Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report – Tuesday, January 10, 2018
Jan 24, 2018
Assignment of Benefits Abuse Tops Florida News for 2017
From threats of insurer ratings downgrades caused by the escalation in litigated water loss claims accompanied by an AOB, to the push for legislative reform to the state’s one-way attorney fee statute that the industry says has fueled the statewide abuse, there was no shortage of stories on the topic this year. Insurance Journal’s Amy O’Connor reports.
Florida Could Be Close to a Real Estate Reckoning
When will the growing risks associated with rising seas and more severe storms begin to affect home values in otherwise desirable coastal markets? Bloomberg’s Christopher Flavelle reports via Insurance Journal.
Legal fees increase in Florida’s workers’ comp system
Injured workers racked up nearly $186 million in approved legal fees in 2016-2017, a 36 percent increase from the previous year, a state report on the workers’ compensation insurance system shows.
Florida lawmakers poised to pass a low-cost healthcare solution
Floridians may no longer need health insurance for office visits, basic lab work and other routine medical costs under a bill that looks likely to pass when the Florida Legislature begins its session January 9. Dan Sweeney reports for the Sun-Sentinel.
Central Florida Hospital Profits Near $1 Billion In 2016
According to the Florida Health Market Review of 2017, Orlando-area hospitals posted a combined profit of more than $986 million last year, a 23 percent increase from two years before. Abe Aboraya reports for WLRN.org.
Florida Blue to stop OxyContin coverage to help fight opioid abuse
Carrier will replace it with alternative, Xtampza, Alanna Quillen reports for WPTV.
Florida’s minimum wage increases to $8.25 an hour Monday, 15 cents higher than the current rate. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA reports via FloridaPolitics.com.
Florida Cabinet looks less relevant than ever in 2018
The awkward power-sharing relationship between Florida’s governor and the statewide elected Cabinet members is unique among the 50 states, and in 2018 it will be on public display less than ever. The Tampa Bay Times’ Steve Bousquet reports via “The Buzz” blog.
The unhappy top 10: Floridians’ consumer complaints in 2017
Complaints about violations of the state’s “Do Not Call” list were far and away the most common ones filed in 2017, FloridaPolitics.com reports.
Governor Scott pulls plug on “Project Sunburst” website
A highly publicized effort by Florida Gov. Rick Scott to put his emails — as well as the emails of his top staff — online has been quietly shuttered. Gary Fineout reports via the Orlando Sentinel’s “Central Florida Political Pulse” blug.
Florida Politics Will Be Busy in 2018
As the new year begins, Florida looks set to keep its status as one of the nation’s perennial political battlegrounds. Kevin Derby evaluates for SunshineStateNews.com.
Vacant seats will dot Florida Legislature during session
Resignations and a recent death have created six open seats, with most expected to remain vacant through the 60-day session because of scheduling requirements for special elections. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Jim Turner reports via Orlando Weekly.
Northeast Florida State Representatives preview the Legislative Session
FloridaPolitics.com asked the three Republicans to evaluate the working relationship of the Duval Delegation going into the 2018 Legislative Session, their own personal priorities for the 60 days, as well as getting their thoughts on working with City Hall throughout the process this year.
Effect of Trump Tax Cuts on Insurance Industry
The Insurance Journal explores what insurance trades and analysts are saying.
2017 was a rough year for the insurance industry
By some measurements, 2017 was a disastrous year. Hurricanes wreaked havoc in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. California saw its most destructive wildfire season ever. Aaron Schrank reports in this Marketplace.org podcast.
Aon Acquires Real Estate Investment Advisor Townsend Group
Insurance Journal reports that insurance brokerage and consultant Aon has completed its acquisition of The Townsend Group, a global investment management and advisory services firm primarily focused on real estate and real assets.
New Wave Of Electric 2-Wheelers Hits U.S. City Streets
As battery technology improves and cities get denser, some startups are seeking to produce cheaper and greener mopeds, scooters and motorized bikes. Sonari Glinton reports for NPR.org.