Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report: Thursday, February 11, 2016
Feb 11, 2016
Florida Lawmakers Want To Overhaul Homeowner Insurance Claim Process
Many homeowners use assignment of benefits after an emergency to hand insurance payment directly to contractors. But former Insurance Consumer Advocate Steve Burgess says assignments can lead to higher premiums. WFSU’s Ashley Tressel reports.
Governor Requests U.S. Army Corps To Ease Flooding Effects
Today, Governor Rick Scott sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take immediate action to relieve the flooding of the Everglades Water Conservation Areas and the releases of water from Lake Okeechobee to the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Estuaries.
After decline, red-light running on the rise again in Tampa
Red-light running is back on the rise in Tampa, bucking the theory that red-light cameras are changing driver behavior. Christopher O’Donnell reports for the Tampa Tribune.
Yet another session, yet another fight over Florida retirement system
The House State Affairs Committee narrowly approved a bill Wednesday that could shift more public employees in Florida into a 401(k)-style retirement plan, setting up a clash with the Senate over pensions and death benefits for first responders. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Jim Turner reports via the Palm Beach Post.
Big issues remain at 2016 Session midpoint
Most of the major issues remain unresolved after weeks of lawmakers debating bills in committees. But that’s not unusual — lawmakers typically put off the big stuff until the end. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Jim Saunders reports via the Daily Commercial.
Florida House, Senate millions apart on State Budget Debate
As the 2016 session reached the midway point Wednesday, the Senate and House tentatively approved separate budgets in advance of floor votes Thursday and the start of marathon budget negotiations by next week. The Miami Herald’s Jeremy Wallace reports.
Dennis Baxley announces Senate run for departing Hays’ seat
A few hours after state Sen. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, announced he wouldn’t run for reelection Wednesday, state Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, announced he’s running for Hays’ seat. The Orlando Sentinel’s Gray Rohrer reports.
State data shows more than 6,000 elderly died while awaiting services
More than 6,000 poor, disabled, or elderly Floridians who applied for home- and community-based services died during a 12-month period while they were on waiting lists for those services, state data shows. Politico Florida’s Christine Sexton reports.
Judge Challenges Regulators’ Lawyer Over MetLife SIFI Tag
A U.S. lawyer defending the government’s decision to designate MetLife Inc. a threat to the American economy if it were to falter was questioned sharply by a federal judge who was asked by the company to remove the label. Bloomberg’s Ian Katz and Andrew Harris report via Insurance Journal.
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