Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report – Thursday, November 10, 2016
Nov 10, 2016
Court sides with injured worker in Westphal benefits case
Pointing to a Florida Supreme Court ruling that found part of the workers’ compensation system unconstitutional, an appeals court Wednesday said a partially injured worker should be able to receive benefits beyond a limit in state law. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA reports via the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida appeals court rules medical malpractice limits are unconstitional
A second appeals court has declared that limits can’t be placed on the amount of money awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits and that setting such limits is unconstitutional, the Florida Record reports.
Hurricanes leave their mark on Tampa Bay’s property insurers
The two hurricanes, the first to hit Florida since Hurricane Wilma in 2005, were seen as a test to the insurance industry and the resources of insurers that were established in the decade after Wilma. Margie Manning reports for the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
1.2M available for some St. Johns County residents for Matthew relief
St. Johns County has $1.2 million in requested Florida State Housing Initiative Partnership Program disaster funds for qualifying income-eligible St. Johns County residents who experienced damage to their homes as a result of Hurricane Matthew, News4Jax.com reports.
Uber and Lyft get official go-ahead in Hillsborough
The Public Transportation Commission on Wednesday voted 4-3 to adopt a temporary agreement for the two ridesharing companies to operate legally in Hillsborough through 2017. Christopher O’Donnell reports for the Tampa Bay Times.
Broward Health data breach released patient information to tax fraud ring
For the second time in three years, a data breach at Broward Health has caused the release of personal patient information in what one district executive called “a ring of thugs.” Dan Christensen reports for FloridaBulldog.org.
Corcoran names House leadership team
Ready to formally take charge of the Florida House this month, incoming Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, on Wednesday named 11 lawmakers to his leadership team. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA reports via SunshineStateNews.com.
Scott not interested in Cabinet post in Trump administration
Governor Rick Scott on Wednesday said he would turn down any job offered by President-elect Donald Trump, but singled out Attorney General Pam Bondi as someone Trump should consider as he builds his administration. Christine Sexton reports for Politico Florida.
- Scott wants incoming Trump administration to repeal Obamacare as its top priority
- Trump Election Boosts Scott, Bondi
Here’s what Donald Trump’s election could mean for the economy in Tampa Bay and Florida
In an exponential reaction to Britain’s exit from the European Union, Trump’s election has triggered predictions that trade, tourism and international growth all could be stifled – a scenario with deep implications for the Tampa Bay economy, which relies on both foreign visitors and foreign investment. Jeff Harrington reports for the Tampa Bay Times.
Blue-collar counties key for Trump in Florida
Trump’s win in Florida reshaped, at least for a night, many of the geographic notions of how presidential elections are won in the state. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Brandon Larrabee reports via SayfieReview.com.
- Voter turnout in Collier was No. 1 among Florida counties, helping Trump win
- White Tampa Bay delivered Florida to Donald Trump
- What Florida politicos say about the Donald Trump election
Seminole Tribe of Florida wins battle to keep blackjack
The Seminole Tribe of Florida, which runs some of the state’s best known and most profitable casinos, scored a major victory Wednesday after a federal judge ruled the tribe can keep blackjack tables at its gambling operations. The Associated Press reports via the Tampa Tribune.
Disastrous financials cast shadow on Florida’s $85 million Hertz deal
Hertz Global Holdings, the parent company for Hertz rental car, is having a tough second Tuesday in November as its shareholders are electing to dump the company’s stock after it announced dismal third quarter earnings. William Patrick reports for FloridaWatchdog.org.
High court seems open to Miami’s plea for millions from banks for discriminatory housing loans
U.S. Supreme Court justices appear receptive to Miami’s argument that it’s entitled to sue banks under federal discrimination law for the impact from racially discriminatory loans. The Miami Herald’s James Rosen reports via the “Naked Politics” blog.
Collision Industry Advocate Mike Causey Wins North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Race
Republican Mike Causey, a consumer advocate, lobbyist and former BodyShop Business contributor, has won the North Carolina insurance commissioner’s race, Body Shop Business News reports.
- North Dakota elects new insurance commissioner
- Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler wins a fifth term
PCI expects Trump administration will review key regulatory matters
PCI expects that President-elect Donald Trump’s administration will assess insurance regulations and “that the net outcome will be positive for private competitive markets,” says Nat Wienecke of PCI. The association plans to push back on the Labor Department’s overtime rule, the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s disparate-impact rule and efforts for a “one-size-fits-all” global insurance standard, Wienecke says. Carrier Management online reports.
Election puts Department of Labor fiduciary rule on the bubble
The U.S. Department of Labor regulation to raise investment-advice standards for retirement accounts no longer looks like a finality with Donald Trump as president-elect and a Republican-controlled Congress. Investment News reports via Crain’s Miami.
PCI: “Crash tax” not solution for fire, police funding problems
“Crash taxes” for drivers involved in accidents are prohibited or restricted in 13 states, but they have continued to emerge as third-party billing companies seek business from local governments, says Robert Passmore of PCI.
Missouri Association of Mutual Insurance Companies Annual Conference Highlights Global Issues
Director John Huff has been recognized with Service Award for his public service as Missouri Chief Insurance Regulator.
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