Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report – Monday, December 18, 2017
Dec 17, 2017
Keys Metal Roof Proposal Meets More Resistance
A move to require Metal Roofs for Homes and Businesses needing a new roof after Hurricane Irma damage ran into more headwinds at Wednesday’s Meeting of the Monroe County Commission. The Keynoter’s Kevin Wadlow reports.
Editorial: Florida Is Encouraging Litigation Abuse
Florida in recent years has, through High-Court Rulings and Legislative Inaction, favored Trial Lawyers and their Allies, as seen in an increase of Flood-Insurance Assignment-of-Benefit Claims, argues The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board. The PCI SmartBrief makes the article available free of charge.
Jacksonville almost missed the force of Hurricane Irma. Almost. Irma’s powerful storm surge sent the St. Johns River cascading into downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. Mike Clark reports for the Florida Times-Union.
City of Miami Unanimously Votes to Get Rid of Red-Light Cameras
But today, after years of Public Complaints that the Cameras were little more than money-printing enterprises for ATS and Municipalities, City of Miami Commissioners Voted Unanimously to end its Camera Program. Jerry Iannelli reports for the Miami New Times.
Bill Seeks to Prevent Driver’s License Suspensions in Non-Driving Offenses
The Bill would prohibit suspending someone’s Driver’s License for various Offenses unrelated to Driving – except for failing to pay Child Support. Danny McAuliffe reports for FloridaPolitics.com.
Florida Governor Scott Mulls Next Political Move
Scott has built-in advantages for his Campaign: He can rely on his own money, he can point to Job Growth under his watch as Governor, and his handling of the aftermath of Hurricane Irma has helped his poll numbers. The Associated Press reports via FloridaToday.com.
Five Federal Judge Vacancies in South Florida Give Trump Chance to Shape Bench
The Finalists include one woman and nine men. Seven already serve as State Judges on the Bench in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, one is the acting U.S. Attorney in charge of all Federal Prosecutions in South Florida, and two are former Federal Prosecutors now in Private Practice. Paula McMahon reports for the Sun-Sentinel.
Florida Moves To Control Booming, Invasive Iguanas
With burrowing Iguanas showing up in people’s toilets and damaging expensive sewer lines, Florida Wildlife Managers are stepping up efforts to Control the State’s Booming Population of the wild, invasive Reptiles. The Associated Press reports via the Miami Herald.
Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Policy Count Continues To Drop
The Louisiana Department of Insurance estimates that the State’s Property Insurer of Last Resort has gone from the third largest Property Insurance Company to the 35th in 10 years. Insurance Journal reports.
Reinsurers Mull Options As US Tax Hike Looms
Bermudian Reinsurers are weighing restructuring Options in response to US Tax Reform Legislation that could be signed by President Donald Trump as early as this week and come into effect by the start of next year. Jonathan Kent reports for The Royal Gazette.
· U.S. Insurers Win “Bermuda Loophole” Fight
Recovering What Was Lost in the Virgin Islands, One Boat at a Time
The U.S. Coast Guard has identified 459 Boats in the U.S. Virgin Islands that were left derelict by this year’s Hurricanes. Richard Perez-Pena reports for the New York Times.
· 2017 Hurricane Season Left a Mark on Boaters
A Hospital Giant Discovers That Collecting Debt Pays Better Than Curing Ills
Tenet built a Profitable Side Business helping other Hospitals get paid. John Tozzi reports for Bloomberg.com.
Study: Uber Reduces Ambulance Usage Nationwide
A Research Paper released Wednesday is believed to be the First Study to measure the impact of Uber and other Ride-Booking Services. The Study used Data from 766 Cities across 43 States from 2013 through 2015. The Mercury News reported. The Palm Beach Post notes the story.
CVS-Aetna Merger Will Influence Employers’ Benefits Decisions, Aon Survey Reveals
CVS Corp.’s Proposed Purchase of Aetna Inc. will affect Decision-Making by a majority of large and mid-size U.S. Corporations on Employee Health Benefits, a Survey by Benefits Consultant Aon Plc Found. Reuters’ Caroline Humer reports via Insurance Journal.
Former Tennessee Deputy Insurance Commissioner Giannini Killed in Car Crash
Governor Bill Haslam appointed Giannini Deputy Commissioner of the Commerce and Insurance Department in 2011. Insurance Journal reports.
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