Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report – Thursday, January 11, 2018

Jan 11, 2018

FIRM expands appeal on insurance rate increase

They are requesting that rates be rolled back to at least 2016 levels, KeysNews.com’s Timothy O’Hara reports.

Lawmakers look to get rid of Florida’s no-fault auto insurance law

Sponsors say bodily injury coverage will provide three times as much coverage per dollar than no fault.  Jake Stofan reports for WJHG.

Uber must give up some secrets, Florida court rules

Uber does business at the Ft. Lauderdale International Airport under the name Rasier-DC LLC, the Sun-Sentinel’s Larry Barszewski reports.

Tom Lee continues planning challenge to Jimmy Patronis

As state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis picks up contributions and endorsements, Senator Tom Lee said he continues to plan a Republican primary challenge for the Cabinet post.  THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA reports via FloridaPolitics.com.

Florida unlikely to mandate work for Medicaid, officials say

While the Trump administration signaled willingness to allow work requirements for Medicaid beneficiaries, the Florida Legislature is unlikely to move ahead with such a mandate this year.  THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Christine Sexton reports via the Orlando Sentinel’s “Central Florida Political Pulse” blog.

Senators question Florida plan to privatize Medicaid program for kids

The changes would transfer control of the program from the state to a privately run managed-care plan.  THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Christine Sexton reports via the Palm Beach Post.

Beaches line the coast like pearls.  Other states ask why Florida’s are more special.

Governors concerned about drilling and its potential effect on the environment, beaches and tourism industry, which is worth billions of dollars, are asking why Florida is so special and vowing to wage a fight against new drilling, in court if necessary.  Darryl Fears reports for the Washington Post.

Cost-effective water storage is key to protecting Florida

The Caulkins Water Farm is ready to store a significant amount of water. It already is up and running, it is recharging the aquifer, and it is cleansing water – all at an attractive price.  Daniel Peterson writes for the James Madison Institute.

Richard Corcoran expects budget chair Carlos Trujillo to remain in place through Session

House Speaker Richard Corcoran expects to get through the 60-day Legislative Session without losing his budget chairman.  THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA reports via FloridaPolitics.com.

Corcoran’s agenda to take center stage in the House

Corcoran’s priorities are primed for passage in the Republican-majority House, Elizabeth Koh reports for the Tampa Bay Times’ “The Buzz” blog.

Florida House speaker says he saw misconduct by legislators

The bad behavior, Corcoran said, occurred throughout his political career, including when he worked as chief of staff in 2007 for then-House Speaker Marco Rubio, now a U.S. Senator.  The Associated Press reports.

Why Florida’s budget grew by $21 billion over eight years

According to the National Association of State Budget Offices, between 2012 and 2017 (the most recent national estimates available), Florida’s total spending increased about 31 percent, making it the state with the eighth-fastest growing yearly budget.  Langston Taylor reports for the Tampa Bay Times.

Pitted against an overreaching House, few fight for more local power

There are at least 14 pre-emption bills between the House and Senate this Session, ranging from removing local tree trimming ordinances to preventing local governments from holding accountable businesses that discriminate against residents.  Danny McAuliffe reports for FloridaPolitics.com.

U.S. Regulators Eye Policy for Autonomous Trucks, Buses

The U.S. Transportation Department will soon publish four requests for public comment on how to cast aside roadblocks for transportation advancements in vehicles, trains, buses, commercial trucking and transit systems, Bloomberg reports.

Alternative Capital Responds to 2017 Catastrophes with “Show of Strength,” Aon Benfield Reports

Insurance Journal notes that Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria represented the first real test of the staying power of the alternative capital sector, which has responded with a show of strength by continuing to fund reinsurance capacity, according to a report published by Aon Benfield.

Verisk’s ISO Personal Lines Program Targets $40 Billion Private Flood Insurance Market

Some private insurers have braved the flood market even without changes by Congress. Florida-based HCI Group has taken its Florida flood insurance experience and technology into other states including Arkansas, California, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas, Insurance Journal reports.

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