Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report: Friday, February 05, 2016
Feb 5, 2016
Florida’s Insurance Regulation Grade Sinks in R-Street Report
Florida’s insurance regulatory climate report sunk from a D+ to a D in this year’s R-Street state-by-state report.
Insurance abuse reform bills show signs of stalling
Proposed laws aimed at curbing what insurance companies call fraud by contractors hired to repair non-weather-related water damages show signs of stalling for a fourth-straight year, a statewide insurance reform group says. Ron Hurtibise reports for the Sun-Sentinel.
Governor Scott expands public health emergency, confirms 12 Zika virus cases in Florida
After the number of confirmed cases of Zika virus in Florida grew to 12, Governor Rick Scott expanded a public health emergency in the state to include Broward County. The Tampa Bay Times’ Michael Auslen reports via “The Buzz” blog.
Hot Car Rescuers Protected Under New Florida Bill
The Florida legislature has approved a bill giving legal protection to Good Samaritans who break into hot cars to rescue children or pets, according to NBC affiliate WESH.
Federal judge tosses suit claiming Palm Beach County favored Uber
A federal judge Thursday rejected a class-action lawsuit by taxi and limousine drivers that claimed Palm Beach County gives special treatment to the Uber app-based ride program. Eliot Kleinberg reports for the Palm Beach Post.
Water releases from Lake Okeechobee increase
The amount of water released from Lake Okeechobee into the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers will be “maximized” as the lake level reaches a 15-year high. Kimberly Miller reports for the Palm Beach Post.
Florida Supreme Court decides Broward write-in election case
The Florida Supreme Court has ruled a state law unconstitutional that requires write-in candidates in county commission races to live in the district where they’re running, and reaffirmed those candidates’ ability to close a primary election. Brittany Wallman reports for the Sun-Sentinel.
Wet, hot winter hurts Florida fruits, veggies
Record heat and above-normal rainfall have played havoc with fruit and vegetable farming in Florida, making tighter supplies and higher prices likely for at least the next couple of months, agriculture experts say. Susan Jacobson reports for the Sun-Sentinel.
From GOP pariah to pasha, Scott courted by White House hopefuls
Governor Rick Scott was once his party’s pariah in presidential politics. Now he’s more of a pasha, a potential kingmaker for the GOP White House hopefuls who would love his endorsement. Politico Florida’s Marc Caputo analyzes.
Hartwig to leave Insurance Information Institute, headed to academia
Insurance Information Institute President Robert Hartwig will leave the institute later this year to accept an academic post, Marc A. Hofmann of Business Insurance reports.
Domicile regulators get final say on funding risks through captives
Captive insurance regulators say statutes set the rules on risks that can and can’t be funded by captives. Jerry Geisel reports for Business Insurance from the Boca Raton World Captive Forum.
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