Staff Reports
The Florida Senate approved a bill (HB 659) that makes several changes to automobile insurance laws. The measure keeps the pre-insurance program, something consumer advocates have said helps defend against fraud.
Jennifer West, executive director of the Consumer Federation of the Southeast, said in a statement:
“With the possibility of more auto fraud and higher auto insurance rates looming for consumers, the Consumer Federation of the Southeast thanks the Florida Legislature for allowing this important program to remain in place while an independent study of the program can be conducted. The pre-insurance car inspection program identifies pre-existing damages that other reporting tools cannot, and it has a proven track record of protecting consumers from increased insurance rates. This legislation represents a tremendous improvement from earlier proposals that would have eliminated the requirement entirely.
“Lawmakers have chosen a path that protects honest consumers. Pre-insurance inspections defend against potentially thousands of dollars in fraudulent claims and other schemes against consumers, helping to keep insurance premiums down for everyone. We are confident that the study called for in the bill will clearly show legislators how much their constituents benefit from the existing program.”
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The Florida House and Senate gave final approval to the Florida Keys Stewardship Act (HB 447) on Thursday. The proposal aims to invest in water quality, restoration and protection; water supply protection; and land for critical habitat protection, public safety in case of an evacuation, property rights, and military base protection.
Monroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers said in a statement:
“We are happy that both the Senate and House came together in support of the Florida Keys. We also cannot thank the bill sponsors enough for their commitment to preserving and protecting our Florida Keys, as their hard work has created the foundation for increased funding in the future and a path for the state to invest in the Keys’ most significant environmental needs. We hope that this support will continue when this Act is laid on the Governor’s desk.”
Key West Mayor Craig Cates said in a statement:
“Thank you to the members of the Senate and House for passing this measure, the Florida Keys Stewardship Act. Taking into consideration all the visitors who travel across the state, nation and world to see and experience the Florida Keys’ unique ecosystem and third-largest coral reef in the world, this Act is a step toward ensuring that its tourism industry, among others, will continue to flourish and generate revenue for the State of Florida.”
Dave Asdourian, chairman of the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District Board of Commissioners, said in a statement:
“We need to start planning for the future by making investments now in the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys Stewardship Act allows the state to protect the critical investments that they have already made in the area. We applaud the members of both the Senate and the House for unifying in support of the Florida Keys Stewardship Act.”
