Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Monday, September 14
Sep 14, 2009
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State-run hurricane protection program’s value questioned
The state-run hurricane mitigation program, My Safe Florida Home, has been defunct for nearly three months.
Demotech Issues September Florida Property Insurer Ratings
The list below enumerates the companies that are actively participating in our review and analysis process and provides their current Financial Stability Rating® (FSR). These insurers will continue to be reviewed and analyzed on at least a quarterly basis.
Tampa-based Institute Study Shows Hurricane Storm Surge Threatens More Coastal Properties
Superior Construction and Elevation Are Key to Home and Business Survival
Government minimum flood elevation requirements for properties vulnerable to storm surge throughout the Gulf Coast region are woefully inadequate, according to a new study of property damage caused by Hurricane Ike, which struck the Bolivar Peninsula near Galveston, Texas one year ago yesterday, Sept. 13, 2008.
Letter to the Editor: Insurer of last resort? Florida model works
Floridians were having trouble getting insurance. Some found it unaffordable; others were deemed high risk, and were denied coverage at any price. Insurance companies refused to renew people who filed large claims, or simply canceled coverage as the insurance companies purged their books of potentially risky business.
Florida Condo Laws and Termite Boundaries
Termites can be a source of nuisance, especially if the attached neighbors are uncooperative.
Special election to fill open state senate seat
Voters in parts of five northeast Florida counties will choose a successor to the late Sen. Jim King.
‘People’s Governor’ Crist may have trouble with conservatives in Senate race
Charlie Crist is swimming in campaign money, and polls consistently show him to be among the most popular politicians in America.
Charlie Crist could be vulnerable in race for U.S. Senate
Crist’s popularity as governor doesn’t always extend to members of his own Republican Party, and that might make him vulnerable as he runs for U.S. Senate.
Florida governor’s race need more choice, says possible candidate Dockery
Primaries can be expensive, bruising and divisive.
Former House Speaker Sansom trying to quash perjury charges
Former House Speaker Ray Sansom wants to quash perjury charges on grounds that State Attorney Willie Meggs had no right to ask him what the Legislature intended in funding a $6 million airport project.
Regulate growth, or not? Do we need more homes?
Gov. Charlie Crist and the Cabinet are scheduled to decide on Tuesday whether 400 acres of rolling horse country outside Ocala can be developed into about 800 homes.
Ethics complaint against PSC official dismissed
In a closed-door hearing, the Florida Commission on Ethics on Friday dismissed a complaint against Public Service Commissioner Lisa Edgar for using her aide to communicate with a utility executive.
Trial lawyers, Big Business allied against Seminole gambling pact
Trial lawyers and Big Business don’t agree on much, but both are now opposing Gov. Charlie Crist’s new Seminole gambling deal.
COLUMN: It’s time to redefine Florida
Some are saying the gild is off the Florida lily, that last year’s decline in the state’s population — reversing a trend that lasted for most of the past century — shows that the land of sunshine is losing its appeal for newcomers and retirees.
Florida federal prisons top sex-abuse list
The sexual abuse of federal inmates by federal prison workers is getting worse, and two of the top three trouble spots are in Florida, a Justice Department report shows.
Louisiana Citizens Board OKs Proposed Rate Hike For 2010
Policyholders of Louisiana’s state-backed property insurance company will see an average statewide rate increase of about 10 percent next year, under a proposal preliminarily approved by the firm’s board on Sept. 10.
Researchers Say Insurance Rate Regulation Drives Up Its Cost
An analysis of property insurance trends by two academics suggests that post-disaster property insurance rate regulation actually drives up the prices it purports to control.
Catastrophe Bonds Extend Weekly Gains as Storms Ease
Catastrophe bonds, used by investors to bet against natural disasters, advanced for a record 10th straight week on fewer storms in the U.S. and improved capital markets.
Allstate Settles Agent Age Discrimination Case For $4.5M
Allstate Insurance Company has agreed to settle a government age discrimination suit by paying $4.5 million to 90 older agents impacted by a company reorganization, it was announced.
Guy Carpenter: World Catastrophe Reinsurance Market 2009: Executive Summary
Reinsurance rates increased by 8 percent through the 2009 reinsurance renewals, as measured by the Guy Carpenter World Catastrophe Rate on Line (ROL) Index.
Your credit rating may drive up your auto-insurance tab
When her car-insurance company raised her premium 50 percent, Kimberly Abbes fought back.
Homeowners Insurance Rates Going Up in Alabama
Insurance rates are going up for many Alabama homeowners.
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