Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report – Thursday, October 27, 2016

Oct 27, 2016

 

FEMA Extends Filing Deadline for Florida NFIP Claims from Hurricane Hermine

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has Extended the Deadline for National Flood Insurance Program Florida Policyholders to File Claims from Hurricane Hermine, Insurance Journal reports.


Florida Insurance Regulators Provide Additional Details of Legislative Priorities

Cracking down on shady Contractors and Attorneys is the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation’s top priority for the 2017 Legislative Session, but Officials made clear Wednesday they intend to protect Consumers’ Rights in drafting their Proposals.  Michael Moline reports for FloridaPolitics.com.

 

Clean-Up Deal Reached for Florida Sinkhole that Contaminated Water

Florida Officials have reached a Deal with the Company responsible for a large Sinkhole that resulted in millions of gallons of contaminated water pouring into a drinking water aquifer.  The Associated Press reports via Insurance Journal.

 

Tallahassee’s Post-Hurricane Recovery Task Force Recommendations:  How to Best Recover

Hurricane Hermine swept through Florida’s Panhandle and side-swiped Tallahassee last month.  Though it was only a Category 1 Hurricane with minimal winds, it nevertheless created havoc in the tree-loving State Capital.  Jeff Kottkamp and J. Sam Bell write a guest column for SunshineStateNews.com.

 

After Matthew – Largest Homeowners Insurance Provider in the Area Creates Helpline Open to All

Security First Insurance has received more than 10,000 Claims as a result of Hurricane Matthew, more than any other Homeowner’s Insurance Company in Florida. Headquartered in Ormond Beach, it’s the largest Homeowner’s Provider in the areas hardest hit by the storm. 

 

Hurricane Floods Homeless Housing in Historic St. Augustine

St. Augustine, Florida was among the communities affected by flooding after Hurricane Matthew, and damage included the loss of 88 beds in its main homeless shelter.  The Homeless Coalition’s transitional home, which is not insured, was also affected.  The Associated Press’ Jason Dearen reports.

 

Florida Appeals Court Agrees Damage Caps Unconstitutional

Non-Economic Damages in Medical-Malpractice Lawsuits have been ruled Unconstitutional, THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA reports via the Florida Times-Union.

 

Florida Scientists Call on Trump to Address Climate Change

On Wednesday, a letter signed by 26 Scientists from the State’s largest Universities, including the University of Florida, University of Miami, Florida A&M, Florida State and a half dozen other schools asked to meet with the Republican Presidential Candidate to present the latest findings on climate science.   The Miami Herald’s Jenny Staletovich reports via the “Naked Politics” blog.

 

MetLife Sued Over Denial of Life Insurance Benefits

Tabitha Deguido filed a Complaint on Oct. 24, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida against the Defendants alleging that they denied Plaintiff’s Claim for Life Benefits left by her husband.  Wadi Reformed reports for the Florida Record.

 

Next Florida House Speaker Says Company Should Repay Incentives

The incoming Speaker for the Florida House said Wednesday he intends to hold Sanford Burnham Institute accountable for failing to create jobs it promised in order to get government funding.  Mary Shanklin and Naseem S. Miller  report for the Orlando Sentinel.

 

Questions Raised About Pollution Notification Plan

Representatives of Utility Companies and Municipalities told Environmental Regulators this week they are concerned that a Proposed Pollution-Notification Rule could place excessive reporting burdens on Industry and Local Governments.  THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Ryan Ray reports via SayfieReview.com.

 

Why are Florida Utilities Spending $22 million to “Protect” Your Right to Solar Power?

Why would Florida’s Electric Utilities want to spend $22 million to get Voters to put into the State Constitution “Rights of Electricity Consumers regarding Solar Energy Choice,” if Consumers already have that legal right?  The Miami Herald’s Mary Ellen Klas reports via the “Naked Politics” blog.

 

Third DCA Upholds Flagstone Lawsuit Dismissal Amid Miami Referendum on Legal Standing

As Miami Voters consider a Ballot Question that would give all citizens a right to Sue the City Government over alleged Charter Violations, yet another Lawsuit against the City has been shot down on the grounds of Legal Standing.  The Miami Herald’s David Smiley reports via the “Naked Politics” blog.Q

 

White House Wants States to Limit Non-Compete Agreements

The Obama Administration says the Agreements keep many workers, particularly lower-wage ones, from moving to different companies where they might see pay increases.  Vice President Joe Biden said he heard from a Connecticut salesman who was laid off and forced to spend his savings because he was barred from accepting other sales jobs.  Reuters reports via Crain’s Miami.

 

 

 

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