Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report: Thursday, July 28

Jul 28, 2011

 

To go directly to the section of your choice, click on a hyperlink below.  Other hyperlinks to meeting information, bills and news are noted in bold type.

 

 

 

Daily Florida Insurance-Related Events

 

There are no insurance-related events scheduled for today.

 

 

Daily Insurance-Related News

 

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation’s board okay’s massive sinkhole rate increases

The board that oversees Citizens Property Insurance unanimously approved massive increases to sinkhole premiums Wednesday, saying the rate hikes – which could cost policyholders thousands of extra dollars – are necessary to cover the cost of sinkhole claims.

     

    Homeowners Choice CEO Paresh Patel presides over NASDAQ Opening Bell

    Homeowners Choice, Inc., a Florida-based provider of homeowners’ insurance, today announced that its chief executive officer, Paresh Patel, will preside over The NASDAQ Stock Market Opening Bell.

     

    WellCare, United, others cheat Florida kids program

    Four private health insurers who wrongly claimed they spent millions on patient care in the state’s children’s health care program also provided coverage to patients in Florida’s controversial Medicaid privatization program.

     

    State questions licensing of Naples-based Health Management’s Associate’s pain clinic

    Health Management Associates is locked in a dispute with state authorities over a pain management clinic affiliated with its physician group in Collier County.

     

    Florida jobless facing new compensation hurdles

    Florida’s jobless workers are facing additional hurdles to qualify for state unemployment compensation.

     

    Palm Beach Jury awards $28.8 million to King of Jordan’s brother-in-law

    When a knock came at the jury room door at 11 a.m. Wednesday, speculation was high that Gulf Stream billionaire Harry Sargeant had beaten the King of Jordan’s brother-in-law in his quest for millions from U.S. defense contracts to deliver fuel to troops in Iraq.

     

    Appeals court reverses fired state worker’s $1 million jury award

    A former Department of Children and Families investigator awarded $1 million by a jury in 2009 saw that award overturned Wednesday.

     

    Leaders hear call for minority seat in Congress

    Central Florida’s growth means greater congressional clout next year, and Hispanic and black leaders told lawmakers Wednesday they expect the region to be rewarded with at least one new U.S. House district likely to elect a minority candidate.

     

    Suit targets campaign disclosure requirements for issue groups

    A lawsuit that could wipe out state law requiring issue campaigns to disclose their contributors inched forward in federal court on Wednesday with both sides asking the judge to dismiss the case.

     

    Charter flights from Tampa to Cuba could begin in September

    Flights between Tampa International Airport and Cuba could begin as early as September 10, as the Cuban government has approved landing rights for at least one Miami-based charter company.

     

    THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA:  New Law Boosts Enrollment in Tax Credit Voucher

    Legislature last year increased dollars for Step Up For Students, from $118 million to $140 million

    Thanks to tinkering from the Florida Legislature, enrollment in Florida’s corporate tax credit vouchers soared last year, with a 20 percent increase in students.

     

    Early Arizona primary date could upset Florida’s hopes

    It didn’t take long for Florida’s plans for a premier presidential primary spot to hit a snag.

     

    Potential online-travel settlement deal could steer millions to Orlando arts center, Florida Citrus Bowl

    Orange County could be close to reaching a deal that would provide a major financial boost to the downtown arts center and Florida Citrus Bowl projects.

     

    Woodall at Confirmation Hearing:  “Insurance Is in My Blood”

    Roy Woodall, the presumptive independent member with insurance expertise on the Financial Stability Oversight Council, vowed at a confirmation hearing to “vote his conscience” as a member of the new agency.

     

    London surplus lines underwriters will benefit from U.S. Dodd-Frank law

    Surplus lines insurance underwriters in the London market will see significant benefits thanks to the U.S. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, according to the International Underwriting Association.

     

    Post-Loss Assignments of Claims Under Insurance Policies in Louisiana

    In the settlement of lawsuits involving insured claims, it is not uncommon that one condition of the settlement is that the defendant assign his or her claims under all applicable insurance policies to the party that filed suit.

     

    North Carolina House Joins Senate to Override Veto of Malpractice Cap

    Victims of North Carolina doctors guilty of medical malpractice will be limited to $500,000 what they can collect for pain, suffering and lost body parts under legislation the state House passed into law over a veto by Governor Beverly Perdue.

     

    Boating Deaths in Louisiana Way Up From Last Year

    After fatal boat wrecks a month apart, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is launching a boater-safety campaign, distributing brochures to marinas and installing signs warning boaters to drive safely.

     

     

     

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