Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report – Tuesday, March 14, 2017

 

Miami-Based Asbestos Firm Files Tortious Interference Lawsuit

A Miami-Based Law Firm that typically specializes in Asbestos Litigation has Filed a Lawsuit against a Former Client and his South Carolina Attorney for allegedly interfering with a business relationship in an effort to keep the Firm’s Fees to themselves.  Jessica Karmasek reports for LegalNewsLine.com.

 

Florida Scientists Fear Hurricane Forecasts, Climate Research Will Suffer Under Trump

On Monday, 32 Florida Scientists sent a Letter to the President voicing worry over Reports that the Department of Commerce, which overseas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has proposed Cutting 17 percent from its Budget, with the Nation’s Network of Satellites taking the biggest hit.   Jenny Staletovich reports via the Miami Herald’s “Naked Politics” blog.

 

Florida First Responders Could Get Workers’ Comp for PTSD

First Responders with PTSD could soon be eligible for lost wages while they get treatment.  Bills have been Filed in the Florida House and Senate to allow Workers’ Compensation Benefits for First Responders who suffer from “Mental or Nervous Issues.”  Laura Hussey reports for WEAR-TV.

 

Committee Recommends Jeffrey Bragg for Secretary of Elder Affairs

After a lengthy question and answer session, a Senate Panel unanimously recommended to confirm Former Florida Insurance Commissioner Candidate Jeffrey Bragg as Florida’s Secretary of Elder Affairs.  Les Neuhaus reports for FloridaPolitics.com.

 

Jeff Brandes Amends Ridesharing Bill in Florida Senate

St. Petersburg Republican Jeff Brandes has Amended his Ridesharing Bill (SB 340) that has been moving its way through the Legislative Process.  SaintPetersBlog.com’s Drew Wilson reports.

 

SpaceX Required to Carry More Insurance for Launches from Kennedy Space Center

The FAA Launch License awarded to SpaceX for the EchoStar 23 Mission stated that the Company has to carry $63 Million in Liability Coverage for any damage to Government Property during Prelaunch Activities.  Jeff Faust reports for SpaceNews.com.

 

Scott Signs Death Penalty Fix:  Florida Now Requires Unanimous Decision
After more than a year of uncertainty, Florida is again poised to begin Executions and Prosecute Death Penalty Cases after Governor Rick Scott signed a Law Monday aimed at fixing flaws in the State’s Capital Sentencing Procedure.  THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Jim Turner reports via the Palm Beach Post.

 

Miami Democrat McGhee Picked to Lead Florida House Democrats in 2018

McGhee beat out Fort Lauderdale Democrat Bobby DuBose. The Final Vote was 23-17. He would follow State Representative Janet Cruz, D-Tampa, who is the current Democratic Leader in the Florida House.  Jeremy Wallace reports via the Miami Herald’s “Naked Politics” blog.

 

Criminal Justice Reform Task Force and Other Reform Bills Advance in Florida Senate

A raft of Bills that would Reform Florida’s Criminal Justice System sponsored by St. Petersburg Republican Jeff Brandes were approved by the Senate yesterday.  FloridaPolitics.com’s Mitch Perry reports.

 

If the EPA Goes Away, is Florida Up To The Job of Protecting Its Own Environment?

In the six years since Rick Scott was elected Governor in 2011, the size of the State Agency charged with Protecting the Environment has shrunk by more than 600 Employees, dropping from about 3,500 to 2,900.  Craig Pittman reports for the Tampa Bay Times.

 

Insurance Debate Could Doom Border Adjustment Tax

As bad as the Warner-Neal Plan was, the Border Adjustment Proposal is many times worse.  Right Street’s Ian Adams and R.J. Lehmann write in TheHill.com.

 

Homeowners Insurance Increase Denied by Delaware Insurance Commissioner

A request by Windsor-Mount Joy Mutual Insurance Company to Increase Insurance Rates on more than 2,000 Manufactured Housing Policyholders in Delaware by 20%-30% has been denied by Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro.  Insurance Journal reports.

 

NAIC Increases Spotlight on Innovation and Emerging Technologies

Annual Investment in InsurTech increased to more than $2.5 Billion in 2016 and continued growth is expected in the coming years.

 

NAIC Releases Market Share Data

The 2016 Market Share Reports include countrywide Direct Written Premium for the top 25 Groups and Companies as Reported on the State Page of the Annual Statement for Insurers that report to the NAIC.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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