Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report: Tuesday, March 26
Mar 26, 2013
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 2013 Regular Legislative Session
- Click here for today’s Senate block calendar
- Click here for today’s House of Representatives block calendar
There are no Florida insurance-related events scheduled for today.
Daily Florida Insurance-Related News
Florida Lawmaker Wants to End Insurance Company Tax Credit
A top Senate Republican wants to roll back fees now charged to Floridians to renew their driver’s license and car tags.
This week the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee has the opportunity to better protect Florida consumers by voting in favor of SB 1262.
Blog: FIGA Reforms Should Increase Flexibility, Not Eliminate It
When it comes to property insurance reform in Florida, everyone is basically focused on proposals that deal with the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, Citizens Property Insurance Corp. and the (over) regulation of private insurance carriers in the state.
Personal Insurance Federation of Florida: Fixing Citizens Property Insurance
Spring brings many things in Florida: The crack of baseball bats, blooming azaleas, and, as lawmakers return to the state Capitol, the newest round of ideas to “fix” the state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.
Editorial: Taking chances in bad faith
The Florida Chamber of Commerce says the state is one of the worst in the nation for lawsuits and needs to curtail litigation.
The Florida Current’s Policy Note: Texting While Driving
Two bills that would ban texting while driving have advanced through committees and appear to be headed toward passage.
Losses increase for auto carrier Kingsway Financial
Kingsway Financial Services Inc. of Toronto, which last year announced the restructuring of its American underwriting subsidiaries, announced last week it lost $53 million in 2012.
Action 9 investigates insurance delays
Imagine a fire destroyed your home and then the insurance company wouldn’t tell you whether you’re covered.
15 arrested, accused of unlicensed contracting
Law enforcement officials arrested 15 unlicensed contractors Thursday after implementing a undercover investigation.
Editorial: Take new turn in reforming auto insurance in Florida
Auto insurance reform in Florida is dead.
Expansion of kids health insurance program stalled in Florida Legislature
With a third of the annual regular legislative session already gone, a bill that would close gaps in access to health care coverage for Florida children has passed just one committee and appears in danger of not passing.
Blog: Florida Governor Rick Scott Continues Welfare Drug Testing Appeal
Governor Rick Scott’s administration has asked the full 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals to decide whether the state can require drug tests for people seeking public-assistance benefits, reports the News Service of Florida.
Governor Rick Scott shuts down lieutenant governor’s office to save money
Florida Governor Rick Scott has temporarily shut down the lieutenant governor’s office in a money-saving move that will force four employees to scramble to find new jobs.
Governor Rick Scott releases first ad of 2014 campaign
Governor Rick Scott is officially in reelection mode.
Jim Greer Faces Sentencing This Wednesday
Former Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer, who pled guilty on the eve of a potentially politically salacious trial that could have aired the laundry of the state GOP and former Governor Charlie Crist, will find out his prison fate Wednesday, reports Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida.
State Representative Hudson pushing expanded state program to promote business growth
Some state lawmakers are hoping a proposal moving through the state House is just the fertilizer needed to grow Florida businesses.
Blog: Another Sign ’14 Run Is In The Works — Charlie Crist Leaving St. Joe Co. Board Of Directors
In a SEC filing posted last week, St. Joe Co. stated that former Governor Charlie Crist advised the company he will not seek re-election to its board of directors.
Blog: Florida Governor Rick Scott not showing his cards on Internet cafe ban bill
Governor Rick Scott still isn’t saying whether he’ll support legislation banning Internet sweepstakes cafes in Florida.
Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Borrowing Plan Stalls in Bond Commission
State officials stalled a decision on whether Louisiana’s property insurer of last resort should borrow $100 million to help close an anticipated budget gap.
Receivership Proposed for Texas’ Insurer of Last Resort
In a meeting on March 25, the board of directors of Texas’ insurer of last resort in coastal areas is expected to discuss the organization’s dire financial condition and the possibility of placing the organization into receivership.
Texas Brine Agrees to Louisiana Sinkhole Buyouts
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal says a Texas company blamed for the sinkhole that formed after the collapse of an underground salt cavern has agreed to provide settlement offers, which include buyouts, to the residents of the Bayou Corne community in Assumption Parish who were forced to evacuate the area as a result of the massive sinkhole.
Into the maelstrom: U.S. coastal population grows as storms intensify
The percentage of the U.S. population living in counties adjacent to coastline has reached nearly 40 percent in recent years, meaning more of us are exposed to extreme – and extremely costly – coastal storms such as Sandy and Isaac, according to a government report released Monday.
Golden day as Bermuda-linked insurance and reinsurance stocks hit highs
A raft of Bermuda-based and Bermuda-linked insurance and reinsurance companies have seen their stock prices hit one-year highs this week.
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