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Reform
Florida leads the nation in civil asset forfeitures, study finds
The level of civil asset forfeitures by law enforcement agencies in Florida is the highest in the nation, amounting to $11,558 in revenues per 1,000 people, according to a newly released study on the practice.
Reform
Long-term care reforms sought as Florida nursing home death rate increases
Deaths at Florida nursing homes due to the spread of the coronavirus doubled in recent months, according to data released by AARP Florida, but the increase remained below the threefold spike in nursing home deaths nationally.
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Florida businesses facing unemployment tax hike next year
The minimum unemployment tax rate paid by Florida business will shoot up by nearly 200 percent in the new year, adding to businesses’ financial burdens during the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
Reform
Federal lawsuit could frustrate Florida bid to import drugs from Canada
A federal lawsuit filed in Washington, D.C., by a trade association of pharmaceutical manufacturers could obstruct an effort by Florida officials to get federal approval to import drugs from Canada at lower costs.
Reform
Florida Chamber hones priorities for coming legislative session
The Florida state legislature met Tuesday in an organizational prelude to the upcoming legislative session, with new leaders taking their posts and interest groups honing their legislative priorities for the coming year.
Reform
Two-year suspension recommended for storm damage attorney accused of sham first-party property insurance claims
A court referee’s recent conclusion that Florida plaintiffs’ attorney Scot Strems should be suspended for two years sends a forceful warning to other lawyers pursuing lawsuits-for-profit strategies, according to the Florida-based Consumer Protection Coalition.
Reform
Florida CFO releases guide on providing legal liability protections to businesses
Business leaders are applauding Florida’s chief financial officer for advancing three general guidelines about providing legal liability protections for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reform
DeSantis names Judge Grosshans to fill state supreme court vacancy
Gov. Ron DeSantis named Judge Jamie Grosshans as the newest Florida Supreme Court justice Monday, ending a months-long legal battle over his previous nominee’s qualifications.
Reform
Surveys divided on giving coronavirus legal immunity to Florida businesses
Nearly six in 10 Florida voters oppose guaranteed immunity for corporations and businesses from lawsuits involving COVID-19 infections, according to a poll carried out on behalf of the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Reform
DeSantis remains silent on coronavirus legal liability protections
Florida’s Ron DeSantis opted not to sign a letter bearing the signatures of 21 other Republican governors last month that urged congressional leaders to provide legal liability protections to health care workers, enterprises and schools during the coronavirus pandemic.
Reform
Cozen O'Connor wins case alleging it violated mediation confidentiality law
MIAMI (Legal Newsline) – Plaintiffs attorneys won’t be able to move forward with a lawsuit against a law firm that defended an insurance company by disclosing what was alleged to be confidential information.
Reform
Florida Bar explores expanding legal services to state residents
A committee of the Florida Bar will explore reforms to expand legal services to state residents while protecting the profession’s core values.
Reform
Litigation driving disruptions in property insurance market, Florida senator warns
Abusive lawsuits driven by tag teams of trial attorneys and unscrupulous contractors are causing the Florida property insurance market to break down, raising the specter of a doubling of premium costs in the next three years.
Reform
Capitol Preferred sees litigation abuses behind need for rate hikes, cancellations
Capitol Preferred Insurance Co. blames litigation fraud and abuse, as well as recent hurricane losses, for its decision to increase rates on Florida property owners by more than 36 percent this year and to shed more than 20,000 policies.
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Reform
Legal foundation calls on Florida to suspend ambulance service restrictions amid COVID-19 crisis
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Brewster Ambulance Service, a family-owned medical transportation company operating in Naples wants permission to expand to a neighboring county which has only one ambulance service.
Reform
Recreational marijuana foes refine arguments as state Supreme Court hearing nears
Some opponents of a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida say a new state law will provide additional avenues for the state Supreme Court to reject the measure.
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.
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.
Reform
'Tort tax' of $719 per resident fuels push for Florida legal reforms
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.
Reform
Non-activists seen as having inside track to Florida Supreme Court posts
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.