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PIFF releases Legislative Champions for Florida insurance industry

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Two Florida Lawmakers Recognized for Work to Protect Florida Consumers

The Personal Insurance Federation of Florida (PIFF) today named two Legislative Champions for work on issues impacting Florida insurance consumers during the 2018 Legislative Session. Recognized for protecting Floridians, Senator Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, and Senator Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, both earned the honor from PIFF, the leading voice for property and casualty insurance companies offering personal lines insurance products in Florida.

Legislative Champions were selected through a convening of the PIFF Policy Group, made up of representatives from Allstate Insurance Companies, Farmers Insurance, the Progressive Group of Insurance Companies and State Farm Insurance Companies. The group worked to identify outstanding leadership and support for PIFF’s mission and legislative agenda, citing work to protect Floridians from fraud as contributing to the recognition this year.

“The consumer protections that did occur this year would not have been possible without the initiative of these lawmakers,” said Michael Carlson, president of the Personal Insurance Federation of Florida. “Senator Passidomo worked to protect a competitive auto market in Florida by thwarting attempts to throw all auto crash claims into courthouses. Senator Hukill acted on behalf of consumers, working to protect them from paying higher rates driven by inflated property insurance claims involving water and roofing losses. We are grateful for their support in tackling problems taking place in the insurance market, and to have seen the prevention of further harm with their leadership.”

Senator Dorothy Hukill
PIFF applauded the Senator Hukill for her outspoken support for the Consumer Protection Coalition and AOB (assignment of benefits) reform efforts. Although her bill, Senate Bill 62, was never heard in committee, it served as a vehicle for real “silver bullet” solutions to stop the rampant AOB abuse in Florida. While a solution is still needed, no further harm was done this year.

“I am honored to be recognized for consumer-focused efforts, and consider it my duty to advocate for policies that protect Floridians,” said Senator Hukill. “I will continue to work toward a solution that ensures when families are in an auto or home crisis they are protected and the AOB process is transparent and held accountable.”

Senator Kathleen Passidomo
Senator Passidomo championed the “bad faith” amendment on Senate Bill 150, which would have also removed the mandatory medical payments coverage for all drivers – PIFF believes this debate ultimately helped thwart the PIP repeal-and-replace discussion, a positive development for Florida consumers. Without a newly mandated rate increase, Floridians will continue to have choices in the insurance market.

“I am humbled to be recognized with my good friend, Senator Dorothy Hukill, for our shared concerns of constituents and consumers throughout the State of Florida,” said Senator Passidomo.

This is the second year PIFF has recognized Legislative Champions for Florida consumers, recognizing eight individuals in 2017. For more on PIFF’s 2018 legislative platform, visit PIFF.net.

Statewide Televised Debates in Florida U.S. Senate & Governor Races Announced by Leadership Florida, Florida Press Association

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Florida’s exciting 2018 election year is headlined by vigorous races for Governor and U.S. Senate – and both will be spotlighted in live, hour-long, statewide televised debates announced today by Leadership Florida and the Florida Press Association. The two organizations, partnered in the most successful and respected ongoing debate series in Florida’s modern history, will hold the twin debates from the campus of Broward College, on October 23 & 24, from 7-8 p.m., just two weeks before voters go to the polls.

“Decision 2018: Before You Vote” will present the debates for what is expected to be a massive statewide television audience of viewers and voters who will have the opportunity to size up the two candidates for U.S. Senate and Governor. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Bill Nelson is expected to be challenged in his re-election bid by Governor Rick Scott, who has not announced for the race yet. Robust primary races are shaping up in the race for governor and the winning nominees will share their visions for Florida’s future in the “Before You Vote” debate. The contests are among the most anticipated and important in the nation, as Democrats try to win majority control of the U. S. Senate and recapture a Governor’s Office they have not won since 1994.

The debate programs will be broadcast in each of Florida’s 10 major media markets on select network affiliate broadcast partners. The debates will be produced by West Palm Beach-based ABC station WPBF/Ch. 25, with key guidance from veteran producer and project consultant Philip Alongi, a former longtime executive producer for NBC News. Criteria for candidates to qualify for participation in the debates will be announced soon, and major candidates in both parties are expected to appear.

“It wasn’t that long ago that Florida voters decided the presidency, and this year we could simultaneously help determine the direction of the U.S. Senate and of the third largest state in the nation,” said Leadership Florida Board Chair Beth Kigel. “Florida’s elections are among the most crucial in the nation this year, and our debates will surely be one of the best ways for voters to see the candidates present themselves and challenge their opponents.”

In addition to the role of Leadership Florida and the Florida Press Association as debate partners, Broward College will serve in the essential role of host site, and underwriting sponsors will include the Florida League of Cities, AARP, and the Claude Pepper Center at Florida State University. Two additional sponsors are expected to be named soon.

“The key to an informed electorate is a full and open discussion of the issues, and it’s vitally important that Florida voters understand their choices when deciding who will serve us in the U.S. Senate and the Governor’s Office in the coming years,” said Dean Ridings, President & CEO of the Florida Press Association. “We are proud to provide a quality, trusted forum for the kind of meaningful debate the framers had in mind when they established our system of government so long ago.”

By serving as the epicenter of Florida’s political discourse during the debate, Broward College will further its core role in the community. The debates are expected to attract dozens of journalists from Florida and around the nation.

“Our goal as educators is to foster thoughtful dialogue on important topics, and none will be more important than the future direction of our state and nation,” said Broward College President J. David Armstrong. “We are proud to host these important, timely debates so our students and all Floridians can hear the candidates share their vision for our state and nation.”

WPBF President and General Manager Caroline Taplett anticipates large viewership for the face-to-face matchups of the nominees, both during the live broadcast and in rebroadcast on multiple platforms.

“We are committed to producing a high-quality program that offers voters thought-provoking exchanges between the candidates who are seeking their support,” Taplett said. “Florida has a history of razor-thin statewide elections, and these debates could be a tipping point. We’re pleased to have the opportunity to bring them to a statewide audience.”

Broadcast market partners that will carry the debates statewide include:

Miami-Ft. Lauderdale —–WFOR (CBS)
West Palm Beach ———-WPBF (ABC)
Orlando———————-WESH (NBC)
Jacksonville —————-First Coast News — either WTLV (NBC) or WJXX (ABC)
Gainesville——————WCJB (ABC)
Tampa/St. Pete————WFLA (NBC)
Tallahassee—————–WCTV (CBS)
Pensacola——————-WEAR (ABC)
Panama City—————-WMBB (ABC)
Fort Myers——————Either WBBH (NBC) or WZVN (ABC)

About Leadership Florida
For 36 years, Leadership Florida has dedicated itself to bringing together emerging and existing leaders from across the state to challenge, prepare, and inspire them to build a better Florida. As a respected non-partisan organization, Leadership Florida provides meaningful forums and creates unique opportunities introducing members to fresh transformative ideas and information. Leadership Florida is a federally registered trademark. For more information, visit leadershipflorida.org.

The Florida Press Association is a nonprofit organization with a purpose to protect the freedoms and advance the professional standards of the press in Florida, with a membership of Florida’s daily and weekly newspapers and online local media. Visit flpress.com to learn more. 

About Broward College
Serving more than 63,000 students annually, Broward College provides residents with certificate programs, two-year university-transfer degrees, two-year career degrees, and baccalaureate degrees in selected programs. The mission of the college is to provide high-quality educational programs and services that are affordable and accessible to a diverse community of learners. For more information, visit broward.edu.

WPBF 25 is the ABC affiliate serving the West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce Designated Market Area. WPBF 25 is owned and operated by Hearst Television. Hearst Television is recognized as one of the industry’s premier companies, and has been honored with numerous awards for industry innovation, community service, and distinguished reporting – including nine consecutive Walter Cronkite Awards for Excellence in Television Political Journalism.

FDLE upgrades Florida’s Sex Offender Registry

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FDLE unveiled Florida’s updated Sex Offender Registry, improving ease of use for citizens and making the webpage mobile friendly.

The new look makes it easier for citizens to search for offenders by name, living in neighborhoods, and on college campuses.  Reporters and citizens can also access Florida sex offender laws, safety tips and other state registries.  To access the newly designed registry, click here.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Update on Florida Wildfire Activity

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that there are currently 41 active wildfires in Florida burning 34,539 acres.

Significant Wildfires in Florida:

  • Greenway, Collier County: 17,957 and 90 percent contained.
  • Firebreak, Gulf County: 8,080 acres and 80 percent contained.
  • Airport/Context, Miami-Dade County: 1,037 acres and 90 percent contained.
  • Old Blade Line, Polk County: 450 acres and 60 percent contained.

The Florida Forest Service is urging residents to be cautious with fire and heat sources and to remember the following:

  • Develop and implement a family wildfire action plan;
  • Call 911 or a local Florida Forest Service field unit office immediately in the event of a wildfire;
  • Obey Florida’s outdoor burning laws;
  • Never burn on windy days;
  • Always keep a water source and suppression tools on hand when burning yard debris;
  • Never leave an outdoor fire or hot grill unattended; and
  • Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres.

Florida Office of Financial Regulation Celebrates Financial Literacy Month

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The Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) today recognizes April as Financial Literacy Month, and encourages Floridians to establish smart financial habits.

Commissioner Drew J. Breakspear said, “The more Floridians understand about money, savings and credit, the better equipped they are to make informed decisions about banking, loans and investments. Financial literacy is the gateway to financial stability and economic success.”

The OFR offers Floridians a robust online Consumer Knowledge Center, where consumers can find valuable financial literacy resources, including OFR consumer alerts and state and federal partner websites. This month and year-round, the OFR offers financial literacy tips and helpful information via Twitter. Follow us @FlFinancialReg to learn more.

Wright Flood donates $1 million to Step Up For Students Scholarship Program to help 153 Florida schoolchildren

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Wright National Flood presented Step Up For Students with a $1 million check. The contribution will provide scholarships for lower-income Florida schoolchildren to be able to attend the K-12 participating school of their choice. Wright National Flood representatives (back row, from left to right) Lagaysheya Smith, Michael Giovanniello, Patty Templeton-Jones, Dawn Forrest and Eddie Curren are joined by (back row, far right) Step Up For Students President Doug Tuthill. A few Step Up scholarship recipients from Tampa Bay area schools participated in the presentation.  

Wright Flood, the largest provider of federal flood insurance policies in the U.S., recently announced a $1 million contribution to the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. The donation will fund 153 K-12 scholarships for the 2017-18 school year, so lower-income children can attend the school that best meets their learning needs.

Since first partnering with Step Up For Students in 2008, Wright Flood has contributed $3,850,000, providing 670 scholarships.

“We are proud of the impact we’ve had on students in our home state of Florida through our contributions to the Step Up For Students Scholarship Program,” said Patty Templeton-Jones, president of Wright Flood. “It’s a privilege to have formed this partnership to help Florida youth reach for their dreams.”

Step Up For Students helps administer the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which allows recipients to choose between a scholarship that helps with private school tuition and fees, or one that assists with transportation costs to out-of-county public schools. The program is funded by corporations through dollar-for-dollar tax credited donations.

“Thanks to Wright Flood, more schoolchildren will have the opportunity to attend the school that fits the way they learn, regardless of where they live or their parents’ income,” said Doug Tuthill, president of Step Up For Students. “On behalf of Step Up and the families we serve, we thank Wright Flood for their generosity and their commitment to support our mission.”

For the 2017-18 school year, Step Up For Students is serving more than 101,000 students throughout Florida with tuition scholarships valued at up to $6,343 per student for K through fifth grade, $6,631 for sixth through eighth grade and $6,920 for ninth through 12th grade. More than 1,800 private schools participate in the scholarship program statewide.

About Wright Flood
Wright Flood provides federal flood insurance, excess flood coverage, private flood coverage and leading industry expertise, earning an A- (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best. As the largest provider of federal flood insurance in the U.S., Wright Flood takes pride in user-friendly technology, exceptional claims reputation and providing the service clients deserve. Agents and policyholders may visit us at wrightflood.com. 

About Step Up For Students
Step Up For Students is a nonprofit organization that helps administer the income-based Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. Students who qualify for the national free or reduced-price lunch, or those who are homeless or in foster or out-of-home care, may qualify. The scholarship program provides tuition assistance to the private school of their parents’ choice or financial assistance to offset the transportation cost to an out-of-district public school. Since 2001, Step Up has awarded more than 680,000 scholarships.

A first-of-its-kind study on the long-term effects of the scholarship program by The Urban Institute found that students who use the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship four or more years are up to 43 percent more likely to go to college and up to 29 percent more likely to earn an associate’s degree than their peers.

Step Up also helps administer the state-funded Gardiner Scholarship for Florida students with certain special needs. With the Gardiner Scholarship, recipients may use the funds for a variety of approved services including private tutoring, occupational therapy, instructional materials and other services.

For more information, visit StepUpForStudents.org.

CFO Jimmy Patronis Meets with Ft. Myers First Responders to Highlight Signing of Bill to Expand PTSD Benefits

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CFO Jimmy Patronis today was joined by Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto, Senator Kathleen Passidomo, Representative Heather Fitzenhagen, Representative Dane Eagle, Lee County Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass, Ft. Myers Fire Department Chief John Caufield and members of Ft. Myers’ fire service and law enforcement communities to highlight the signing of Senate Bill (SB) 376, expanding mental health benefits for first responders. Gov. Rick Scott signed the bill last week in Tampa surrounded by hundreds of first responders from across the state. SB 376 was sponsored by Sen. Lauren Book and Rep. Matt Willhite.

Gov. Rick Scott Highlights Funding and Signs Legislation Benefitting Florida Military, Veterans and Families

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Governor Rick Scott today visited USAA in Tampa to highlight $180 million in total funding in his Securing Florida’s Future Budget to support active military, veterans, and their families. He also signed HB 29, which will increase opportunities and reduce fees for Florida military, veterans and their families. HB 29, known as the “Don Hahnfeldt Veteran and Family Opportunity Act,” expands legislation signed into law by Governor Scott in 2014 (more HERE) by reducing professional licensing fees and requirements for certain military members, veterans, and their spouses.

This bill also designates March 25th of every year as “Medal of Honor Day” to honor the individuals recognized with the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force in the Armed Services of the United States. The “Don Hahnfeldt Veteran and Family Opportunity Act” was named after State Representative Don Hahnfeldt, a veteran and a member of the Florida House of Representatives who passed away last year.

Ray Pilon Endorses Jeff Brandes for State Senate

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Former Florida State Representative Cites Integrity,
Honesty and Fairness in Support of Local Businessman

Senator Jeff Brandes announced today former Florida State Representative Ray Pilon, has endorsed his campaign for State Senate.

“Senator Brandes and I served in the Florida House and were both elected in 2010, said Pilon. “We worked closely on many issues and that continued when he was elected to the Senate. He is a person of high moral values, of integrity,
honesty and fairness.”

“I’m honored to have the support of Representative Pilon,” said Brandes. “He’s a principled leader that does what is right, not what he’s told – which isn’t all that common in Tallahassee. I appreciate his support and I’m glad to have
him on our team.”

Pilon, a Republican from Sarasota, spent his career in law enforcement and in the private sector as an Executive VP for a major cable company. In 2010, he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, where he served until
2016.

Pilon is active in the community and has been involved with many service and non-profit organizations. He also holds memberships in several fraternal and professional organizations. Ray is married to Casey, has two grown sons,
Sean and Chad, and two grandchildren.

Brandes is a lifelong resident of St. Petersburg, Veteran and local businessman. He joined the Army shortly after graduating high school and received his bachelor’s degree in 1999. He served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom
from 2003-2004 and upon leaving the Army he joined his grandfather, Litton Tibbetts, in the family lumber business in 2006.

Frustrated by the Status quo’s lack of leadership, Jeff ran for the Florida House of Representatives in 2010 and defeated a two-term incumbent in one of the state’s most competitive districts. He quickly earned a distinguished reputation
for finding innovative solutions to deal with issues in Education, Job Creation and Transportation. He was elected to the Florida Senate in 2012 and reelected subsequently in 2014 and 2016. In the Senate, Brandes has made
a name for himself as a pragmatic leader that embraces solutions – putting people before politics.

Brandes and his wife Natalie have four children, Charlotte “Lottie”, Colin, Conor and Lizzie.

Paid by Jeff Brandes, Republican for State Senate.

Florida PSC Urges Residents to Call 811 Before You Dig

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With spring comes the start of home improvement projects for many Floridians. Whether that includes building a backyard fire pit or installing a garden fountain, before grabbing that shovel, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) urges you to “call 811 before you dig!”

“April is National Safe Digging Month. Safety is a top priority at the PSC, and we support this campaign and urge safe digging year-round,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham. “Calling 811 before any construction or outdoor project can save lives and prevent damage. If underground utilities or infrastructure are hit by digging, service outages can result and time and money are wasted.”

An 811 call, which is the federally designated call-before-you-dig number, notifies affected utility companies to dispatch crews to mark the location of underground utility lines.  Utility markings show those who dig the approximate location of underground lines to help prevent damage to utility lines.

In Florida, 811 accepts calls from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and is managed by the Sunshine State One Call Center, a nonprofit corporation. It’s recommended that residents call 811 two full business days before beginning their digging project.

For more information on the “call 811 before you dig” campaign, visit call811.com or access the PSC’s Consumer Tip, 8-1-1 Know What’s Below.  The annual campaign, which runs each April, is supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

For additional information, visit floridapsc.com.