despite issues, 'still seeing evidence of a red-hot economy'

By Carrie Bradon | Oct 1, 2019

In a recent survey by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, Florida’s lawsuit climate was ranked at 46th worst, but despite the dismal assessment, the National Federation of Independent Business is optimistic about the state and its future.

Advocates hope insurance reform soon extends to auto glass fraud

By Sarah Downey | Sep 9, 2019

While passage of reforms to homeowners' assignment of benefits (AOB) insurance law was hailed by business interests in the last legislative session, advocates now have sights set on advancing auto glass AOB reform.

State Chamber to renew push for 'Truth in Damages' legislation next session

By John Breslin | Sep 2, 2019

TALLAHASSEE -- Legal reform advocates, including the Florida Chamber of Commerce, will be pushing strongly to limit the amount of damages a personal injury victim can receive, the so-called "Truth in Damages," where a plaintiff can have their medical expenses calculated on billed prices.

Tort reformers seek limits on personal injury damages; will face opposition

By John Breslin | Aug 30, 2019

TALLAHASSEE -- Legal reform advocates will be pushing strongly for legislation on another issue that they hope will limit the amount of damages a personal injury victim can receive, but they can expect resistance from the trial bar.

Legal reformers to push for 'truth in damages' legislation to ensure claimed medical expenses are legit

By John Breslin | Aug 28, 2019

TALLAHASSEE -- Legal reform advocates will be pushing strongly for legislation that limits the amount of damages a personal injury victim can receive, the so-called "Truth in Damages," where a plaintiff can have their medical expenses calculated on the billed prices.

Group calls third-party litigation funding a threat to 'entire civil justice system'

By Kayla Elder | Aug 19, 2019

Third-party funding of civil litigation is taking fire from the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, which raised concerns about the lack of transparency.

Citizens increases rates, but not as much as expected

By Adam Eisenberg | Aug 19, 2019

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has approved higher rates for Citizens Insurance customers, but they are below initial estimates.

Insurance industry disappointed in Florida Supreme Court's decision to punt on assignment of benefits case

By Adam Eisenberg | Aug 15, 2019

The Florida Supreme Court has decided it will not consider a case involving assignment of benefits, noting a newly passed law the court said eliminates the need for justices to weigh in.

Florida NFIB supports DeSantis' approach to civil litigation reforms

By Colin Froment | Aug 9, 2019

Florida’s National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) director Bill Herrle is pleased with the direction Gov. Ron DeSantis is taking in changing the civil litigation environment throughout the state.

Third party civil litigation funding needs review by lawmakers next session, says Florida Chamber of Commerce

By Kayla Elder | Aug 5, 2019

TALLAHASSEE -- Third party funding of civil litigations is under the microscope as the Florida Chamber of Commerce seeks regulation.

Insurance group: Transparency is needed in third party litigation funding

By Kayla Elder | Jul 31, 2019

TALLAHASSEE -- With Florida’s third party funding of civil litigation under the microscope, a Florida Association of Insurance Agents official cautions that the growing industry could potentially be increasing frivolous filings.

NFIB calls for transparency regarding litigation funding in Florida; Will support legislative reforms next session

By Christopher Mobley | Jul 30, 2019

TALLAHASSEE – Civil litigation funding has become an increasingly lucrative business for third parties in Florida and elsewhere, raising concern about the effect this may have on the justice system and questions about whether more regulation is needed to keep the industry in check.

Florida expects higher insurance rates due to 'riskier drivers'

By Kayla Elder | Jul 27, 2019

TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation puts the responsibility of attaining lower automobile insurance in the hands of the drivers after the release of a national study by The Zebra shows Florida among the top three states with the highest rates.

Reforms need to curb Florida's rising auto insurance rates, American Property Casualty Insurance Association says

By Kayla Elder | Jul 27, 2019

The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is among those groups calling for reforms following a report that said Florida's automobile insurance rates are the third highest in the nation.

Florida Chamber of Commerce: Litigation increases cost of auto insurance

By Kayla Elder | Jul 26, 2019

TALLAHASSEE-- The Florida Chamber of Commerce believes a potential reform could provide a solution to high automobile insurance rates in the state.

Associated Industries of Florida: DeSantis 'has done great job on litigation reform'

By Carrie Bradon | Jul 24, 2019

TALLAHASSEE – Supporters of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis say the new governor has made great strides at litigation reform since taking office earlier this year.

Insurance office foresees difficult road ahead of new assignment of Florida benefits law

By Mario Marroquin | Jul 20, 2019

TALLAHASSEE -- Although Florida’s assignment of benefits reform came into effect July 1, the state’s Office of Insurance Regulation sees a long road ahead before changes in the state’s insurance policy will trickle down to consumers.

NFIB, CALA report variances in statewide tort costs

By Mario Marroquin | Jul 20, 2019

Two special interest groups, the National Federation of Independent Business and Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, recently published a study in which they allege direct lawsuit costs to the Sunshine State of approximately $7.8 billion. According to NFIB Executive Director Bill Herrle, Florida’s direct cost of litigation has an estimated $11.8 billion in gross state product across 12 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs).