Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report: Tuesday, April 26
Apr 26, 2011
To go directly to the section of your choice, click on a hyperlink below. Other hyperlinks to meeting information, bills and news are noted in bold type.
Daily Florida Insurance-Related Events
Florida’s 2011 Regular Legislative Session
- Click here for today’s Senate block calendar
- Click here for today’s House of Representatives block calendar
9:45 a.m.–Senate Committee on Budget
- SB 1330 relating to Residential Property Insurance by Senator Alan Hays
- CS/SB 1714 relating to Citizens Property Insurance Corporation by the Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance; Senator Alan Hays
- CS/SB 1590 relating to Medical Malpractice Actions by the Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance; Senator Alan Hays
11:00 a.m.–House Session
- HB 617 relating to Discriminatory Taxes/Reinsurance by State Representative Jeff Brandes
- SB 484 relating to Discriminatory Taxes/Reinsurance by Senator Alan Hays
1:00 p.m.–Senate Committee on Rules
- CS/SB 1252 relating to Persons Designated to Receive Insurer Notification by Senate Committee on Budget; Senator Chris Smith
- CS/CS/SB 1568 relating to Insurer Insolvency by the Senate Committee on Budget; Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance; Senator Bill Montford
- CS/SB 1930 relating to Motor Vehicle Personal Injury Protection Insurance by the Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance; Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff
- CS/SB 1714 relating to Citizens Property Insurance Corporation by the Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance; Senator Alan Hays
Governor clarifies position on Citizens insurance
Governor Rick Scott distanced himself Monday from a secret plan his top aides pushed in February to shut down Citizens Property Insurance, the state-run insurer that covers more than 1 million Florida households that cannot get insurance on the private market.
Call for care on Citizens changes
Saying he wants to hear from Governor Rick Scott’s office and industry lobbyists, a state senator is trying to delay a committee vote today on a bill that would dramatically increase state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp. rates while dropping some customers.
Senator tries to delay rate increase bill
Saying he wants to hear from Governor Rick Scott’s office and industry lobbyists, a state senator tried to delay a committee vote Monday on a bill that would dramatically increase state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp. rates while dropping some customers.
As state leaders push for higher rates, property insurers enjoy robust year
In keeping with his mantra that smaller government is better government, Florida Gov. Rick Scott reportedly wants to do away with state-backed Citizens Property Insurance.
Citizens policy holders in Florida watch premiums rise
Seeking warm weather, Debbie and Mark Roman decided recently to move from Pennsylvania to South Florida, and locked into a Coral Springs ranch house for $299,999. The price was right, the pool a plus, and the four bedrooms offer plenty of space to work from home.
Editorial: Governor Scott’s careless insurance plan
Citizens Property Insurance was created by the state government in response to a crisis. It is operating today in response to subsequent crises.
George and Roseann Elsbree used to be seasonal residents of Indian River County.
Chief Executive Officer of Florida’s Homeowners Choice Resigns for Personal Reasons
Homeowners Choice Inc., a Clearwater, Florida-based provider of homeowners’ insurance, reported that Francis X. McCahill III has resigned from his position of president and chief executive officer and director of the company and its subsidiaries, effective date of June 30, 2011, for personal reasons.
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: Personal Injury Protection Bills Stall in House, Senate
Florida Justice Association: Legislation isn’t addressing fraud
An insurance-backed effort to make it easier for the industry to deny personal injury protection claims stalled in both chambers Monday following a withering assault from attorneys who represent motorists, physicians, chiropractors and other providers.
If Florida legislators needed any further evidence that they must stop out-of-control fraud and litigation in the state’s Personal Injury
Victims of government mistakes face struggle for compensation
They have endured a heart-wrenching trial in which their daughter’s killers received life sentences.
In surprise move, Senate passes Supreme Court split
In a play to speed budget negotiations with the House, a key Senate committee on Monday dropped its resistance to a controversial proposal that would give lawmakers and the governor more power over the Florida Supreme Court.
Thurston told him he would consult with his members and respond.
Florida Governor Scott’s effort to end corporate income tax may be dead
Governor Rick Scott’s promise to eliminate the state corporate income tax may ring hollow, with a cash-strapped Legislature reluctant to get on board and a Senate committee on Monday punting the issue in its final meeting.
Blog: Senate panel approves sentencing guideline, mandatory minimum changes
The Senate Judiciary Committee gave tepid approval to a measure sponsored by Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale,that would give judges discretion over sentencing for drug traffickers and lower from 85 to 65 percent the amount of time non-violent offenders would have to serve.
Senate Appropriations Chairman JD Alexander this afternoon accused his House counterparts of foot dragging as the Legislature enters the final two weeks of session $3.3 billion apart in budget negotiations.
With likely passage today in the Florida House of a bill prohibiting local governments from regulating firearms, some Santa Rosa County residents are worried that a noise ordinance that quieted a makeshift gun range on Soundside Drive near Gulf Breeze will be repealed.
Hundreds of immigrant activists and supporters are organizing protests this week across Florida to protest two tough immigration bills being debated in the Legislature.
Criminals could foot the bill for the state’s prescription drug database under a plan launched by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Florida Senator Mike Fasano: Florida’s renegade Republican
He never graduated high school. He doesn’t bother to insure his home. He even cheers for the Mets.
Showroom on wheels lets Boca-based remodelers bring advice, samples to clients
Boca Raton resident Jeff Bonina and his wife wanted to remodel their kitchen and bathroom, but for a long time, it all remained just a desire.
Louisiana Governor Jindal’s insurance privatization plan gets scrutiny
Governor Bobby Jindal’s proposal to hire a private company to run health Insurance programs for state workers and retirees is getting legislative scrutiny. Georgia Passes Bill Regulating Insurance Certificates
Mississippi’s Haley Barbour Will Not Seek Republican Nomination in 2012
Former Mississippi governor popular with activists but not catching on in the polls
Governor Haley Barbour announced Monday he will not seek the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.
A.M. Best Special Report: Reinsurer Capacity Grew in 2010 Despite Catastrophe Maneuvers
A string of major catastrophes, a persistent soft market and the near exhaustion of excess reserves have placed global reinsurers at a critical point, and the industry’s response may determine whether A.M. Best Co.’s outlook on the sector remains stable or turns negative.
To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please send an email to bellis@cftlaw.com.