Florida Record

Saturday, March 28, 2020

Reform News

Reform

Property insurers in Florida seek rate increases, cite litigation burdens

Several Florida insurers have filed requests for double-digit rate increases as high as 47 percent amid concerns that some companies will see their financial ratings downgraded in the coming year.

By Michael Carroll | Mar 6, 2020

Reform

Bill introduced in House to crack down on double-dipping in asbestos damage claims

TALLAHASSEE – A bill introduced in the House Legislature HB741 and soon to be in the Senate SB1582 its author said would crack down on the practice of “double-dipping” by lawyers in asbestos exposure cases, seeking multiple recoveries for the same asbestos-related injury.

By John Sammon | Feb 13, 2020

Latest News

'Tort tax' of $719 per resident fuels push for Florida legal reforms

By Michael Carroll | Jan 27, 2020

Armed with new data pointing to how out-of-control civil litigation affects the Florida economy, business leaders launched a push for tort reform measures they say will reduce the “tort tax” residents pay.

Non-activists seen as having inside track to Florida Supreme Court posts

By Michael Carroll | Jan 7, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Candidates who share a non-activist, follow-the-word-of-the-law philosophy will have the upper hand during the selection of finalists to fill two vacant seats on the Florida Supreme Court, according to those familiar with the process.

Florida small business rep calls for reform of lawsuit lending practices

By John Sammon | Dec 26, 2019

TALLAHASSEE – The state legislative director of the Florida National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is asking state lawmakers to crack down on lawsuit lending by third parties, calling it potentially a perversion of the legal system.

Official says Florida Chamber supports reform of third party lawsuit lending practices

By John Sammon | Dec 24, 2019

TALLAHASSEE – An official for the Florida Chamber of Commerce said his organization supports reform by state lawmakers of third party lending practices to plaintiffs in injury trials to prevent runaway interest rates subverting the justice process.

Insurance regulation study gives Florida markets 'A-minus'

By Michael Carroll | Dec 18, 2019

TALLAHASSEE -- Florida was among a handful of states making the biggest improvements to its insurance systems this past year, according to a new 50-state ranking examining insurance efficiencies, free markets and low regulatory burdens.

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

By Michael Carroll | Dec 6, 2019

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.

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

By John Severance | Oct 1, 2019

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.

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.