Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report – Tuesday, January 10, 2017

 

Contractors mount defense of assignment of benefits agreements

During a hearing today, the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee heard from defenders of AOB agreements, FloridaPolitics.com’s Michael Moline reports.

 

Negron will renew push to end insurance industry’s jobs credit

Florida’s insurance industry has a political fight on its hands in the upcoming legislative session.  The Tampa Bay Times’ Steve Bousquet reports via “The Buzz” blog.

 

National homebuilder blames Tampa contractor for stucco problems in 8 communities

One of the country’s largest homebuilders is accusing a past subcontractor after multiple complaints sprouted from eight Florida communities. Jade Osa

 

Palm Beach County set to approve $3.4M in Hurricane Matthew disaster aid

Although Matthew spared South Florida serious damage, Palm Beach County officials say they incurred costs placing the emergency operations center on the highest level of alertness.  Skyler Swisher reports for the Sun-Sentinel.

 

At USAA Florida headquarters, Rick Scott introduces education affordability proposal

Scott traveled to the New Tampa headquarters of USAA, the financial services company for the military community and their families, where he unveiled what his staff is calling his, “Finish in Four, Save More” legislative and budget proposals to encourage colleges and universities to make higher education more affordable, FloridaPolitics.com’s Mitch Perry reports.

 

State poised to allow aquifer pumping near Silver Springs

Deeply embedded in limestone and replenished by rain, the aquifer provides Central and North Florida with much of its drinking water and is essential in the circulatory systems of springs, rivers, lakes and wetlands.  The Orlando Sentinel’s Kevin Spear reports.

 

Seccombe out as Visit Florida CEO, Ken Lawson named as replacement

The political pressure around a previously secret $1 million marketing contract with musician Pitbull was too much to save the head of Florida’s besieged tourism marketing agency.  The Tampa Bay Times’ Jeremy Wallace reports via “The Buzz” blog.

 

Steve Crisafulli decides against run for Agriculture Commissioner in 2018

The Republican from Merritt Island, who was Florida House Speaker 2014-16, was widely expected to mount a statewide bid for the cabinet post, but like his predecessor in the Speakership – Will Weatherford – family priorities won out.  FloridaPolitics.com Publisher Peter Schorsch reports.

 

It’s settled;  Challenge dropped; Bobby Powell is senator from West Palm

State Senator Bobby Powell, D-West Palm Beach, no longer faces a challenge to his election after his Republican foe withdrew his contest of the race and Florida Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, dissolved a committee to review the matter.  George Bennett reports for the Palm Beach Post.

 

House budget chairman starts looking for programs to cut

Florida House Appropriations Committee Chairman Carlos Trujillo promised to get to work this year on attacking budget deficits that loom during the next two years.  Michael Moline reports for FloridaPolitics.com.

 

Newest data ranks Florida’s kids at 40 out of 50 states

Florida’s children rank 40th in the nation when it comes to their health, education and economic well-being, new data suggests, and close to a million of them are living in poverty – a number that dipped slightly from a year earlier.  Kate Santich reports via the Orlando Sentinel.

 

Senate readies this year’s gambling bill

A Senate spokeswoman on Tuesday said the chamber’s legislative package on gambling should be ready for hearing later this month.  Jim Rosica reports via FloridaPolitics.com.

 

NFIP:  Number of Flood Policies in Louisiana Spikes to More than 480K

The National Flood Insurance Program says there are now more than 480,000 active NFIP flood policies in Louisiana following the March and August floods, representing an increase of more than 35,000 policies, Insurance Journal reports.

 

 

 

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