Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Wednesday, April 29
Apr 29, 2009
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Florida Senate, House Seek to Close Property Insurance Legislation Gaps
The Florida House and Senate are trying informally to work out differences in bills to address the state’s property insurance crisis, including how much rates for more than one million customers of the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. might go up.
Florida Senate OKs changes for Hurricane Catastrophe Fund
But there’s still a divide with the House plan for state-backed insurers.
The clock is ticking for property insurance changes championed by lawmakers who want a broader role for the free market.
South Florida commercial insurance woes: High premiums, dropped policies
The problems of finding an affordable property insurance policy have become a crisis for many South Florida commercial property owners and businesses that rent space.
Flood of Florida post-hurricane claims hit NFIP
Hurricanes Charley and Frances have produced a deluge of claims from Florida to the federal flood insurance agency.
Editorial: Property insurance: Florida’s future is at stake
On the long list of important topics being debated by the Legislature, the most important for Florida’s future is the debate over property insurance reform. Our current system is broken and jeopardizes Florida’s future.
UM, other researchers announce breakthrough in identifying Autism gene
Autism researchers at UM and other universities announced a genetic breakthrough that could lead to improved treatment and prevention of the disorder.
Researchers say they have found the first piece of the genetic puzzle that could lead to greatly improved diagnosis, treatment and even prevention of autism.
Editorial: Single-payer system and Florida’s budget are linked
No to offshore drilling and Seminole gaming. What to do? Say yes to single-payer national health insurance.
Florida growers get federal disaster status
Twenty-four Florida counties, including Manatee and Sarasota, have received federal disaster designations for cold weather and freeze damage suffered by growers and ranchers Jan. 20-23 and Feb. 4-6.
Legislature close to passing mandatory seat belt law
A bill that would allow law enforcement to ticket drivers simply for not wearing a seat belt is poised to pass after winning overwhelming support in the Senate.
For decades, public safety advocates have sought a stricter seat belt law in Florida without success.
Florida Bills Limiting Cell Phone Use By Drivers Hit Dead End
Several bills that would have restricted drivers who talk or text message on their cell phones appear to be headed toward a dead end in the Florida Legislature.
Legislature passes $1.8 million claims bill for slain deputy
Broward Sheriff’s Office endorsed legislation that pays balance of $2 million settlement to family of Todd Fatta
The Florida House this morning agreed to pay $1.8 million to the parents of a Broward Sheriff’s Office deputy killed in a 2004 botched raid on the home of an armed and dangerous suspected child pornographer.
Regulators crack down on Home Federal Bank of Hollywood
When it comes to getting tough on banks, regulators are cracking down on institutions both big and small.
Florida Legislature close on budget agreement
Legislative leaders broke an impasse over the budget, but big differences remain. Taxes and fees will rise.
Breaking a week of tense gridlock, the leaders of the Legislature announced Tuesday that they finally have a broad agreement on tax increases and a balanced budget.
Lawmakers vow open budget battle
As Florida lawmakers begin their first full day of sorting out the nitty-gritty of their budget details, they’ve promised to do it in the open.
Horse and dog tracks are pushing for video-style machines that allow betting on the replay of old races.
With the future of gambling in Florida still unresolved, lawmakers are considering giving the state’s struggling horse and dog tracks a new video-style gaming machine to help them attract new business.
House passes bill to ease Fla. growth limits
The House has passed a bill Florida’s top planning official says would undermine the state’s growth management laws.
The ethics of political flip-flops
Crist raises questions in changing position on gambling issue
Changes of mind or heart can be perilous for politicians.
Everglades projects to get $96M in federal money
Everglades restoration will get a boost from about $96 million in federal stimulus funds coming to Florida for the work.
Space Florida finds way to fly lobbying deal ‘under radar’
Florida’s fledgling space economic development agency is barely a blip on state government’s radar: a tiny 28-person organization that draws a meager $4 million in taxpayer funds.
Eight Trades Write Congress In Support Of OFC
Eight industry trade groups supporting an optional federal insurance charter told key members of Congress in a letter yesterday that financial services regulatory reform should include a dedicated federal insurance regulator.
New flood insurance is available for commercial property owners
Changes in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program are making it possible for the first time for many businesses to obtain government-backed “preferred risk” insurance at a cost savings of up to 30 percent compared with standard flood policy premiums.
Gulf States Prepare Together for Hurricane Season
Officials from three states of the Gulf Coast are meeting this week to discuss preparations for hurricane season.
Marsh Issues Risk and Insurance Analysis/Advice on Pandemic Flu
Marsh has issued an extensive bulletin, which outlines the risk and insurance implications for businesses arising from the possible pandemic of the “Swine” or “Mexican” flu.
Lloyd’s Report Urges Planning For Climate Change
Insurers need to pay attention to the growing effects of climate change, Lloyd’s said in a report Tuesday.
Investors Find Niche In Surrendered Life Insurance
Lawmakers Review Practice of Betting on Policyholders’ Deaths
While companies across the financial services industry were taking a beating last year, a firm in Waco, Texas, with a less than cheery way of making money was boosting its profit by 46 percent.
Insurance Claims from South Carolina Wildfire to Top $25 Million
Insurance companies expect claims from a South Carolina wildfire that has destroyed more than 70 homes near the coast to top $25 million.
Insurance Rate Hikes Arriving Faster Than Expected, Berkley Reports
William R. Berkley, chief executive officer of the W.R. Berkley Corp. specialty lines insurance organization, said the market is turning faster than previously expected, but the initial upward rate hikes will likely be lower than past hard markets.
Questionable Claims Reported Soaring, Says NICB
Coinciding with the nation’s economic downturn there has been a clear increase in the number of questionable insurance claims related to possible fraud, according to a National Insurance Crime Bureau report.
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