Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report: Tuesday, May 7
May 7, 2013
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Daily Florida Insurance-Related Events
There are no Florida insurance-related events scheduled for today.
Daily Florida Insurance-Related News
Florida lawmakers approved legislation that seeks to slow the growth of the state-backed property insurer by diverting new policies into the private market while largely retaining the status quo for the insurer’s current 1.27 million policyholders, Insurance Journal’s Michael Adams reports.
Miami – Dade County Expands Hurricane Evacuation Zones
With the Atlantic Hurricane season less than a month away, Miami-Dade County is expanding their evacuation zones to include more areas that may be at risk for storm surge, WTVJ-TV NBC 6 reports.
Hurricane conference to highlight Florida’s vulnerability
Emergency managers and first responders will focus on two concerns at this year’s Florida Governor’s Hurricane Conference: The need for residents to grasp the potential deadliness of storm surge and the odds of a hurricane strike this year, the Sun-Sentinel’s Ken Kaye reports.
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety: Stand Up for Building Stronger Homes and Businesses
These days, consumers are well aware of the important safety benefits of automobile airbags, safety belts, and other protective equipment. Yet, when it comes to standards for safer homes and businesses, they generally do not understand the importance of strong building codes and the need for consistent application and enforcement.
Clegg Insurance acquires Florida Insurance Partners
Clegg Insurance Group has acquired Florida Insurance Partners, doubling Clegg’s business, Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Jane Meinhardt reports.
Democrats push Governor for health care special session
Both the Florida Senate Democrats and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson cite multimillion dollar penalties Florida businesses face because of the Legislature’s refusal to expand Medicaid, The Florida Current’s James Call reports.
Blog: Florida’s Trauma Drama Continues
State health officials on Monday released a much-anticipated report from the independent experts brought in this winter to examine the Florida trauma system amid a protracted hospital fight over who should treat the most critically injured patients, Letitia Stein reports for the Tampa Bay Times.
Fat Firefighters Body Mass Index Not an Issue in Florida
The Florida House rejected an amendment on Monday that would have required firefighters to watch their body mass index if they wanted to keep their job. In a voice vote, the House rejected the amendment that would have required all firefighters to keep their BMI at 25 or under, FlaglerLive.com reports.
Blog: Federal appeals court upholds ruling striking down Florida ban of hiring Cuba-connected firms
A federal appeals court on Monday upheld a ruling that struck down a Florida law prohibiting the state and local governments from hiring companies with business ties to Cuba. The ruling continues to block the 2012 law from taking effect, The Miami Herald’s Patricia Mazzei reports.
Administrative Judge Pulls the Reins In on Gretna Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing
An administrative court judge ruled Monday that the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering exceeded its authority two years ago when it gave gambling licenses to two North Florida barrel horse racing tracks, reports Eric Giunta of SunshineStateNews.com.
Costa Rican Insurer Seeks to Assert Punitive Damages Claims Against Reinsurance Brokers
A Costa Rican insurer has asked a Florida judge for permission to add punitive damages claims against Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd. and Hemispheric Reinsurance Group Inc. in a suit accusing the brokers of overcharging commission, Harris Martin reports.
Pre-Emptive Spending blunts disaster impact
Gayland Kitch doesn’t feel a bit sheepish about not having a storm cellar, even though he is the director of emergency management in Moore, Okla., which faced one of the most violent tornadoes on record, with wind speeds greater than 300 mph, in May 1999, the Times Tribune of Kentucky reports.
State-Regulated Workers’ Compensation Being Assaulted
A critical component of our national “safety net,” the state-regulated workers’ compensation system, is being besieged, another victim of politicians reaching everywhere to generate short-term benefits by increasing services without raising taxes, PropertyCasualty360.com‘s Arthur Postal writes.
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