Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report–Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Jan 12, 2016

 

Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate isn’t ready to share views on Citizens changes

Sha’Ron James, Florida’s new insurance consumer advocate, isn’t ready to offer an opinion about a controversial package of policy changes approved in early December by Citizens Property Insurance, the Sun-Sentinel’s Ron Hurtibise reports.

 

Southwest Florida twister most powerful since 1953

The Cape Coral EF2 tornado was worst in Southwest Florida since 1953, experts say.  USA Today reports.

 

EEOC supports Florida professor’s sexual orientation bias suit

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is continuing to pursue its stance that federal discrimination law extends to sexual orientation bias, with an amicus brief filed last week with a federal appeals court.  Judy Greenwald reports for Business Insurance.

 

Confie Acquires Florida-Based Most Insurance

Confie, a national provider of personal and commercial lines insurance, has acquired Most Insurance, LLC of Tampa, Florida, Insurance Journal reports.

 

More than 140 women say the same Jacksonville plastic surgeon botched procedures

Two weeks after The Florida Times-Union reported on lawsuits filed against a well-known plastic surgeon accusing him of enlarging their breasts more than they wanted, 10 women shared nearly identical experiences with the newspaper and another 141 have contacted a law firm.

 

Florida Legislature’s opening day features voices of Governor, others

Florida lawmakers open the 2016 legislative session Tuesday with Governor Rick Scott pushing them to sharpen their focus on the $1 billion business-oriented package of tax breaks he says is needed to keep the state’s economy firing.  John Kennedy reports for the Palm Beach Post.

 

Off-radar issues could have big Session impact

It’s the low-profile policy areas that could also have a big impact on the 2016 Legislative Session, Politico Florida’s Matt Dixon says.

 

Florida clarifies super PAC rules after auditing state contributions

As election officials were sending a round of audit letters aimed at state political contributions to presidential super PACs supporting Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio, the state Division of Elections was working to beef up language clarifying that those types of contributions are not allowed.  Politico Florida’s Matt Dixon reports.

 

Near-riot quelled in North Florida prison but agency faces more questions of understafffing

Florida prison officials acknowledged Monday that they had to fire warnings shots, shoot inmates with non-lethal pellets and put a North Florida prison on lockdown to prevent a riot last week.  The Miami Herald’s Mary Ellen Klas reports via the “Naked Politics” blog.

 

Florida Republican Party posts lowest fundraising total since 2003

The Republican Party of Florida posted its lowest fundraising year since 2003, new campaign finance reports released Monday show.  The Tampa Bay Times’ Jeremy Wallace reports via the “Naked Politics” blog.

 

Two More Carriers Settle Death Master File Dispute, Bringing Total to 24

Jackson National and Axa are the latest life and annuity carriers to settle with state regulators over the use of the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File, Cyril Tuohy reports for InsuranceNewsNet.com.

 

New Jersey Governor Christie Signs Certificates of Insurance Bill

A new law signed by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie yesterday will govern the use of certificates of insurance, making it illegal to request the issuance of certificates that contain any false or misleading information.  The law will provide the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance with enforcement authority with respect to their use, Insurance Journal reports.

 

Louisiana drivers spend more on auto insurance than all but New Jersey, New York, D.C.

Louisiana motorists spent more on auto insurance — an average of $1,146 in 2013 — than drivers in two other states and the District of Columbia, The Advocate reports.

 

The Changing Surplus Lines Landscape in California and Beyond

The changing excess and surplus insurance landscape was an oft discussed topic at the California Wholesalers Insurance Association on Monday, with experts describing the challenges and opportunities going forward.  Insurance Journal’s Don Jergler reports.

 

 

 

 

Click here to follow Colodny Fass on Twitter (@ColodnyFassLaw)

 

To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please send an e-mail to colodnyfassnews@gmail.com