Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Guest AuthorAugust 31, 2017

According to a study conducted by the risk assessment group Karen Clark & Co., if Hurricane Andrew hit today, it would cause nearly $50 billion of insured losses, compared to its $15.1 billion in 1992. Indeed, Florida enjoys a relatively stable insurance market with more companies writing more policies. However, there are concerns that new, untested […]

Scott PowersJune 22, 2017

Anticipating President Donald Trump federal policies to the contrary, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum rolled out a policy statement Thursday that pledges to guarantee Florida women access to contraception. Gillum, mayor of Tallahassee, said in a statement Thursday he would push for statewide legislation that would require health insurance policies that cover prescriptions to include […]

Staff ReportsMay 30, 2017

Hurricane season begins Thursday. Are you covered? Are you sure? Better take a look at your policy, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater advised Tuesday. “For a better chance of a complication-free claims process, Floridians should carefully review all insurance policies to ensure that proper coverage is in place for their home, car, and belongings,” Atwater’s […]

Jim RosicaApril 24, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott tweeted on Monday that he will sign into law a bill creating statewide regulations for ride-booking companies like Uber and Lyft. “I look forward to signing the @Uber/ @lyft bill,” Scott tweeted from his official account, @FLGovScott. The governor is in Argentina on a trade mission. Colin Tooze, Uber’s director of public affairs, tweeted back, “Many […]

Michael MolineApril 6, 2017

The House Commerce Committee will take up a workers’ compromise amendment package Thursday that takes a more aggressive approach to attorney fees than did previous versions of the legislation. The amendments to HB 7085 retain language allowing deviations from the statutory attorney fee schedule that link trial lawyer’s compensation to benefits secured through claims litigation. […]

Michael MolineMarch 17, 2017

Most of the 57 insurance companies evaluated by insurance ratings agency Demotech Inc. retained scores of “A” or better after boosting their loss reserves and capital contributions. The companies had added $200 million in loss reserves and $155 million in capital at Demotech’s urging, the agency said in a statement posted on its website. “This […]

Staff ReportsMarch 14, 2017

The Senate Banking & Insurance Committee approved a bill to regulate transportation network companies, like Uber and Lyft. The bill establishes minimum insurance requirements, requires background screenings and includes consumer protection provisions. Stephanie Smith, senior manager, public policy for Uber Technologies: “The bipartisan vote in the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee is another step toward […]

Guest AuthorMarch 13, 2017

For three decades, Florida has offered insurance companies a highly effective, performance-based tax credit that has resulted in tens of thousands of good jobs being created or imported to our state. Not only does this credit bolster our state’s economy in a transparent, accountable way, it also helps ensure insurance rates for Floridians stay as […]

Michael MolineFebruary 23, 2017

Insurance interests are up in arms about a House committee’s approval of a bill that would allow plaintiffs to recover prejudgment interest on noneconomic claims, including pain and suffering. HB 469 says that plaintiffs who prevail in lawsuits could collect interest — at a rate now set a 4.9 percent, but varying with inflation — […]

Michael MolineFebruary 7, 2017

Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier laid out his office’s solution to the insurance assignment-of-benefits problem to Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet Tuesday, and it includes limiting contractors’ ability to recover attorney fees in litigation against insurance companies. Florida’s one-way attorney fee statute is intended to shield policyholders against legal bills if they want to sue their insurers for failure […]

Tag: insurance
Pastel colored tropical townhomes

Christian Cámara: In Florida insurance market, all is not equal

Andrew Gillum releases women’s contraception coverage plan

Jeff Atwater offers insurance advice as hurricane season opens

Rick Scott says he will sign ‘Uber bill’

New House workers’ comp amendments get tough on attorneys’ fees

Most Florida insurers retain ratings, but agency warns of AOB danger

Capitol Reax: Uber, Lyft, PCI, and the League of Southeastern Credit Unions sound off on the day’s news

Michael Carlson: Don’t trade a tax cut for a tax increase – preserve the salary tax credits for insurers

House panel would allow interest payments on noneconomic verdicts

Insurance Office going after one-way attorney fees in AOB fight