FPCA Automobile Division: Senate Judiciary Bill Would Exclude PIP Actions From Small Claims Courts
Feb 4, 2009
On Wednesday, February 4, 2009, the Florida Senate Judiciary Committee (“Committee”) approved a committee bill for introduction that would implement a variety of changes to small claims court procedures. The bill, Senate Proposed Bill 7028 Relating to the Small Claims Process is based upon Senate Interim Report 121: Review of the Small Claims Process in Florida (“Report”). To view a copy of the Report, click here.
The Report recommends the exclusion of personal injury protection benefits actions from small claims jurisdictions because claims involving personal injury protection insurance (“PIP”) are too complex to be well-served by small claims courts. Instead, the Report suggests that these types of claims should be under the jurisdiction of a county or circuit court.
Senate Staff was given authority to develop a bill based on the Report recommendations. The Committee meeting packet, which includes a copy of SPB 7028 and the Report, may be viewed by clicking here.
Katie Webb will be meeting with Senate Staff this afternoon to discuss specifics of the proposed legislation.
Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Colodny Fass.