Florida Cabinet Discusses PIP

On Tuesday, July 31, 2007, this office attended the Florida Cabinet (Governor Crist, Attorney General McCollum, Chief Financial Officer Sink, and Agriculture Commissioner Bronson) meeting in Tallahassee, Florida. 

At this meeting, several state agencies gave presentations and updated the Cabinet on current issues.  During the presentation by Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (“DHSMV”) Executive Director Electra Bustle, CFO Sink asked how the DHSMV was preparing for the expiration of the Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault (“PIP”) laws. 

Ms. Bustle stated that the DHSMV would go before the Legislative Budget Commission seeking to acquire $25 million in funding that was appropriated by the Legislature to fund any shortfalls arising from the expected loss of PIP fees. 

There was a continued discussion among the Cabinet members on how a post PIP environment would impact Florida, specifically regarding law enforcement and court costs.  Commissioner Bronson noted that law enforcement would need to spend more time on accident reports, assessing fault in a given accident, as well as spend more time in court should disputes occur. 

He further expressed concerns with the expiration of PIP because he felt it will lead to increased uninsured drivers in Florida.  At the conclusion of the discussion, Governor Crist stated that he spoke with Representative Ellyn Bogdanoff (R-Fort Lauderdale) prior to the Cabinet meeting, and she reported that the House and Senate are close to an agreement, but “that time will tell.” 

Representative Bogdanoff and Senator Bill Posey (R- Rockledge) are the lead PIP negotiators in the Florida House and Senate, respectively. 

To view the complete Cabinet agenda from the July 31 meeting, click here.

We will continue to provide you with additional developments as they occur.   

Should you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact this office.