Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschMarch 26, 2018

A coalition of businesses advocating for Assignment of Benefits reform released a new video Monday detailing the story of a Florida homeowner who was the victim of a shady contractor. In the Consumer Protection Coalition video, Weeki Wachee homeowner Barbara G. details the 10-month saga she went through after finding a leak under her kitchen […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 27, 2018

A business group pushing the House version of assignment of benefits reform is releasing video testimonials by consumers who feel they were harmed by AOB abuse. “I basically signed my life away,” said Darleen Masturzo of Davenport, one of the consumers. “For anyone who doesn’t believe AOB abuse is causing hardship and stress for consumers, […]

Michael MolineFebruary 6, 2018

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday stripped assignment of benefits legislation of an attorney-fee provision despised by the insurance industry. But that didn’t satisfy industry objections to the overall bill. And that really annoyed a couple of key senators. An amendment to CS/SB 1168 by Judiciary Committee chairman Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican, eliminated language […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 18, 2018

Florida voters aren’t fans of Assignment of Benefits rules and are looking for a change according to a new poll conducted by the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Assignment of Benefits, or AOB, allows homeowners to sign over their insurance policy rights to third-party contractors who will make necessary repairs to damaged homes and then deal […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 17, 2018

The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee voted unanimously Tuesday for a bill by Sen. Lauren Book (SB 376) that would include in the Worker’s Compensation Law benefits for first responders who sustain mental or nervous injuries such as PTSD in the line of duty. The forward momentum for the bill got the attention of CFO […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 15, 2018

Right out of the gate, the Florida House took several major steps toward statewide insurance reform during the first week of the 2018 Legislative Session. On Friday, lawmakers advanced a trio of House bills: repealing the state’s motor vehicle no-fault law and PIP insurance requirements, addressing “assignment of benefits” abuse and making significant changes in […]

Peter SchorschNovember 14, 2017

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The Florida Chamber of Commerce unveiled a legislative roadmap outlining its focus areas ahead of the 2018 Legislative Session, which starts Jan. 9. The organization held a press conference in the Capitol on Tuesday. “Year after year, the Florida Chamber has been at the forefront of solving issues that impact the competitiveness and future of […]

Peter SchorschNovember 2, 2017

The Florida Chamber of Commerce’s 2017 Insurance Summit is set to kick off today with a long list of presentations and panels, including a report from Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis on how the Sunshine State is “rising to the challenges it faces.” The two-day event, to be held at the Orlando Ritz Carlton, will include […]

Michael MolineOctober 30, 2017

Corporate America has long looked to alternative dispute resolution — ADR, including mediation and arbitration — to avoid costly litigation. Might that be a solution to Florida’s assignment of benefits (AOB) debate? The Senate Banking & Insurance Committee is considering it. Sha’Ron James, Florida’s public advocate for the insurance industry, suggested ADR during recent hearings. […]

Michael MolineOctober 24, 2017

Alternative dispute resolution emerged as a possible solution to the political dispute over assignment of benefits, or AOB, agreements during a hearing Tuesday before the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee. Sha’Ron James, Florida’s insurance consumer advocate, raised the possibility as the committee members questioned representatives of the trial bar, the insurers, contractors and other parties. […]

Tag: AOB

Consumer Protection Coalition releases new video in AOB fight

Coalition enlists consumer testimony in support of AOB reform

Senators lash out at insurance industry during hearing on AOB reform

Florida voters want to reform AOB system, Chamber poll finds

Capitol Reax: Workers’ comp, payday loans, vacation rentals, train safety, AOB

In first week of Session, Florida House took big steps toward insurance reform

Florida Chamber wants an end to AOB, ‘gotcha’ lawsuits in 2018

Florida Chamber’s 2017 Insurance Summit kicks-off in Orlando

Contractors consider compromise in assignment of benefits battle

Senate committee considers sending AOB disputes to mandatory arbitration