Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report – Thursday, August 24, 2017

Aug 24, 2017

 

Senator Flores Rips Citizens’ Rate Hike

The Florida Senate’s Insurance Chairwoman blasted a Proposed Rate Hike up to 10 percent in South Florida by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Wednesday and said she will consider Legislation to Limit its “Borderline unAmerican” moves to Restrict Consumer Choice in fixing certain Claims.  The Palm Beach Post’s Charles Elmore reports for the “Protecting Your Pocket” blog.

·         Citizens’ Rate Hike Debate Takes Familiar Tone At Hearing

 

Lawmaker Ties Insurance Changes With Lower Rates

Miami Republican Senator Anitere Flores said during a Hearing on Proposed Citizens Rate Increases that South Florida Policyholders are frustrated and have “Lost Trust” in the Insurer.

 

Florida Lawmakers To Review Law Targeting Injured Undocumented Workers

Florida Senator Anitere Flores spoke in response to a recent NPR and ProPublica Investigation and a subsequent Statement by the Nation’s Largest Insurance Fraud Group, which called on Florida Lawmakers to change the Law. 

 

Florida Renews No-Fault Battle, Up To $1B Driver Savings At Stake

A Vero Beach Lawmaker said Wednesday she will again File a Bill to Repeal Florida’s No-Fault Car Insurance System, but with key differences compared with a Senate Bill introduced days ago, setting the stage for the biggest potential change in Motorist Coverage in almost 50 years.  The Palm Beach Post’s Charles Elmore reports.

 

What Do Kids Need To Stay Away From Deadly Pinellas Auto Theft Epidemic?

More than a Dozen Black Teenagers told U.S. Congressman Charlie Crist on Wednesday that Children need stronger Mentors and Youth Programs to steer clear of the Auto Theft Epidemic plaguing Pinellas County.  Lisa Gartner and Zachary T. Sampson report for the Tampa Bay Times.

 

Florida Struggles To Improve Biking Safety

Fatalities among Bicycle Riders have increased even as the Deadliest State, Florida, and others have expanded Prevention Efforts, according to a New Report by a Safety Advocacy Group.  Kevin Spear reports for the Orlando Sentinel.

 

State Representative Alex Miller Resigns From The House

She sat on the Careers & Competition Subcommittee, Government Accountability Committee, Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, Local, Federal & Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, and Tourism & Gaming Control Subcommittee.  FloridaPolitics.com reports.

 

Florida House Speaker Pushes For Repeal Of Public Campaign Financing

House Speaker Richard Corcoran announced Wednesday that he wants to Repeal part of the Florida Constitution that provides Public Financing for Statewide Election Candidates.  THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Lloyd Dunkelberger reports via the Palm Beach Post.

 

Miami Hotels Are Making Money On Airbnb

The Hotel Industry may be Waging War on Airbnb, but that hasn’t stopped Hotels in Miami-Dade from Sleeping With The Enemy.  The Miami Herald reports via Crain’s Miami.

 

Jacksonville pension liability looms, but credit markets unfazed

Jacksonville’s Pension Reform Package, passed earlier this year, takes Effect October 1 — ensuring that all New Hires will be placed into Defined Contribution Plans, rather than Defined Benefit Plans.  A.G. Gancarski reports for FloridaPolitics.com.

 

How State Pre-emption Became a Serious Problem for Local Governments in Florida

In 2011, State Lawmakers completely stripped Cities of their Power to Regulate Short-Term Rentals, but allowed the few with existing Regulations to keep them in place.  Amy Keller reports for RouteFifty.com.

 

Trump FEMA Chief Backs Reducing Federal Role in Disaster Relief, Flood Insurance

President Donald Trump’s Emergency Management Director said he’s pushing for an Overhaul of Disaster Relief so that States, Cities and Homeowners bear more of the Costs, and less of the Risk falls on the Federal Government.  Christopher Flavelle reports for Insurance Journal.

·         Towards A Smaller FEMA

 

Court Rules Against Microcaptive In Key Tax Case

In Benyamin Avrahami and Orna Avrahami v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, the IRS alleged that the 831(b) for a Jewelry Business in Phoenix that ostensibly covered Insurance Risks charged unrealistic Premiums and did not meet Risk Distribution Requirements for Captives.  Gavin Souter reports for Business Insurance.

 

Seibels Appoints Manny Robinson Vice President, IT Operations

Seibels is pleased to announce the Appointment of Manny Robinson to Vice President, IT Operations. Mr. Robinson will work under Seibels’ Chief Risk & Information Officer, Adrian Brown, to lead Daily Operations of Seibels’ IT Team, including Customer Support, People Management, Product Development, Professional Services, and Infrastructure Services.

 

 

 

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