Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report – Thursday, March 03, 2016
Mar 3, 2016
Florida Water Loss Claims up 46 Percent in 5-Year Period, Citizens Property Insurance Says
The frequency and severity of water loss claims in Florida have increased every year since 2010, according to data call results from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. During the same period, there has been a 10 percent increase in severity for claims with an assignment of benefits, Insurance Journal reports.
Marsh & McLennan Agency Acquires Celedinas Insurance Group in Florida
Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC, the middle market agency subsidiary of Marsh, has acquired Celedinas Insurance Group, one of Florida’s largest independent agencies, Insurance Journal reports.
Senator considers compromise in Uber’s fight for low fares
Uber has gone nuclear. That’s what Tallahassee insiders are saying after the ride-sharing giant launched attack ads claiming Senate President Andy Gardiner is blocking a bill that would stop Orlando from forcing Uber to charge its customers as much as taxis do. Sean Lavin reports for ClickOrlando.com.
Uber, Lyft granted 2-month extension in Palm Beach County under temporary agreement
The ride-hailing services Uber and Lyft will be able to keep operating under existing rules in Palm Beach County for the next two months. Skyler Swisher reports for the Sun-Sentinel.
Legislation Dying in Race to Finish Line
Some of the most controversial bills of the legislative session are dying as lawmakers rush to complete their work for the 2016 Session. Jim Ash reports for WFSU.org.
Florida House passes “free-market” health care options
A series of free-market health care reform proposals passed the Florida House on Wednesday. Their goal is to cut regulations, hoping that will encourage greater competition, decrease costs and increase access to health care. The Tampa Bay Times’ Michael Auslen reports via “The Buzz” blog.
An unapologetic Governor Scott offers no regrets in his handling of Legislature
An unapologetic Governor Rick Scott offered no regrets about how he has handled the Florida Legislature, even while lawmakers continued to butcher his legislative agenda on job creation programs and tax cuts. The Tampa Bay Times’ Jeremy Wallace reports for “The Buzz” blog.
Senate jump-starts incentive bill, but more funding still a long shot
The Senate breathed new life Wednesday into a seemingly stalled economic incentive bill that touches on a policy that tops Gov. Rick Scott’s wish list, but the funding to go with the policy remains a long shot. Matt Dixon reports for Politico Florida.
Pastor Protection Act passes House, heads to Senate
Responding to a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year, the Florida Legislature is poised to pass a controversial bill aimed at protecting clergy members who object to performing wedding ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples, the Palm Beach Post reports.
“Common Sense” Needle Exchange Pilot Passes House, Heads to Governor
Pointing to a high rate of new HIV cases in South Florida, the House on Wednesday gave final approval to a bill that would create a pilot needle-exchange program in Miami-Dade County. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Jim Saunders reports via SunshineStateNews.com.
Don Gaetz Attempts To Resurrect Open Carry
Senator Don Gaetz is hoping to breathe new life into a proposal that allows concealed weapon permit holders to openly carry their weapons. Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster reports for FloridaPolitics.com.
Major Changes Near For Florida’s Divorce Laws
The Legislature is poised to pass a major rewrite of Florida’s alimony and child-support laws that will impact the nearly 80,000 divorces filed each year. Lloyd Dunkelberger reports for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
It’s Donald Trump vs. Doral neighbors in landscaping war
It’s a little like Trump vs. Mexico, only with a greener barrier. The Miami Herald reports.
U.S. House Committee Passes Private Flood Insurance Bill
The House Financial Services Committee this morning approved a proposal intended to encourage more private insurers to write flood insurance, Insurance Journal reports.
Oklahoma’s Workers’ Comp Opt-Out Act Ruled Unconstitutional
The Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission has determined that the opt-out portion of the state’s 2013 workers’ compensation statute is unconstitutional. Insurance Journal’s Stephanie K. Jones reports.
Alabama to Host Scientific Research Study of Southern Tornadoes
Weather researchers say they expect about 40 scientists from around the nation to participate in “VORTEX Southeast,” an upcoming study of the unique characteristics of tornadoes that develop in the South. Jeff Martin reports for Insurance Journal.
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