Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report – Tuesday, February 06, 2018
Feb 6, 2018
Two Former Florida Football Players Convicted in Insurance Fraud Case
Former Florida linebacker Monty Grow was convicted on federal fraud, kickback and money laundering charges Monday in Miami and faces up to 20 years in prison for running what prosecutors called a pyramid scheme designed to defraud the government insurance program, Andy Staples reports for Sports Illustrated.
60% spike in Florida home insurance rates without benefit-assignment reform
With just a month left in Florida’s 2018 legislative session, we are no closer than we were at the end of each of the past five sessions when it comes to resolving the assignment-of-benefits crisis that has been roiling the state’s property insurance market, R.J. Lehmann writes in the Orlando Sentinel.
“Test” tsunami warning startles Palm Beach County
Florida does get big waves. In 1991, a 20-foot “freak wave,” part of the east coast’s memorable “Perfect Storm,” washed over a sea wall in Palm Beach and washed a monument to the “Cowboys of the Sea,” the legendary local club of people who’d rescued swimmers. Eliot Kleinberg reports for the Palm Beach Post.
Groups warn against “premature” workers’ comp changes
Bill sponsor Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, said he will continue to press for the measure (HB 7009) despite the apparent lack of support from industries that, in the past, have pushed lawmakers to act. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Christine Sexton reports via the Palm Beach Post.
Senate committee approves statewide fracking ban
The bill sponsor, state Senator Dana Young, R-Tampa, held up a chunk of porous, 125,000-year-old limestone from Miami-Dade County and said, “This is what our state is built on, and this is the reason for this bill.” The Sun-Sentinel’s Dan Sweeney reports.
Andrew Gillum (right) and Richard Corcoran (Photo courtesy of SunshineStateNews.com)
It’s on: Andrew Gillum–Richard Corcoran debate set for February 13
Corcoran, the conservative Speaker of the Florida House, and Gillum, the progressive Tallahassee mayor, will face off Tuesday, February 13 at 8:00 p.m. in the Florida Internet and Television studio in Tallahassee. The Tampa Bay Times’ Kirby Wilson reports for “The Buzz” blog.
Florida Democratic Party names new executive director
The Florida Democratic Party named a new executive director Monday, appointing political strategist and communications guru Juan Peñalosa to the party’s top administrative post. The Miami Herald’s David Smiley reports via the “Naked Politics” blog.
Leon judge upholds House subpoena of Visit Florida contractor
A Leon County circuit judge has upheld an unprecedented subpoena issued by the state House, ordering the release of contracts held by a Visit Florida TV producer who created an Emeril Lagasse cooking show to promote tourism. Arek Sarkissian reports for Politico Florida.
Florida lawmakers blast state agency over medical marijuana rules
The items under scrutiny ranged from identification cards for caregivers of sick patients to a provision banning applicants seeking medical-marijuana licenses from amending their applications. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Dara Kam reports via the Palm Beach Post.
Teachers union launches media war on HB 7055 — and Corcoran
The bill, FL HB7055 (18R), includes House Speaker Richard Corcoran’s priority to fund private school tuition for students who are bullied and what the Florida Education Association calls a “union-busting” provision targeted only at teachers. Daniel Ducassi reports for Politico Florida.
Constitution panel ready to take issues across state
After considering more than 100 proposals in committees, the Florida Constitution Revision Commission is ready to move into its next phase, starting with a public hearing Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Lloyd Dunkelberger reports via the Gainesville Sun.
Poll: Voters “meh” on Florida Governor’s Race
On the Democratic side in the race to replace Gov. Rick Scott, who’s term-limited out of office this year, Graham captured 20 percent of the vote, while 17 percent of Dems said they’re backing Levine. On the GOP side, 43 percent of likely Republican voters haven’t yet made up their minds, the poll found.
Doctors concerned Florida opioids bills would go too far
Physicians have mounted strong opposition to provisions being considered by House and Senate committees to limit prescriptions for Schedule II painkillers such as OxyContin and fentanyl to three days — or seven days in some cases if a physician documents it as medically necessary. The Associated Press’ Joe Reedy reports for the Tampa Bay Times.
Appeals Court Rejects $586M FEMA Fix for Louisiana Barrier Islands
A federal appeals court has rejected Louisiana’s contention that the federal government should pay $586 million to restore barrier islands and wetlands damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. The Associated Press reports via Insurance Journal.
Regulations, tax court decision change captive landscape
International regulatory changes targeting financial services companies will have a direct effect on captive insurers and are already influencing domicile choices by captive owners, captive experts say. Gavin Souter reports for Business Insurance.
Cisco, Apple, Aon, Allianz introduce a first in cyber risk management
Cisco, Apple, Aon and Allianz have announced a new cyber risk management solution for businesses, comprised of cyber resilience evaluation services from Aon, the most secure technology from Cisco and Apple, and options for enhanced cyber insurance coverage from Allianz.