Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report: Monday, September 19
Sep 19, 2011
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Daily Florida Insurance-Related Events
2011-2012 Florida Legislative Interim Committee Meetings begin.
Florida Senators Garrett Richter and Chris Smith will remain as Chair and Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance, the Office of Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos advised on September 16, 2011, as part his overall announcement of 2011-2012 Florida Senate Committee and Subcommittee members.
Editorial: Require all insurers to sell windstorm policies
The statistical date for peak hurricane season activity, September 10, occurred just over a week ago.
Letter to the Editor: Insurance isn’t the state’s job
First of all, the state of Florida has no business being in the insurance business, which should be left to private enterprise.
Universal Insurance Holdings of North America, the company that consolidated its U.S. headquarters in the region last year, has named a new president.
Don’t let insurance gaps let termites take a bite from your wallet
Florida homeowners remain stuck in termite season. But there may be another problem threatening your property and pocketbook as much as wood-eating pests – an insurance policy that doesn’t cover damage caused by them.
Florida ranks high in uninsured drivers
If you’re in a car accident in Florida, the chances are nearly 1 in 4 that the other driver doesn’t have the insurance to cover your injuries, according to new national study.
Pines seeks lower insurance rates for residents, citing safer streets
With fewer accidents on the roads thanks to red-light cameras, shouldn’t drivers’ insurance rates go down?
Special act, lawsuit hinder EMS change
Pinellas County Commissioners continue to grapple with the financial solvency of a failing EMS system. Ultimately, it will take complete cooperation by 18 cities and fire districts.
Familiar programs appear on Medicaid 10 percent cut list
Florida’s main health care agency said Friday that if lawmakers push ahead with deep budget cuts there will be a need to cut high-profile safety net programs.
Senator Gaetz to be designated Senate president at ceremony Monday
Several Northwest Florida residents will take part Monday in celebrating Don Gaetz’s designation as Senate president for the 2013-14 legislative sessions.
Blocked from running as a Democrat, Nancy Argenziano says she will challenge U.S. Representative Steve Southerland, R-Tallahassee, as a member of the Independent Party.
Leisure and hospitality drive job gains as state unemployment remains flat
Florida’s jobless rate remained flat in August at 10.7 percent, with leisure and hospitality posting the largest year-over-year job gains of any sector.
Members picked for presidential primary date selection committee
Florida could lose half its delegates to the Republican Party convention in Tampa if the state decides to hold its primary before March 6.
‘Destination’ casinos could hinge on court case
Casino operators across the country are waiting on a key court ruling that could determine how hard it will be to crack the Florida market, even as lawmakers prepare to return to Tallahassee to ponder how much gaming should be allowed in the Sunshine State.
Senator files bill repealing ethanol fuel requirement that he voted for in 2008
Senator Greg Evers, R-Crestview, filed SB 238 on Wednesday to repeal a requirement in state law for gasoline to have 10 percent ethanol.
More than one month after Republican Attorney General Pam Bondi sought the assistance of fellow Republican and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater to probe the abrupt firings of two top attorneys fighting foreclosure fraud, questions continue to dog the circumstances surrounding their ouster.
Blog: Senator Latvala–Young “prepared to run again”
Introducing U.S. Representative C.W. Bill Young at a Pinellas County GOP fundraiser a few minutes ago, state Senatore Jack Latvala appeared to say that Young intends to run for re-election.
Hands off Medigap, state insurance officials plan to tell Congress
State Insurance commissioners are preparing some stern words of advice for members of Congress who are trying to reduce the federal budget deficit: Don’t touch Medicare supplemental insurance.
Virginia Supreme Court rules for insurer in AES climate change coverage dispute
The Virginia Supreme Court has upheld a lower court ruling that Steadfast Insurance Co. has no obligation to defend and indemnify Arlington, Virginai-based energy corporation AES Corp. in a climate change suit.
New Insurance Laws Go Into Effect in Missouri
Missouri homeowners hit by damaging storms now have stronger protections in place under two new state laws that recently went into effect, insurance regulators announced. The laws allow insurance companies to better serve hard-hit areas and protect consumers against unscrupulous repair contractors.
Professional Insurance Agents of New York (PIANY) Elects Savino President
Richard Savino has been elected president of Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc.
Labor Department expands enforcement of wage violations
The Labor Department is signing agreements to share information with nine states and the Internal Revenue Service as it gets more aggressive in its program to crack down on businesses that cheat workers out of their hard-earned wages.
Some schools use old, uncrashworthy cars for driver’s education
Some school districts around the country that still offer behind-the-wheel drivers’ education to teens may be putting them at risk in unsafe cars.
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