Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report – Wednesday, October 04, 2017

Oct 4, 2017

Florida Senate To Focus On Hurricane Issues Next Week

With Hurricane Issues expected to play a big role in the 2018 Legislative Session, several Senate Committees next week will begin looking at storm-related issues in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.  The Tampa Bay Times reports via “The Buzz” blog.

Insurance Task Force Created to Provide Advice to Florida Lawmakers, Constituents

The Florida Justice Association (FJA) announced Monday the creation of the FJA Insurance Emergency Response Task Force of Leading Insurance Attorneys to assist Florida Lawmakers and their Constituents who have Property Insurance questions.  Sunshine State News Publisher Nancy Smith reports.

Bill Would Allow Inspections Of Windshield Damage

With Insurers arguing that a practice known as “Assignment of Benefits” is driving up costs, a Senate Republican Filed a Proposal Tuesday that could lead to Required Inspections before damaged windshields get repaired or replaced.  THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA reports via the Daytona Beach News Journal.              

Uncertainty for Mobile Homes in Florida Keys

Irma delivers blow to Service Industry, Blue Collar Workers.  Insurance Journal reports.

Insurance Claims Paid Within 24 Hours: StormPeace™ Helps Florida Residents Get Back On Their Feet After Hurricane Irma

Assured Risk Cover Paid 98% of eligible Claims within three business days, most within one business day, the Company announced in a news release.

Conifer Cites Florida Loss Trends In Reserve Development Reinsurance Agreement

After a thorough review, Conifer Holdings Executives stated they felt it was prudent to proactively pursue decisive measures to curtail the challenging loss trends specifically in Florida’s Homeowners Market.  Luke Gallin reports for Reinsurance News.

The Stormy Outlook For Insurance-Linked Securities

The Securitization of Storms began in the Aftermath of 1992’s Hurricane Andrew and its enormous costs to the State of Florida.  The Weather Network reports.

Firm Hauling Palm Beach County’s Irma Debris Hit With Florida Subpoena

AshBritt — whose Founder and Chairman of the Board, Randy Perkins, Ran for Congress as a Democrat last year — is one of three Firms that have been issued Investigative Subpoenas by Attorney General Pam Bondi.  Wayne Washington reports for the Palm Beach Post.

Utility Regulators Plan Hurricane Prep, Restoration Review

The Public Service Commission, which regulates Investor-Owned Utilities, on Tuesday set into Motion its Plan “to Review Electric Utility Hurricane Preparedness and Restoration Actions during the 2017 Hurricane Season.” FloridaPolitics.com reports.

Telehealth Panel Eyes Insurance, Licensing

To increase the use of Telehealth in Florida, a Panel is recommending that Insurance Companies be required to reimburse health care providers for Telehealth Services and that the Legislature Authorize Participation in Interstate “Compacts” that make it easier for Doctors and other Providers to be Licensed in a variety of States.  THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA reports via FloridaPolitics.com.

Florida Insurance Chief Altmaier Pushes Patient Billing Change

Nothing is going to slow down Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier from asking the Florida Legislature to prevent Insured Patients from being hit with High Out-of-Pocket Costs for Emergency Medical Transportation.  ThinkAdvisor.com reports.

Thousands of Puerto Ricans Land in Florida, Fleeing the Misery Left by Hurricane Maria

Those scrambling to get off the Island said conditions had become too extreme to stay.  The Los Angeles Times’ Jenny Jarvie reports.

Panel Focused On Constitutional Rights Starts Narrowing Focus

A Constitution Revision Commission Panel tasked with Reviewing Proposed Amendments to the First Article of the Florida Constitution is using a Deluge of Public Proposals to narrow its scope for future meetings.  Matt Dixon reports for Politico Florida.

Questions On Beach Ownership Bill Dominate Pensacola Beach Town Hall Meeting

A 1946 Agreement stated the County could not sell the beach land and must use it “for such purposes as it shall deem to be in the public interest.” Melissa Nelson Gabriel reports for the Pensacola News Journal.

Health Coach Sues Florida’s Health Department

A Northwest Florida “Health Coach” has filed a Lawsuit in Tallahassee Federal Court after the Department of Health slapped her with a Cease and Desist Order because she doesn’t have an Occupational License.  Mitch Perry reports for FloridaPolitics.com.

Martin County Water Farm Expanded

Caulkins Citrus Co. launched the Expansion of its Indiantown “Water Farm,” increasing the Reservoir from an existing 413 Acres to 3,200 Acres.  FloridaPolitics.com reports.

Flooded Homeowner Sues Bank For Recommending He Reject Flood Insurance

A Lawyer in Houston is now suing Lender JPMorgan Chase, alleging that the Bank engaged in the practice of Insurance without a License when it made the recommendation.  L.M. Sixel reports for the Houston Chronicle.

 

 

 

 

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