Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report–Friday, December 19, 2014
Dec 19, 2014
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Daily Florida Insurance-Related Events
There are no events scheduled for today.
Daily Florida Insurance-Related News
Florida’s Citizens Property Insurance Successfully Completes Computer System Upgrades
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation reports that it has successfully completed the final chapter in its transition to a fully-integrated computer system that will handle all aspects of underwriting and claims following a three-year effort to replace outdated legacy technology.
Louisiana Auto Repair Lawsuit Against State Farm Moves to Orlando
A panel of federal judges has moved a Louisiana lawsuit against State Farm to Orlando, over the objection of Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell’s office. Paul Brinkmann reports for the Orlando Sentinel.
Feds tell PR firm not to promote Florida health exchange
The federal government has told Tallahassee-based public relations firm Salter Mitchell that it cannot promote the state’s health insurance marketplace, a long-time client, because of a conflict of interest, according to the state and the firm. The Miami Herald’s Nicholas Nehemas and Kathleen McGrory report.
Regulators give FPL approval to charge customers to invest in fracking
The Florida Public Service Commission gave unanimous approval to Florida Power & Light yesterday to charge customers for its exploration of natural gas using fracking technologies. The Miami Herald’s Mary Ellen Klas reports via the “Naked Politics” blog.
Scott to pick from three finalists to replace Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Prasad
The Florida Transportation Commission recommended three men to Gov. Rick Scott for the replacement of outgoing FDOT Secretary Ananth Prasad on Thursday. Michael Van Sickler reports for the Miami Herald’s “Naked Politics” blog.
Feds Send More Help for Florida Citrus
Florida’s citrus industry, with the help of the Florida congressional delegation, proved its pugilistic power once again when it secured an additional $4.5 million for the Citrus Health Response Program in the hotly contested $1.1 trillion federal budget resolution Con-gress approved last weekend. Kevin Bouffard reports for the Lakeland Ledger.
Move over Miami, Tampa now has big say on Cuba policy too
While Miami politicians and campaign donors may have dictated U.S. policy to Cuba for decades, this time Tampa’s political and business leadership – and large Cuban-American community – were more persuasive and helped make the historic change in policy possible. The Tampa Bay Times’ Adam Smith reports via “The Buzz” blog.
Florida government technology as up-to-date as a Walkman, analysts say
Florida TaxWatch’s annual report on potential cost-savings released Thursday may underscore how state government is still plagued by wholesale technical woes. The Palm Beach Post’s John Kennedy reports on the “Post on Politics” blog.
Governor Scott sets inauguration, swearing-in times
Governor Rick Scott’s second inauguration events begin on January 6 at 11:20 a.m., with the swearing in at noon, the Republican Party of Florida announced Thursday. SaintPetersBlog.com’s Phil Ammann reports.
Senate leader calls Florida Lottery “a pretty big numbers racket”
Senate President Andy Gardiner wants the Florida Lottery included in discussions about the future of gambling in the state. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA reports via the Jacksonville Daily Record.
MetLife Considers Appeal of Systemic Risk Label
MetLife Inc., the biggest U.S. life insurer by assets, was labeled a systemically important financial institution by a council of regulators and said it will consider whether to sue the government over the decision. Bloomberg’s Zachary Tracer and Ian Katz report via Insurance Journal.
Arkansas Governor-Elect Names Kerr as Next Insurance Commissioner
Arkansas Governor-Elect Asa Hutchinson has announced that State Representative Allen Kerr will be the new state insurance commissioner. The Associated Press reports via Insurance Journal.
Price Optimization Allegations Challenged, NAIC Investigating Practice
Reaction to industry-wide price optimization allegations from a consumer group known to call out insurers has been somewhat critical yet guarded – however it appears regulators may already be starting to look into the practice. Don Jergler reports for Insurance Journal.
Fitch Issues Warning over Terror Insurance Expiration
The expiration of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Assistance program on December 31 will have “repercussions” for the economy, according to Fitch Ratings. Colin Wilhelm of NationalMortgageNews reports.
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