Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report: Monday, January 25, 2016

 

Citizens Releases Analysis of Increasing Florida Water Loss Costs

Water loss claims, exacerbated by assignment of benefits, are driving higher rates in South Florida and increasingly across the state, according to a just released analysis conducted by Citizens Property Insurance for state insurance regulators.  Insurance Journal reports.

  

Statewide Crash Numbers Increase as Cities Stop Using Red Light Cameras

Since there is no statewide oversight of red-light cameras, no one knows specifically how many are operating or where they are, a report states.   Don Scanlan reports for the Florida Times-Union.

  

Two Florida Clinic Owners Charged With Defrauding Insurers

Two Hialeah men have been accused of being involved in a “straw owner” scheme that defrauded numerous insurance companies, resulting in more than $650,000 in financial losses, Insurance Journal reports.

 

Solution to  Florida’s guardianship crisis?  Advocates say cap fees

Despite a new state law and local safeguards, such as a fraud investigator, advocates for guardianship reform say the system remains broken — almost hopelessly so.  John Pacenti reports for the Palm Beach Post.

  

Florida leads country in new HIV cases after years of health department cuts

Florida lawmakers are now asking whether the spending decisions have produced a sicker population in a state where HIV infections have risen each year since 2012 as they’ve declined across the country.  The Tampa Bay Times’ Steve Bousquet and Michael Auslen report via “The Buzz” blog.

  

Florida overhauls driver’s manual in attempt to improve test scores

With a few emojis, a handful of colorful graphics and more concise language, the state of Florida hopes it has created a less-dry driver’s handbook that will improve passing rates on its significantly tougher driver’s license exam.   The Tampa Bay Times’ Jeremy Wallace reports via “The Buzz” blog.

  

Not so fast on that Rick Scott — Florida GOP truce

When activists with the Republican Party of Florida gathered in Orlando for the annual meeting Saturday, the crowd was thrilled when Scott Hopes, a Rick Scott appointee to the state party, gave the governor’s report which included a run-down of Rick Scott accomplishments and concluded with talk of a truce.  The Tampa Bay Times’ Adam Smith reports via “The Buzz” blog.

  

The tax cut Governor Scott can win

With a new revenue forecast showing state lawmakers will have $400 million less to spend on the new budget, Governor Rick Scott’s push for a $1 billion tax cut becomes more complicated.  Lloyd Dunkelberger reports for the Sarasota Herald Tribune’s “HT Politics” blog.

  

New Senate maps will shake up House campaigns

Roughly 15 Florida House members are now considering running for Senate seats, a dynamic that has the political rumor mill spinning in the wake of the legal challenge.  Matt Dixon reports for Politico Florida.

  

Cease-fire but no agreement between Democratic Senators

A meeting with Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant last week didn’t resolve the conflict between Democratic State Senators Joseph Abruzzo and Maria Sachs over a newly drawn district where both want to run.  The Palm Beach Post’s George Bennett reports.

  

Post-redistricting deal:  Flores to move, Bullard stays put

The Senate’s surrender of its legal fight over redistricting this week allowed Senators Anitere Flores and Dwight Bullard, both of whom reside in the new District 40, to decide where they will land in November.   The Miami Herald’s Mary Ellen Klas reports via “The Buzz” blog.

  

California Commissioner Orders Changes to FAIR Plan

California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones issued an order directing the California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plan to make several changes in the wake of last year’s severe fire season, Insurance Journal reports.

 

California Commissioner OKs New insurance Products to Fill Ridesharing Gap

California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones approved a new insurance product by USAA designed to close the gap in insurance coverage for drivers driving for all ridesharing companies, Insurance Journal reports.

 

Marsh Outlines What to Expect in U.S. Casualty Markets in 2016

The sharing economy, expanded litigation, surplus capital, custom account underwriting and further consolidation are likely to challenge the U.S. casualty insurance marketplace in 2016, according to broker Marsh.  Insurance Journal reports.

 

 

 

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