Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Thursday, November 18
Nov 18, 2010
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The Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Agent and Agency Services has announced that, effective December 15, 2010, it will no longer accept VISA-branded credit or debit cards.
Florida Lawmakers again to tackle sinkhole legislation
That sinking feeling perhaps creeps over state Sen. Mike Fasano each year about this time.Soon, Fasano, R-New Port Richey, and fellow lawmakers will submit possible legislation for 2011 as the Legislature starts organizing committees this week.
Florida Legislature: No action on drug-dispensing
Trying to avoid “food fights” during a special legislative session today, House and Senate leaders backed away from overriding Gov. Charlie Crist’s veto of a politically charged bill that dealt with doctors who dispense drugs.
- Scott Takes Aim at Department of Management Services
- Editorial: Right call on Florida’s Department of Management Services
Dean Watters Appointed President of Fort Lauderdale-based Patriot Underwriters, Inc.
Patriot National Insurance Group announced today the appointment of Dean D. Watters as President of its subsidiary Patriot Underwriters, Inc. Mr. Watters was previously Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Business Development for Patriot National Insurance Group and will retain these responsibilities.
Patriot National Insurance Group announced today that Paul Halter has joined its team as Regional Vice President of the newly created Southeast Region.
Former Florida State Representative Reagan steps back into civilian life
As Ron Reagan stood atop a chair at the Polo Grill and Bar Nov. 2, he became the first person officially to introduce his replacement as Florida’s District 67 representative, Greg Steube.
Gainesville insurance agent is charged with $780,000 theft
Took deposits and kept them
A Gainesville man has been arrested by state agents on charges he accepted more then $780,000 in business insurance premiums but failed to send the money to the insurance companies that issued the policies.
Florida lawmakers mull how to transform Medicaid into managed health care for poor
Florida’s newly installed lawmakers Wednesday began considering ways to cut what they fear could be a $20 billion Medicaid bill in the coming year, including shuttling more low income patients into private managed care programs and setting caps on the amount of money spent on each patient.
Florida again earns March of Dimes F for premature births
For the third year in a row, Florida has earned a failing grade from the March of Dimes for its preterm birth rate.
Blog: Scott names 40-member Health and Human Services transition team
In his second announcement Wednesday afternoon, Gov.-elect Rick Scott unveiled a 40-member Health and Human Services Transition Team.
Florida Supreme Court approves Everglades land deal
The Florida Supreme Court has approved financing for the state’s purchase of 46,200 acres from U.S. Sugar Corp. for Everglades restoration.
Crist signs bill funding energy rebates
Gov. Charlie Crist has signed a bill that allocates $31.3 million in federal stimulus money for rebates on the purchase of energy saving devices
Blog: Rick Scott to address Florida business leaders in private
How important is Gov.-elect Rick Scott’s speech tonight to the bi-annual meeting of the Florida Council of 100?
Florida Chief Justice: Foreclosures must be open
The chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court has sent a letter to the state’s 20 chief judges, telling them to make sure they are not improperly closing judicial proceedings to the public.
Florida unemployment compensation tax going up again
Unemployment compensation taxes will nearly triple next year for some Florida employers, although the maximum rate will remain unchanged.
Report says Florida’s state pension fund has recovered from recession
Florida’s State Board of Administration said Wednesday that it beat its investment objectives last year, with its giant pension fund leading the way.
Legislature’s new leaders overrode vetoes, chastised Supreme Court, Congress
The Florida Legislature christened a new era of conservative government Tuesday, flexing its muscle by overriding eight vetoes in a half-day special session.
- Florida Senate president, House speaker sworn in
- House Speaker Dean Cannon Blasts Florida High Court in Inaugural Address
Cannon appoints ‘Fair Districts’ foe as chair of state House redistricting committee
In advance of the state legislature’s organizational meeting and special session tomorrow, incoming state House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, today unveiled the names of state House committee chairs.
Pam Bondi includes Dave Aronberg and Holly Benson on her transition team
Attorney General-elect Pam Bondi’s transition team includes two people who made failed runs for the office: Republican Holly Benson and Democrat Dave Aronberg. Aronberg is on the group advising Bondi on pill mills and Benson is on the Medicaid fraud group.
No Florida Senate Panel Assignments for Paula Dockery
Republican says she was snubbed because of her fight against rail deal
Sen. Paula Dockery did not make the team.
GOP Florida state senator says he’ll help Democrat Corrine Brown in lawsuit
Election may be over, but districts battle isn’t
Florida voters may have spoken, but at least one Republican state senator says he will help a Democrat, U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown of Jacksonville, in her quest to derail a constitutional amendment that would change the way political boundaries are drawn.
Lawmakers restore $9.7 million in University of Florida funding
Top lawmakers promise to close loophole that allows felons to run summer camps
United States Securities and Exchange Commission Wants Fuller Disclosure of Lawsuit Costs
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is asking for better disclosure from companies on potential costs of lawsuits and other contingencies, an official of the agency said on Tuesday.
For those who question the intelligence of insurance companies, here’s a new industry development that should answer those questions once and for all: The insurance industry is ecstatic because it just dropped $40 million on a three-bedroom house that fell down in approximately 12 minutes.
Report: Texas homeowners pay highest insurance premiums
Texas homeowners paid the highest insurance premiums in the country, according to data released by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Legislators, Surplus Lines Groups to Discuss a Lighter SLIMPACT
As the deadline to implement the surplus lines insurance modernization bill – or the Nonadmitted & Reinsurance Reform Act in the Dodd-Frank Act – quickly approaches, some of the nation’s legislators are searching for a way to find consensus on just how to solve a complicated provision.
State Farm Clarifies Media Reports Of Possible Staff Reductions
State Farm confirmed that a study it is conducting meant to increase efficiency could possibly affect staffing levels, but stressed there are no specific plans yet regarding staff levels.
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