Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report – Thursday, May 25, 2017
May 25, 2017
Citizens unveils managed repair network on July 1
Effective July 1, new and renewing Citizens policies will include language providing customers with access to Citizens’ network of approved repair contractors. The Sun-Sentinel’s Ron Hurtibise reports.
Tampa Bay is ground-zero for assignment of benefits cases over broken auto glass
Now, instead of property insurers being sued for busted water pipes and leaking roofs, it’s auto insurers sued for cracked windshields. And instead of south Florida – the focal point of the water damage insurance claims – Tampa Bay is now ground zero for auto glass claims. Malena Carollo reports for the Tampa Bay Times.
Mar-a-Lago has a sinkhole. They’re a serious problem in Florida
The US Geological Service estimates that sinkhole damages average at least $300 million a year. And Florida leads the nation in sinkhole damage, reporting some of the most shocking incidents in recent years. Sarah Frostenson reports for Vox.com.
Florida Specialty Insurance acquires Pinellas Park’s Mount Beacon Insurance
Under the terms of the deal, Florida Specialty is required to issue short-term policies to all Mount Beacon policyholders that give them identical coverage and premiums for the remainder of their policy. Jeremy Wallace reports for the Tampa Bay Times.
New Broward rules protect against climate change flooding
The county is requiring new building projects to be able to drain larger amounts of water to prevent the flash floods. Larry Barszewski reports for the Sun-Sentinel.
Florida CFO: $8M Recovered in Q1 Through Insurance Consumer Helpline
Insurance specialists working to assist Floridians through Florida’s insurance consumer helpline recovered nearly $8.1 million in the first quarter of 2017, according to a statement from Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, Insurance Journal reports.
Hurricane Matthew brings price gouging, fraud and scams
Florida’s attorney general on Tuesday said in the wake of Hurricane Matthew, her office has received thousands of complaints about price gouging, including 220 from the Treasure Coast and Brevard County, FloridaToday.com reports.
Florida reaps $1.6 million from settlement with Johnson & Johnson
Florida’s share of a settlement with Johnson & Johnson over adulterated over-the-counter drugs will exceed $1.6 million, FloridaPolitics.com reports.
Insurer prevails in dispute involving camera operator’s death
The action was settled in 2014 for $6.5 million, consisting of the CGL and umbrella policies’ $5 million of coverage plus $1.5 million contributed by the company that owned the land where the accident occurred, Jacksonville, Florida-based Rayonier Performance Fibers L.L.C., according to the ruling. Judy Greenwald reports for Business Insurance.
Scott vetoes bill to tear down “liquor wall”
Pointing to concerns about preserving small-business jobs, Governor Rick Scott on Wednesday vetoed a heavily debated and lobbied measure that supporters said would repeal a relic of the nation’s emergence from Prohibition. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Jim Turner reports via the Tallahassee Democrat.
Governor Rick Scott to “act in taxpayers’ best interest” with state budget
While the governor has yet to formally receive the $82.4 billion state budget, Scott said his office has been reviewing the budget. Claire Aronson reports for the Bradenton Herald.
Joe Gruters makes his pick for House Speaker
State Representative Joe Gruters is backing Paul Renner to be Florida House Speaker in 2022-2024, FloridaPolitics.com Publisher Peter Schorsch reports.
Zika arrived in Florida 3 months before detection, study says
Zika began spreading in Florida mosquitoes about three months before infections showed up in the Miami area last summer, and the virus likely was carried in by travelers from the Caribbean, new research suggests. The Associated Press reports via Crain’s Miami.
UM Hospital layoffs begin amid restructuring
University of Miami Hospital layoffs are underway as administrators start restructuring the UHealth system to offer more care in outpatient facilities instead of overnight hospital stays. Administrators wouldn’t say how many employees will lose their jobs at the 560-bed UM Hospital. The Miami Herald reports via Crain’s Miami.
Amendment 1 lawsuit may rev up after Session
A lawsuit over the state’s environmental funding under a new constitutional amendment is expected to resume now that the annual Session is in lawmakers’ rear-view mirror. Jim Rosica reports for SaintPetersBlog.com.
Two southwest Florida cities among nation’s fastest-growing
The U.S. Census Bureau on Thursday said Bonita Springs and Fort Myers respectively had the 8th and 15th fastest growth rates in the nation. The Associated Press reports via SaintPetersBlog.com.
Dr. Beach names Florida’s Siesta Beach best beach in U.S.
The sand on Siesta Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast is as fine as powdered sugar, a pure, sparkling white and soft as a kitten’s fur – all because it’s comprised of 99 percent pure crushed quartz. Tamara Lush reports via SaintPetersBlog.com.
Rhode Island Insurance Agents Have New Coastal Insurance Market
Spinnaker’s New England distributor, Insurance Agency and Customer Service Company of New London, Conn., is offering selected agents appointments, Insurance Journal reports.
Insurance Auto Auctions Adds Over 40 Acres in Georgia
Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc. (IAA) today announced the expansion of its Savannah and Tifton, Georgia facilities. The growth of these facilities extends the company’s footprint across the seven locations in the state and demonstrates IAA’s commitment to responding to the increasing needs of its customers in this growing market.
Click here to follow Colodny Fass on Twitter (@ColodnyFassLaw)
To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please send an e-mail to news@colodnyfass.com