Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Friday, July 10
Jul 10, 2009
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State Farm may keep property insurance in Florida, commissioner says
State Farm, the largest private property insurer in Florida, may decide not to leave the state, Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty said Thursday.
Editorial: Citizens’ premium rate hike is necessary
As a rule, we like insurance-rate increases about as much as we like hurricanes — not at all. However, the latest hike proposed by Citizens Property Insurance is necessary, and, in fairness, overdue.
ICAT Damage Estimator: Hurricanes Can Cause Big Damage in July
Today marks the four-year anniversary of Hurricane Dennis, a Category 3 storm that slammed into the panhandle of Florida with sustained winds of 120 m.p.h.
Florida‘s worst drivers will have to retake driving test
Rack up three crash-related tickets in three years and you’ll be back behind the wheel — for a driving test — under a new Florida law that becomes effective Jan. 1.
Florida will soon start sending some of the state’s worst drivers back to school.
Florida prepares for swine flu vaccine
Florida’s surgeon general says the state is preparing for massive swine flu immunizations,
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: Special Budget Session Unlikely, State Economist Says
Saying recent estimates appear to be holding up, the Legislature’s top economist on Thursday said it was unlikely lawmakers would have to return for a special session this fall to tweak the state budget.
Gov. Crist smashes fundraising record in U.S. Senate race
Gov. Charlie Crist raised more than $4.3 million in his first seven weeks as a U.S. Senate candidate, an astonishing sum of money that is more than his likely Democratic challenger has raised in six months.
Florida’s credit risk 10th in U.S.
Florida ranked 10th in the nation in the TransUnion Credit Risk Index’s first quarter at 143.80, a statistic developed to measure the changes in average consumer credit risk.
New state rule makes it easier for development in several Treasure Coast cities
Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce and Sebastian have been formally designated as dense urban land areas, where a new state growth rule allows development to go up without road and transit upgrades.
Six make short list for Hillsborough supervisor of elections
Fewer than a third of those applying for Hillsborough County supervisor of elections will be interviewed by the person making the hire, Gov. Charlie Crist.
Read Crist’s lips: No new stimulus – probably
Charlie Crist was one of the few Republicans to support President Obama’s $787 billion stimulus package this year.
Florida Communities Pay Attention to a Tax Case
The Villages, a sprawling retirement community in Central Florida, has become embroiled in a dispute with the I.R.S. over tax-exempt bonds and back taxes.
New House Bill Would Extend Flood Program Without Change
Legislation was introduced in the House today to reauthorize and extend the current National Flood Insurance Program past the current Sept. 30 cutoff to March 31, 2010.
Groups Voice Opposing Views On U.S. Catastrophe Policy
Two organizations battling over public policy for natural catastrophes issued competing statements concerning what kind of federal legislation should address the problem.
Boston EMS chief tapped for number two post at FEMA
Richard A. Serino, the unassuming Dorchester native who climbed the ranks from Codman Hill to the head of Boston Emergency Medical Services over the past 36 years, has been chosen by President Obama to assume the number two post at the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Louisiana Citizens CEO: Expect Another Rate Hike in 2010
Louisiana’s state-backed property insurance company will probably seek another rate hike for next year, roughly a 10 percent statewide average increase, on top of this year’s 7 percent increase, the firm’s chief executive said.
Texas Supreme Court Rules for Insured in Appraisal Clause Case
The Texas Supreme Court recently upheld an appeals court ruling that favors the insured in a dispute over the scope of an appraisal clause in a homeowners insurance policy.
Tax deduction may apply to homeowners with Chinese drywall
Homeowners affected by tainted Chinese drywall may be eligible for a tax deduction, the Internal Revenue Service said in a letter sent to U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and other legislators last week.
Georgia Gubernatorial Candidate Oxendine Returns Insurance Contributions
Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine has returned $120,000 that was funneled into his gubernatorial campaign by two insurance firms.
New York Eases Compensation Disclosure Mandate for Producers
The New York State Insurance Department this week released a new draft of a rule governing when and how insurance producers must disclose their compensation and competing quotes to customers.
Allstate Finds Washington, D.C. Is U.S. Crash Capital
Washington, the national center for lawmaking, has the most dangerous or lawless drivers according to the latest findings from Allstate.
Document Indicates SEC, Commodity Futures Trading Commission to Police Derivatives
U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is expected to propose on Friday giving securities and futures regulators authority to police the largely unregulated over-the-counter derivatives market, according to a document obtained by Reuters.
Bill Gates tries to stop hurricanes
Bill Gates and his friends in the past have explored subjects as diverse as electromagnetic engines and beer kegs. Now they’re thinking even bigger – trying to stop hurricanes.
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