Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Tuesday, January 27
Jan 27, 2009
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State Farm pulling out of Florida
State Farm Florida is pulling out of the homeowner insurance business in Florida, the company said this morning, in a surprise move that will leave more than 800,000 policyholders without coverage and will cause almost certain turmoil in the Florida insurance marketplace.
Florida Congressmen Klein and Putnam named U.S. House Insurance Subcommittee
Florida Congressmen Ron Klein and Adam Putnam were named to the U.S. Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises in a formative meeting of the House Financial Services Committee today.
Bills to address flaws in condo-insurance law
A new Florida law requiring condo owners to have insurance is controversial, but two proposed bills could fix ”glitches.”
A controversial law requiring condo owners to have property insurance has many of them up in arms, but lawmakers already are working on bills that would change the requirement this spring.
Drywall lawsuit, more complaints filed
New complaint comes in from Palmetto; Lakewood Ranch resident, who hasnt lived in home in a year, files class-action suit
More complaints from homeowners over possible tainted drywall have been reported and a class-action lawsuit has been filed in Sarasota County.
Victims urged to verify coverage, assist with criminal investigation
Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink is urging the commercial trucking industry and the public to provide any information that may assist the Department of Financial Services’ ongoing criminal investigation into an agent who pocketed at least $500,000 in commercial auto premiums and failed to place coverage for dozens of truckers, causing them to unknowingly operate without insurance.
Jacksonville Insurer Unveils New System for Quoting Personal Lines
Jacksonville, Florida-based insurer The Main Street America Group has introduced Main Street Station for Personal Lines — a new quoting and policy issuance system for its independent insurance agents in Maine, Virginia and Georgia.
Florida Gas Stations Say Insurance Rule on Upgrading Tanks Too Costly
First it was high credit card fees. Then came higher gas prices. Now, hundreds of gas stations around the state are shutting down because their insurance companies will not renew policies unless stations install new double-walled underground gas tanks, which can cost $400,000.
Fla. state Sen. Gelber enters US Senate race
State Sen. Dan Gelber is running for the U.S. Senate.
Early maneuvering begins in House District 45
State Rep. Tom Anderson says he has big things to do in Tallahassee. Protect needy seniors. Find ways to balance the budget. Make Floridians healthier.
The state Attorney General’s Office asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday to decline considering an appeal of the Florida Supreme Court ruling that nixed the Seminole Tribe’s gambling agreement with Gov. Charlie Crist.
Can a clean car push succeed in Florida?
Within a decade, most cars sold in Florida could be as fuel efficient as a Toyota Prius after President Barack Obama opened the door Monday for Florida to adopt stringent vehicle emissions standards.
DEP chief: Florida ready for tougher emissions standards
Florida’s top environmental regulator said Monday the state is ready to go with new auto-emission standards now that President Barack Obama has signaled that he will approve an identical plan for California.
More access urged for government
Government contracts would be on the Internet. Some fees for public records would be eliminated. And the state would release records about child-abuse investigations.
Work force agency discusses what to do with surge of money
The work force agency charged with putting local people to work will have $2.5 million to $5 million extra in one-time funding over the next two years, and its board was long on ideas Monday about how to use that money to help the local economy and put more people to work.
State adds $12M more to pot in hopes T. Rowe Price will move to Pasco
Top Florida officials have added a previously undisclosed $12-million to the pot of money to lure financial giant T. Rowe Price to Land O’Lakes.
Children’s Health Program Back
A children’s health care bill that set congressional Democrats against President George W. Bush’s administration in 2008 now appears headed for passage with Florida’s two senators splitting their votes.
NAIC Surplus Proposal Draws NCOIL Fire
At a national conference of state legislators Saturday one lawmaker questioned the competence of state insurance regulators based on their plan to relax capital and surplus requirements for carriers during a financial crisis.
Congressman Seeks National Review of State Workers’ Compensation Laws
Congressman Joe Baca, D-Calif., has introduced legislation that would authorize the creation of a National Commission on State Workers’ Compensation Laws.
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