Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report – Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Feb 1, 2017
Appeal stands in State Farm hurricane-compensation ruling
A judgment in a hurricane insurance-coverage case will not be reviewed, the Florida Supreme Court ruled, citing lack of jurisdiction over the case. Christina Suttles reports for the Florida Record.
Florida Court Says Uber Drivers Are Independent Contractors, Not Employees
Siding with ridesharing company Uber, a Florida appeals court upheld a decision by the state governor’s administration saying Uber drivers are independent contractors, not employees. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Dara Kam reports via CBS Local Miami.
Florida high court: Limits on lawyers’ fees unconstitutional
The Florida Supreme Court is declaring limits on lawyers’ fees paid in so-called claims bills are unconstitutional. The Associated Press reports via the Tampa Tribune.
Economists’ Study Claims Harm to Florida Consumers from Neal Bill
A study’s data warns of correlation between reinsurance tax and consumer tax hike according to the Coalition for Competitive Insurance Rates.
ARC, Topa Insurance Launch Coverage for Post-Hurricane Losses in Florida
Topa Insurance Co. has formed an exclusive partnership with Assured Risk Cover to launch StormPeace, an insurance product in Florida designed to protect insureds from economic loss incurred by a named hurricane and is available through a select network of appointed agents, Insurance Journal reports.
Florida’s Rising Traffic Deaths Prompt Statewide “Arrive Alive” Safety Campaign
The Advocates report says Florida is missing a rear primary enforcement seat belt law, all rider-motorcycle helmet law, booster seat law, five of the seven teen driving provisions it recommends, an initiation interlock law, and an all-driver text messaging restriction.
Justices rule medical documents must be disclosed
In a ruling that could have implications for medical-malpractice cases across the state, the Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday said a Jacksonville hospital system was required to provide records to a patient’s family because of a 2004 constitutional amendment. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Jim Saunders reports via SayfieReview.com.
Scott’s $84 billion budget wish list marks clear battle lines with House, Senate leaders
Governor Rick Scott outlined a nearly $84 billion budget proposal Tuesday that would boost state funding to record levels, sock away roughly $5 billion in state reserves, and continues his administration’s fight with the hospital industry. Matt Dixon reports for Politico Florida.
- Scott budget plan boosts cash for schools, cuts it for hospitals
- Governor Rick Scott pushes tax cuts, jobs programs in budget proposal
- Property taxpayers to shoulder most of Scott’s proposed $815M increase for schools
- Contrasting visions portend clash of state leaders this spring
- 10 highlights from Governor Rick Scott’s proposed budget
- Negron now has to push for Everglades reservoir after Scott’s budget request leaves it out
Jeff Brandes, Jason Fischer team up to reform local pensions
For the second straight week, State Representative Jason Fischer and Senator Jeff Brandes are teaming up on another ambitious pension reform bill. A.G. Gancarski reports for FloridaPolitics.com.
What Legislative leaders want to clean up during session
Florida Senate President Joe Negron and House Speaker Richard Corcoran both said what they want to clean up during the coming legislative session – but Negron focused on waterways and college student finances while Corcoran is concentrating on state agencies, the Associated Press reports.
House Speaker says he is exposing “cockroaches”
Saying he is shining a light on “cockroaches,” House Speaker Richard Corcoran railed on everything from the governor’s priorities to a wayward judge. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Dara Kam reports via SayfieReview.com.
Florida Senator Denise Grimsley to run for agriculture commissioner
Florida Senator Denise Grimsley said Wednesday she will run for agriculture commissioner in 2018, becoming the first lawmaker or statewide political figure to announce a bid for an open Cabinet seat or the governor’s office.
Jeff Brandes files medical marijuana implementing bill
Senator Jeff Brandes wants a total overhaul of the state’s medical marijuana laws, FloridaPolitics.com’s Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster reports.
U.S. Drone Rules Face Further Delay Over Security, Deregulation Issues
A long-awaited framework for allowing drone flights over people – a key step in the growth of the industry – has been put on hold because of security concerns, prompting fears that the standards will get caught up in the Trump administration’s anti-regulatory push. Alan Levin reports for Insurance Journal.
Coalition Urges Modernization of National Flood Insurance Program
A U.S. flood insurance program that is drowning in billions of dollars in debt can be modernized to bolster its finances while curbing the public’s exposure to flood risks, a national coalition said in a reform proposal unveiled on Wednesday. Reuters’ Suzanne Barlyn reports via Insurance Journal.
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