Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report – Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Jan 16, 2018
Report Shows Florida AOB Abuse Worsening as Lawmakers Consider Reforms
In its most recent Data call of Water or Roof Damage Homeowners Claims closed between Jan. 1, 2015 and June 30, 2017 released last week, OIR found the frequency of Water Claims per 1,000 Policies has increased 44 percent since 2015 and severity has increased by 18 percent. Insurance Journal’s Amy O’Connor reports.
Florida Raises Insurance Regulation Grade From C to B
The Annual Report, written by Free-Market Think Tank R Street Institute, ranks States based on Consumers’ ability to select their desired Insurance Products, Insurers’ ability to sell those Insurance Products and how well State Governments keep an eye on Insurer solvency and support Private Insurance Markets. The Tampa Bay Times reports.
After Irma, Lawmakers to Weigh Blocking Rebuilding in High-Risk Areas
Before the Committee met Tuesday, it released a Report Draft that found the cost of Hurricane Irma to County Governments in Florida exceeded $1 Billion, while State Agencies spent $680.2 Million in response to the Hurricane. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Jim Turner reports via the Palm Beach Post.
Windshield Repair Fraud Targeted In Senate
The Bill (SB 396), sponsored by Senator Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, was Approved by the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee after being Amended to require Inspections occur within 24 hours in most Cases and by Adjusters employed by the Insurers. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Jim Turner reports via News4Jax.com.
Families Push PTSD Bill For First Florida’s Responders
Presently, First Responders receive Workers Compensation Benefits and Lost Wages under a Post-Traumatic-Stress Diagnosis only if it is accompanied by a Physical Injury. Families of Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers have Lobbied Lawmakers and State Officials to repeal a Physical Injury Requirement to access Benefits for a Mental Injury. James Call reports for the Tallahassee Democrat.
Bill Hikes Pension Contributions For State Agencies, Local Governments
Florida Counties would have to Contribute an additional $66 Million to the State Pension Fund in the New Budget Year, according to Legislation that has started moving in the Senate. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Lloyd Dunkelberger reports via the Palm Beach Post.
Sean Shaw Announces Bid For Attorney General
Shaw has worked as a Private Insurance Attorney and previously served as Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate. He is the Son of Leander Shaw, the State’s first Black Chief Justice and the second Black Supreme Court Justice. Allison Nielsen reports for SunshineStateNews.com.
Colodny Fass Promotes Insurance Defense Lawyer Matt Scarfone To Partner
Mr. Scarfone often has prevailed in Cases that involve Homeowners’ Insurance Fraud, particularly as Reports of Residential Property Water Damage Claims escalate Statewide.
Bill to Legalize Fireworks Takes Off in House Committee
A Bill that would Legalize Consumer Fireworks cleared a House Committee on Tuesday even as it faces strong Opposition from the Fireworks Industry. FloridaPolitics.com’s Mitch Perry reports.
Emeril TV Producer Fighting Subpoena From Florida House
Legislators are asking for years of Records detailing how the Show “Emeril’s Florida” spent millions of dollars it received from the State’s Tourism Agency. Those Documents include Tax Records from Roberts’ Company MAT Media as well as information on how Lagasse was paid. The Associated Press’ Gary Fineout reports via the Lee Herald.
Rick Scott Heads to Louisiana on Another Jobs Trip
Scott has targeted several States led by Democratic Governors in the last three years as part of his Job-Recruiting Effort. Tampa Bay Times’ “The Buzz” blog reports.
State, Federal Data-Gathering On Terrorism-Risk Insurance Could Merge
PCI’s Robert Woody said the Association supports efforts to Merge such Data-Gathering but has concerns because “States are proposing to adopt a Supplemental Reporting Template not requested by [the Federal Insurance Office], on which they would collect ZIP Code-Level Data on Property Coverages.” Carrier Management Online reports via the PCI SmartBrief.
California Commissioner And Legislators Unveil Wildfire Insurance Bills
California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones and Legislators from Wildfire-Damaged Communities across the State unveiled Eight Bills and Two Additional Legislative Proposals proponents say will strengthen Consumer Protections for those making Insurance Claims. Insurance Journal reports.
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