Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report – Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Galvano Brings Policy Skills To Top Senate Post

Senator Bill Galvano, a 51-year-old lawyer from Bradenton, will be designated Tuesday by Senate Republicans as the next president of the Florida Senate.  THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Lloyd Dunkelberger reports.

·         As He Ascends to Senate Presidency, Galvano Says He’s Looking for “Innovative New Ideas”

Senate Committee Considers Sending AOB Disputes To Mandatory Arbitration

Alternative Dispute Resolution Emerged as a possible solution to the Political Dispute over Assignment of Benefits, or AOB, Agreements during a Hearing Tuesday before the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee.  Michael Moline reports for FloridaPolitics.com.

Unlicensed Contractor Arrested By Florida Disaster Fraud Strike Team

An Unlicensed Contractor from Fort Myers has been arrested after he was found to be conducting subpar roof repairs and operating without Insurance in the wake of Hurricane Irma.  Insurance Journal reports.

Irma Insurance Claims Continue Increasing

As of Friday, 772,934 Claims had been Filed, worth an Estimated $5.3 Billion, according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.  THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA   reports via FloridaPolitics.com.

More Than One Billion In Reinsurance Payments Now In Florida Market As Irma Claims Are Paid

Reinsurers are promptly paying their Florida Clients’ Reinsurance Claims for Hurricane Irma, and in this regard more than $1 Billion has been already advanced at this time.  AON Benfield CEO Eric Anderson remarked to the Florida Insurance Council.

Florida Personal Injury Firms Fined $9.16 Million For Filing Frivolous Tobacco Complaints

A Federal Court in Florida has fined Two Personal-Injury Law Firms a combined $9.16 Million for pursuing 1,250 Engle Progeny Lawsuits against U.S. Tobacco Manufacturers that were determined to be Frivolous Complaints.  Richard Craver reports for the Winston-Salem Journal

Police Officer Prevails In Florida Workers’ Comp Appeal

An Appeals Court Tuesday sided with a Central Florida Police Officer in a dispute about whether he should receive Workers’ Compensation Insurance Benefits after two bouts with “Severely” elevated Blood Pressure. 

Florida Lawmakers Fume As U.S. Senate Blocks Hurricane Aid For State Citrus Growers

Pleading for help for Citrus Growers whose crops were decimated by Hurricane Irma, a plan from Senators from Florida to add money to a $36.5 Billion Disaster Relief Bill was blocked by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday, as Lawmakers said the White House made clear that it did not want to add extra money to this Relief Plan.  Jamie Dupree reports for the Palm Beach Post.

Post-Hurricane Cleanup Could Kill More Workers Than Storms Themselves

The two Hurricanes that battered Texas and Florida left 200 people dead but neglect of health and safety among mainly Day Laborers could exact a great Toll.  The Guardian’s Mike Elk reports.

As Maria’s Evacuees Seek Florida Driver’s Licenses, There’s A Catch

If Evacuees apply for a State ID card, that’s free under State Law because New Arrivals are considered Homeless. A First-Time License Costs $48.  Steve Bosquet reports via the Miami Herald’s “Naked Politics” blog.

Florida Senate Panel Hears Values Of Vacation Rentals, Mulls Regulations

After hearing a cavalcade of criticisms of Short-Term Vacation Rental Homes in Florida two weeks ago, the Florida Senate Community Affairs Committee heard many positives Tuesday morning, while deliberating whether there need to be any State Regulations.  Scott Powers reports for FloridaPolitics.com.

Noncompete Clause Is At Center Of Florida Legal Dispute

Citrix alleges in a Florida Suit that by signing Non-Compete Agreements and then going to work for a Competitor, Employees committed a Breach of Contract.  Alex Konrad reports for Forbes.

Florida Pays Nearly $437,000 After Losing Skim Milk Battle

A Federal Appeals Court earlier this year sided with an All-Natural Dairy that fought the State’s Demand to Label its Skim Milk “Imitation” because vitamins aren’t added to it.  The Associated Press reports.

Senator Dana Young Files Bill To Verify Corporate Filings

In direct response to Businesses that have been the Victim of Fraudulent Filings, Florida Senator Dana Young (R-Tampa) today announced she has Filed Key Legislation for the 2018 Legislative Session.

Longshot Constitutional Amendments Move Capital, Divide Florida In Two

While others may argue about what the Founding Fathers meant by the right to bear arms, Floridians may have the chance to infuse the Gunshine State Spirit into the Second Amendment.  James Call reports for the Tallahassee Democrat.

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