News & Updates

Ron DeSantis

Federal Nominations Bring Florida Shakeups

Federal Nominations Bring Florida Shakeups

Several early nominees for positions in the next Trump administration have deep Florida connections. Prominent examples include U.S. Senator Marco Rubio being tapped for Secretary of State and former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi being the nominee for U.S. Attorney General. Bondi’s nomination followed a brief cycle in which U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz from the […]

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Governor DeSantis Applauds Chevron Overruling

Governor DeSantis Applauds Chevron Overruling

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis applauded the United States Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which overturned four decades of precedent known as the Chevron doctrine. As summarized in this firm’s July 1 post, the Chevron doctrine essentially meant that unless a congressional act was clear, courts were required to defer to […]

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Governor DeSantis Vetoes Cybersecurity Liability Protection Bill

Governor DeSantis Vetoes Cybersecurity Liability Protection Bill

Governor Ron DeSantis has vetoed House Bill 473 (HB 473) related to cybersecurity liability protection as passed by the Florida legislature in the 2024 regular legislative session. The bill would have provided that a county, municipality or other political subdivision substantially complying with standards and protocols under current law is not liable in connection with […]

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Assignment Limitations Begin with New Year

Assignment Limitations Begin with New Year

The Florida legislature passed significant property insurance reforms in its December 2022 special session. Governor Ron DeSantis promptly signed these reforms into law, with many taking effect immediately upon the law’s effective date. However, a key change related to assignments of benefits (AOB) begins to have its real impact in the new year. For many […]

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New Year Brings Key Personnel Changes

New Year Brings Key Personnel Changes

The new year will bring personnel changes at key insurance-related organizations in Florida. Perhaps most notably, Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier stepped down effective December 28, 2022. Commissioner Altmaier first joined the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation in 2008. He held several roles within the property and casualty financial oversight area, including Chief Analyst. He then […]

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Special Session to Begin December 12

Special Session to Begin December 12

The Florida legislature will convene in a special session from December 12, 2022, through December 16, 2022. The special session is expected to include consideration of property tax relief for Floridians affected by Hurricane Ian as well as property insurance reforms. Governor Ron DeSantis has mentioned in recent weeks that he anticipated a special session […]

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Republicans Sweep Governor and Cabinet Races

Republicans Sweep Governor and Cabinet Races

Incumbent Governor Ron DeSantis soundly defeated Charlie Crist in Florida’s race for Governor, leading a Republican sweep of the state’s top elected offices. Current Chief Financial Officer prevailed in his bid for another term, as did incumbent Attorney General Ashley Moody. They are joined by Republican Wilton Simpson, the outgoing Senate president who won an […]

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Lawsuits Target Special Session Reforms

Lawsuits Target Special Session Reforms

In late May, the Florida legislature passed several measures intended to address continuing concerns with Florida’s residential property insurance market.  Lawmakers commented that the new laws will not provide quick fixes; instead, the benefits might take 12-18 months to materialize. Unfortunately, this estimate might prove to be optimistic as two lawsuits have been filed challenging […]

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New Year Promises Fast Start in Florida Politics

New Year Promises Fast Start in Florida Politics

The new year will get off to a fast start in Florida governmental affairs and promises to active at least until we approach the next holiday season.  This year is an election year in Florida.  This means the Florida legislature will meet early in the year, with the session beginning January 11.  The 60-day session […]

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Questions Remain After Property Bill Passes Late in Session

Questions Remain After Property Bill Passes Late in Session

The 2021 Florida Legislature spent several months evaluating property insurance reform proposals.  The committee hearing process included testimony from Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation CEO Barry Gilway and many others.  Despite these months of analysis, the primary property insurance reform bill (SB 76) was amended several times in the last week of […]

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