Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Tuesday, November 25
Nov 25, 2008
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State Farm’s Florida unit loses $198-million in nine months
State Farm Florida has found another argument to use in its legal battle to hike homeowners insurance rates.
Fla. Insurers Light on Reserves
Homeowners caught between politics, prudence for some firms.
When it comes to Florida property insurance, political realities in Tallahassee are clashing head-on with traditional industry standards of fiscal responsibility. The homeowner is caught in the middle.
Boss of state-approved insurance firm has had trouble paying personal bills
The owner of Magnolia Insurance, which can take policies from Citizens Property Insurance, has had trouble paying his personal bills.
The owner of a private Miami insurance company approved by the state to assume the largest number of policies from Citizens Property Insurance has an almost two-decade history of not paying personal bills.
In Florida, Insurers Thankful No Major Hurricane Tested State Fund
As the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season officially comes to a close this on Nov. 30, Florida can be thankful for being spared from any major hurricane strike again this season.
Lee County preps its pitch for Fay funds
Lee County could receive at least $1 million in federal reimbursements from costs accrued during and after Tropical Storm Fay, an emergency manager said.
County Public Safety Director John Wilson said emergency leaders are finalizing a reimbursement package that will be sent to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Florida AG McCollum joins call for flood disclosure on used cars
Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum is among the attorneys general asking the Federal Trade Commission to strengthen “Buyer’s Guide” notices for used vehicles.
South Florida roofing contractor charged in $400,000 Workers’ Compensation Fraud Scheme
As part of an ongoing investigation into financial fraud involving check-cashing stores to avoid payment of workers’ compensation premiums, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today announced the arrest of the owner of a large roofing company in Delray Beach who, using such a scheme, allegedly underpaid premiums by more than $400,000 during a four-year period.
Builders Association asks Sink for help
Leaders of Florida’s building industry Monday urged “a timeout” on banks calling in construction loans.
The Florida Home Builders Association called a news conference, after meeting with Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, to discuss banking practices it said jeopardize thousands of jobs.
7 counties tap into state-funded infant hospice care
On the sixth of November, Diana and Miguel Rodriguez bought a small Tinker Bell cake, lighted the candles on top and sang “Happy Birthday” to their 5-month-old daughter, Angelica. It was much the same as they had done on the sixth of October — and, in fact, the sixth of every month since Angelica was born.
McCollum renews call for halt to Vegas-style gambling
Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum renewed his call Monday for federal regulators to stop the Seminole Tribe from offering slot machines and blackjack at its Florida casinos.
EDITORIAL: State in $2.14 billion hole
And Florida House Republicans in a retreat from reality
It doesn’t get much more tone-deaf than this.
Gov. Crist: Raise tax on smokes, suspend foreclosures
Florida’s worsening economy and grim fiscal outlook are forcing Gov. Charlie Crist to consider two bold moves: a 50-cent-a-pack increase in the cigarette tax and a temporary statewide moratorium on housing foreclosures.
Lawmaker Baker sets sights on Cabinet job
State Sen. Carey Baker announced last week that he intends to run for Florida agriculture commissioner in 2010.
Miami judge rules against Florida gay adoption ban
A judge on Tuesday ruled that a strict Florida law that blocks gay people from adopting children is unconstitutional, declaring there was no legal or scientific reason for sexual orientation alone to prohibit anyone from adopting.
Insurers Without Bank Outlet Get No Bailout, Says Paulsen
The Treasury department is maintaining its stance that insurers seeking federal bailout dollars must do so through a federal regulated entity, leaving those without a banking subsidiary or organization out in the cold.
NCOIL Vows To Keep Up Fight Against OFC And OII
The National Conference of Insurance Legislators will be focusing next year on broadcasting a message about how well state insurance oversight is working during the financial crisis, said James Seward, NCOIL’s new president.
Deloitte & Touche To Pay $40 M In Reliance Case
A state lawsuit that alleged that Deloitte & Touche LLP was negligent in its auditing of the now-bankrupt carrier Reliance Insurance Company has been settled for $40 million, a Pennsylvania official said.
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