I hope each and every one of you are in the midst of a wonderful holiday season! I am writing this blog from a food court in Toronto, Canada. While I am on a vacation to see family, the weather is making me rethink my life choices. It is currently 19 degrees. This Floridian is wearing more layers than I even knew you could pack on! I will be back in Florida in a few days—just in time to ring in the New Year. Soon thereafter, I will be heading back to Tallahassee for the start of the 2018 Legislative Session. Session officially begins on January 9th and ends on March 9th (unless a special session is called).
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Governor Scott Issues Emergency Order
Florida Governor Rick Scott issued the following Emergency Order to assist consumers during the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Please make sure you review it closely. As always, I am here to answer any questions you may have.
Assignment of Benefits Legislation (SB 62) – 2018
Friends,
Here is the first bill regarding Assignment of Benefits for the 2018 Florida Legislative Session – Senate Bill 62. Keep in mind, this is only a filed bill in the Senate. There have been no votes or meetings on this bill.
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Two different approaches to the Assignment of Benefits Issue
Assignment of Benefits (“AOBs”) has been an issue in the property insurance realm for several years. In fact, the Florida Legislature made a hard push to address the issue during the 2017 Session but was unable to do so. The two main AOB bills that gained traction last Session dealt with the issue in slightly different ways. SB 1218 was sponsored by Senator Gary Farmer. I have set forth the summary staff analysis below:
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What Would You Like to See During the 2018 Legislative Session?
First, sorry it has been so long since my last post! It was a blast seeing a lot of you during the FAPIA conference in Duck Key. The fishing, comradery, and education were all amazing. (Unless you were in my fishing boat…and if you were I apologize). During the FAPIA conference I was honored to be named the Legislator of the Year – a recognition that I am extremely humbled by. During the 2017 Florida Legislative Session we were able to pass HB 911 and get it signed by the Governor (see Insurance Consultants and People Not Licensed as Public Adjusters Cannot Work on Property Insurance Claims).
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Analysis of HB 912 Regarding Insurance Adjusters
Analysis of the recent HB 912 regarding insurance adjusters that the Florida House passed earlier this week.
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Assignment of Benefits and the 2017 Florida Legislative Session
The 2017 Florida Legislative Session does not start until March 7th but committee weeks have begun in both Chambers. As a member of the Florida House of Representatives, I have been assigned to the following committees:
- Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee
- Commerce Committee
- Energy & Utilities Subcommittee
- Government Operations & Technology Appropriations Subcommittee
- Insurance & Banking Subcommittee
Thank you!
I want to thank everyone who helped us achieve a hard fought victory in my August 30th primary for the Florida House of Representatives. My law firm colleagues have been with me every step of this journey. They never wavered in their support and were there to offer whatever assistance I needed on my cases. In addition, my friends with FAPIA put their blood, sweat and tears into this campaign. Not only did they help me to gather the necessary resources to run a winning campaign, they personally came to Tampa and got their hands (and shoes dirty).
Res Ipsa Loquitur
In the legal profession we sometimes use the term “res ipsa loquitur”—Latin for "the thing speaks for itself." With that in mind, take a look at the article, All’s fair? Scott Link changes sides after $5M Citizens superlawyer pay,1 discussing the fact that the top lawyer for Citizens is leaving to represent policyholders.
Departing Words from outgoing Florida Insurance Commissioner
This blog has followed the procedure and politics behind the departure of Kevin McCarty as Florida’s Insurance Commissioner. Commissioner McCarty has been a wonderful servant to the people of Florida. More specifically, he has been an excellent insurance commissioner under very difficult circumstances.