Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report: Friday, September 11, 2015
Sep 11, 2015
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Daily Florida Insurance-Related Events
There are no insurance-related events scheduled for today.
Daily Florida Insurance-Related News
Survey finds Florida’s lawsuit climate at all-time low
Florida’s lawsuit climate hit an all-time low, sinking to number 44 out of the 50 states according to a national survey released Wednesday by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform. Drew Wilson reports for SaintPetersBlog.com.
FAA warns safety systems may be unreliable in Florida this month
A federal advisory warns anti-collision systems may be “unreliable” from Florida to Virginia this month because of military maneuvers, saying pilots should use “increased visual awareness.” In other words, use their eyes. Charles Elmore reports for the Palm Beach Post.
Uber drivers’ South Florida fines top $2.8 million
After a year of South Florida operations, ride-hailing service Uber is approaching legal status. But in the months it took to get there, its drivers racked up at least 3,321 citations in three counties. The Sun-Sentinel’s Brittany Wallman reports.
Panama City Beach, Bay County win scooter insurance lawsuit
An ordinance requiring vests, liability insurance is deemed constitutional, Maggie Solomon reports for WMBB-TV.
Scott wants to revamp, streamline mental health system
Governor Rick Scott is taking his first steps to overhaul Florida’s patchwork of mental health programs, calling for an audit of state facilities in an effort to streamline the $1.4 billion budget spread across a handful of state agencies. Christine Sexton reports for PoliticoFlorida.com.
Florida-Based Prepared Holdings to be Acquired by Meridian
Prepared Holdings, LLC, the holding company for Prepared Insurance Co., has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Meridian Insurance Holdings, Inc., a private investment group, under which Prepared will be acquired by Meridian.
Weeks Later, Florida Redistricting Drama Still Won’t Let Up
If this week’s events are any indicator, Florida’s redistricting drama is far from over even as the clock winds down to October 17, when both chambers must reach some kind of agreement on Florida’s congressional maps. Allison Nielsen reports for SunshineStateNews.com.
Tom Lee will try again to overhaul Florida alimony, custody laws
Florida Senator Tom Lee filed a bill (SB 250) to change the way divorces are handled in state courts, James Rosica reports for SaintPetersBlog.com.
Governor Rick Scott’s former top lawyer will run huge water agency
Pete Antonacci, who served as Scott’s top lawyer and as an appointed state prosecutor, was hired Thursday to run the South Florida Water Management District, which is responsible for water quality and flood control for more than a third of all Florida residents from Orlando to the Keys. Jenny Staletovich and Steve Bousquet report for the Tampa Bay Times.
Jeb Bush Trots Out Endorsements of Former Florida House Speakers
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, R-Fla., might have served as speaker of the Florida House but Republican presidential rival former Governor Jeb Bush reeled in the support of several leaders from the Sunshine State who led that chamber in Tallahassee. Kevin Derby reports for SunshineStateNews.com.
Florida crime labs receive $3.4 million to address rape kit backlog
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance announced Thursday that his office will provide Florida crime labs $3.4 million in grants to help clear a backlog of untested rape kits. Daniel Ducassi reports for PoliticoFlorida.com.
Marion County vaccine exemption rate higher than state
In 2012, Florida government issued exemptions allowing 25 Marion County children ages newborn to 4 to forego vaccinations. So far this year, exemptions for 99 children in that age range have been issued. Joe Callahan reports for the Ocala Star-Banner.
9/11 Impact on Marsh & McLennan Nothing Short of Devastation
Insurance Journal’s Dave Thomas interviews Marsh & McLennan Companies Chairman and CEO Jeff Greenberg, who remembers all too well the horrific images of September 11, 2001.
California Employment Department Rules Former Uber Driver Was Employee
Uber has lost another legal round in the dispute over whether its drivers are independent contractors or employees, an issue that threatens the core of the ride-hailing company’s business model. Reuters’ Heather Somerville reports via Insurance Journal.
On July 2, the Federal Insurance Office issued a notice for comment on its proposed working definition of “affordability” in relation to personal auto insurance. The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents submitted comments on August 28 in response.
Pennsylvania Governor Joins Insurance Department In Alerting Consumers to Price Optimization
Governor Tom Wolf joined Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller in alerting consumers that the Insurance Department will continue to oppose a practice known in the industry as “price optimization.”
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