Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Tuesday, February 2

Feb 2, 2010

 

 

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Florida Court Rules Commercial General Liability Policy Covers ‘Blast’ Faxes

Commercial general liability insurance policies generally cover liability for unsolicited “blast faxes” that violate federal law, a Florida court has ruled.

 

Changes in wind for way insurers calculate hurricane insurance discounts

Expect a shakeup starting this year in the way insurance companies calculate discounts for “hardening” your home or business against hurricanes.

 

St. Petersburg-based United Insurance looks to New England, N.Y., N.J., Carolinas

United Insurance Holdings Corp. has unveiled plans to expand its property and casualty insurance offerings beyond Florida.

 

Lee County will hold off on installing red light cameras

There will be no red light cameras in Lee County, at least not yet.

 

Organizations push for Florida Medicaid reform expansion

Some urge statewide growth while others are wary of the plans.

Managed-care organizations pressed Monday for lawmakers to move forward with a planned statewide expansion of the Medicaid reform program, while advocates for patients urged caution.

 

Primary candidates vie for Wexler’s Florida seat in Congress today

Four hopefuls seek to upend conventional wisdom

It’s a rare prize. And it’s up for grabs.

 

Blog:  Gutierrez drops out of GOP race against Alan Grayson

“Go” Gutierrez has gone — to chase the field of dreams.

The fresh-faced Republican dropped out of the Congressional District 8 race today to try to bring a professional baseball team to Orlando.

 

Legislators look at tightening rules on PSC, utilities

Florida lawmakers will take up legislation today that would outlaw private conversations between Public Service Commission staff members and utility companies, a response to criticism that the agency is too close to the utilities it regulates.

 

State, federal money woes could threaten high-speed rail’s future even with stimulus funds

The $8 billion in stimulus cash awarded to 13 high-speed rail corridors across the country may seem like a windfall for advocates, but there’s a catch: The money isn’t enough to finish any of the major projects.

 

Forclosure mediation mandatory under Florida Supreme Court order to begin in Sarasota and Manatee counties

Troubled homeowners in Sarasota and Manatee counties will soon be guaranteed a meeting with lenders to try to save their properties from foreclosure.

 

Florida prosecutors seek help from public

Selection will begin next week for a statewide grand jury created to probe public corruption and recommend changes to Florida law and state prosecutors are asking the public for tips on what to investigate.

 

Obama nominating Florida A&M VP for Commerce post

A Florida A&M vice president is being tapped by President Barack Obama for a position in the administration.

 

Impact of drilling on Florida’s fishing industry eyed

Seismic testing associated with offshore oil and gas drilling could harm Florida’s $6 billion commercial and recreational fishing industry, a Florida State University researcher warned Monday.

 

Governor:  Florida to be reimbursed for Haitian Aid

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist said Monday the federal government has agreed to reimburse the state for treating victims of Haiti’s earthquake.

 

Incumbent Rooney has fiscal advantage in race to keep his state Florida seat

Florida’s 16th District has been listed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee among its 26 “races to watch” in 2010.

 

Tampa among 4 finalists for 2012 Republican convention

Tampa is a finalist in a bid to host the 2012 Republican National Convention.

 

Florida DEP: Discourage Use of Paper and Plastic Bags

The Department of Environmental Protection suggested Monday that Florida lawmakers should take steps to ‘discourage’ the use of paper and plastic grocery bags but stopped well short of recommending a ban.

 

Obama Budget Would End Offshore Insurers’ Tax Edge 

President Obama has proposed a budget for 2011 that reopens the volatile issue of taxing offshore insurers, especially those based in Bermuda.

 

Keep Antitrust Exemption, Insurer Groups’ Urge House 

Insurance trade groups are asking the House to reject proposed legislation that would end the antitrust exemption afforded health and medical malpractice insurers by the McCarran-Ferguson Act.

 

NCCI:  Workers’ comp claim frequency declines

Workers compensation claim frequency declined 3.4% nationwide for the 2008 accident year, according to an annual NCCI Holdings Inc. report.

 

Marsh Report Finds Commercial Insurance Market Remained Stable in 2009; Competition among Insurers Helps Buyers

Despite the global economic crisis, the commercial insurance industry remained stable throughout 2009, providing many U.S. businesses with opportunities to enhance their coverage or obtain moderate price reductions.

 

US Auto Insurance Companies Prepare for a ‘Post Credit Score’ Environment

VortexDNA, the predictive data company, says that its US auto insurance clients are preparing for a big shake up in the way they price insurance policies.

 

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