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Office and Cabinet Applaud the Passage of HB 7015 by House of Representatives

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Office Releases Results of AOB Data Call

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) and Cabinet applaud the actions of the Florida House of Representatives in passing legislation today to specifically address assignment of benefits (AOB) reform. House Bill 7015, which was sponsored by the Judiciary Committee, Representative Jay Trumbull, and Representative James Grant, and co-sponsored by Representative Jim Boyd, provides consumer protections and strengthens provisions in Florida law to reduce unnecessary litigation associated with AOBs that is causing an increase in homeowners insurance costs across the state.
Today, the Office released the “2017 Review of Assignment of Benefits (AOB) Data Call Report,” which provides aggregated results of information received by the top 25 personal residential insurance companies encompassing more than 85% of the Florida market and writing Homeowners and Dwelling Fire policies from January 1, 2015 – June 30, 2017. The findings of this report show a larger progression in the geographic spread, frequency, and average severity of water loss claims across the state; however, this occurred in half the time it took to develop when compared to the nearly six-year analysis of the February 2016 report on this same issue. Since 2015, results indicate the frequency of water claims has risen by 44% with all regions of the state experiencing double-digit increases. Likewise, the average severity of water claims has increased by 18%. The total combined impact of these changes reflect an average 42.1% annual increase in water losses, which is nearly triple the 14.2% average annual increase shown in the previous report.
“I am thankful for the support of the Cabinet, bill sponsors, and all House members who have been working hard to address AOB reform,” said Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier. “The results of my Office’s newest report is a clear sign that Florida is seeing an aggressive rise in the number of water loss claims associated with an AOB and this impact is being felt statewide. Without a legislative remedy, this problem will lead to an increase in homeowners insurance premiums and lack of consumer choice as insurers stop writing or renewing policies in areas with high water losses. I look forward to working with the Florida Legislature and other stakeholders on a proactive solution to address this issue in the 2018 Session.”
Governor Rick Scott said, “I appreciate the Florida House for passing meaningful reforms that will help Florida families. I look forward to continue seeing this important issue addressed throughout the legislative session.”
“House Bill 7015 is the multi-layered legislative approach our state needs to address the rapid climb in AOB water loss claims, and I applaud Rep. Jay Trumbull and the Florida House for passing this good bill today,” said Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis. “The data paints a bleak picture for Florida’s Insurance market. With skyrocketing homeowners insurance costs, consumers are on the losing end.“
“As Attorney General, consumer protection is one of my top priorities, and I applaud the Office of Insurance Regulation’s efforts to protect policyholders. This legislation aims to protect homeowners who are simply trying to repair their homes after a disaster,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi.
A copy of the report can be accessed here. For additional information, please visit the Office’s “AOB Resources” webpage.

Bad faith reform should not be left behind in PIP repeal legislation

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The Florida House today voted to repeal Florida’s Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law and the PIP insurance requirement, passing HB 19 by a vote of 88 to 15. The bill, filed by Rep. Erin Grall (R-Vero beach), replaces the existing No-Fault/PIP system with a new, fault-based system that requires every motorist to buy bodily injury coverage of $25,000 per individual and $50,000 per accident. This insurance will cover third parties who are injured as the result of the negligence of the insured.
“Today, there’s a perverse incentive for third-party claimants to ‘set up’ the insurer of the person who is responsible for an injury or death arising out of a car crash, to recover extra-contractual damages – payments above the policy coverage amount,” said Michael Carlson, president of the Personal Insurance Federation of Florida (PIFF). “The goal of the claimant is to legally ignore the terms of the policy of insurance and obtain a higher judgment, which in turns increases the cost of insurance for all Floridians.”
PIFF said it urges lawmakers to include third-party “bad faith” reform in any repeal of the current system and weigh very carefully how moving to a new system will impact consumers. Without meaningful third-party “bad faith” reform, the new system could create new opportunities for claimants to abuse the current system, resulting in potentially higher BI claims settlements, which increase the cost of insurance.
A study by the Insurance Research Council found third-party “bad faith” lawsuits added $813 million in excess bodily injury claims costs in 2013. These litigation costs are then paid by all Florida drivers and — PIFF explains — must be addressed by legislators if they truly want to bring auto insurance costs down and create more choices and competition in the marketplace for Floridians.
As the debate on repealing PIP unfolds, the Personal Insurance Federation of Florida said it is committed to working closely with legislators to ensure that Florida’s motorists receive the best coverage at the best prices possible, while avoiding unnecessary mandated coverages and litigation costs. PIFF cautions the House to closely review what the Florida Senate might return in the coming weeks and urges the Legislature to include “bad faith” reform to lower the costs of insurance for all Floridians.

FDLE arrests Milton man for child pornography

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Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement today arrested Cesrow Reginald Freemont Crawley, 28, of 6553 Kennington Circle, Milton, for two counts of transmission of child pornography by electronic device.
Agents seized multiple devices for additional forensic analysis and future charges may be pending.
Crawley was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 1st Judicial Circuit.

Gov. Scott: ABC Home Medical Supply to Create 35 Jobs at New Corporate Headquarters in St. Lucie County

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that ABC Home Medical Supply, a national supplier of specialty medical supplies, has selected St. Lucie County as the location for their new corporate headquarters. While the company considered other states like California and Pennsylvania, they ultimately chose Florida as the location for the expansion, which will create 35 new jobs. ABC Home Medical Supply will be expanding at its newly leased 11,000 square foot facility and currently employs 65 Floridians.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that ABC Home Medical Supply has selected Florida as the best location to expand and create 35 new jobs in St. Lucie County. It is clear that our work to cut taxes and make Florida more business-friendly is helping our state outcompete high-tax states like California and Pennsylvania for these important jobs wins. We will continue to do all we can to encourage job creators like ABC Home Medical Supply to invest in Florida and create new opportunities for our families.”
Keith W. Jones, president and CEO of ABC Home Medical Supply, Inc. (ABC), said, “We looked at our locations in California and Pennsylvania, but none provided the support or opportunity to continue our growth expansion as did St. Lucie County. We reached out to the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) for help and they understood our needs – how and where we wanted to grow. Very frankly, we just didn’t get that kind of support elsewhere. It was a prime factor in our decision making. We plan on accomplishing this goal by continuing to provide legendary service to our customers, and execute on our mission – ‘To Do Well by Doing Good.’”
Pete Tesch, president of the EDC, said, “Having ABC Medical relocate their corporate offices here is a bellwether of St. Lucie County’s competiveness in the national market place. Our business climate is one of growth and opportunity, with a talented workforce attractive to professional services operations. We’re very pleased ABC Medical chose St. Lucie County. Their business stimulates our economy and helps demonstrate nationally that St. Lucie County is a prime location for professional services.”

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ABC Medical is a national leader in providing urological, ostomy, wound care and bowel management supplies, delivered directly to customers’ homes. ABC Medical is a “Different Kind of DME”, offering an unmatched combination of personalized service, quality medical supplies, education and outreach to its customers. ABC stands for Adapt.Believe.Compete., representing the Company’s mission of providing its customers unparalleled support to adapt to their situation, believe in themselves and compete every day.  To learn more call 866-897-8588 or visit abc-med.com.
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.
The Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County, Inc. is a public/private 501(C) 6 corporation established to attract new business, support expansion and retention of existing businesses, and advance community and economic development in St. Lucie County. The goal of the EDC is to develop high-wage, high-skill jobs in our community.

SunRail Closed Monday, January 15

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SunRail will be closed Monday, January 15 in observance of the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Train service will resume Tuesday, January 16 with 36 regularly scheduled train trips per day.
For more information about SunRail, including fares, schedule and station locations, please visit sunrail.com. Please be careful around trains, railroad crossings, and while at station platforms. Be smart. Be safe.

Statement by Commissioner Adam Putnam on Updated Citrus Crop Forecast, Need for Federal Assistance

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam released the following statement today after the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its monthly citrus crop forecast for the 2017-2018 season:
“Florida’s iconic citrus industry and its growers continue to struggle with the unprecedented damage caused by Hurricane Irma. This damage, combined with the cumulative impacts of citrus greening, leaves Florida’s growers in desperate need of support. I will continue to work with Governor Scott and leaders in Washington to get Florida’s growers the relief they need to rebuild and replant.”
The USDA’s forecast today of 46 million boxes of oranges for the 2017-2018 season, unchanged from the December estimate, is down 8 million boxes from the 54 million boxes predicted at the start of the season.
In the wake of Hurricane Irma, Commissioner Putnam announced that Florida citrus sustained more than $760 million in damages. In the weeks following Hurricane Irma, Commissioner Putnam joined Governor Rick Scott in Washington D.C to discuss the agricultural damage and to request federal assistance with Florida’s Congressional Delegation.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Florida winner claims $450 million MEGA MILLIONS® jackpot

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Fourth largest jackpot in MEGA MILLIONS history!

Today, on its 30th birthday, the Florida Lottery announces that the managing member of Secret 007, LLC, Shane Missler, 20, of Port Richey, claimed the $451 million MEGA MILLIONS® jackpot from the drawing held Friday, January 5, 2018. The trustee chose to receive his winnings in a one-time, lump-sum payment in the amount of $281,874,999.00.
When asked what he plans to do with the money, Shane said, “I’m only 20, but I hope to use it to pursue a variety of passions, help my family and do some good for humanity.” A believer in the power of a positive mindset, Shane wasn’t really surprised that he had won. He said he just had “a feeling” that he might. After realizing he had won, the first call he made was to his brother. Then, he shared the news with his father over coffee the next morning.
The January 5, 2018, MEGA MILLIONS winning numbers were 28 – 30– 39– 59 – 70 and the Mega Ball was 10. The jackpot-winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased at 7-Eleven, located at 7131 Ridge Road in Port Richey. The retailer will receive a $100,000 bonus commission for selling the jackpot-winning ticket.
“The Florida Lottery is proud to congratulate our second MEGA MILLIONS jackpot winner,” said Secretary Jim Poppell. “This series of jackpot rollovers is not only life-changing for this young man, it has allowed us to contribute more than $23 million to education that will greatly benefit our state’s students and schools.”
Since joining MEGA MILLIONS in 2013, the game has generated more than $294 million for education, and has awarded more than $296 million in prizes to 38.6 million players. The next MEGA MILLIONS drawing will be held tonight, January 12, at 11:00 p.m. ET with an estimated $45 million jackpot.

Sens. Nelson, Rubio ask Senate leadership to bring disaster supplemental to floor immediately

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Following a town hall today with hundreds of Puerto Rican community members in Kissimmee, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson asked Senate Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Schumer to immediately bring the disaster supplemental to the Senate floor to help communities across Florida and throughout Puerto Rico that need federal assistance to continue their recovery efforts.
In the letter, Sens. Nelson (D-FL) and Rubio (R-FL) wrote, “Congress has delayed providing this aid for too long while our communities face the consequences of our inaction,” and “strongly urged” the leaders to bring the disaster relief measure to the floor immediately so these communities get the necessary relief as quickly as possible.
Following is text of the letter lawmakers sent to Sens. McConnell and Schumer, a PDF copy is available here.

January 12, 2018

The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Majority Leader
S-230, U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable Charles Schumer
Minority Leader
S-221, U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Schumer:
We write to highlight the importance of the disaster supplemental and urge you to consider this much needed appropriations measure on the floor as soon as possible. As you are well aware, last fall produced a number of devastating natural disasters, and our communities are still in need of federal assistance in order to continue their recovery efforts. In particular, hurricanes and wildfires caused catastrophic destruction throughout the country, and we are deeply concerned that affected states, territories and local governments will not have the resources needed to address critical issues including agricultural aid, healthcare, and housing if Congress does not act immediately.
These disasters caused unprecedented destruction, and yet the federal government has still not provided an acceptable response. Congress has a duty to fulfill, and a disaster supplemental appropriations bill would provide the federal aid our states and territories were promised months ago. The House of Representatives passed a disaster supplemental, and while it did not fully encompass what is needed, it is past time for the Senate to act. Unfortunately, Congress has delayed providing this aid for too long while our communities face the consequences of our inaction.
It is imperative that Americans nationwide know that the federal government is both ready and willing to direct resources needed to help them in the recovery process. As such, we strongly urge you to bring the disaster relief measure to the floor for consideration at the earliest opportunity to ensure that our communities are able to address and assist their respective needs.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

PIFF on Florida House passing AOB reform bill

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The Personal Insurance Federation of Florida (PIFF) today applauded the Florida House for passing HB 7015, filed by Representative Jay Trumbull (R-Panama City). The bill addresses increasing costs in the property insurance market created by the abuse of Florida’s “assignment of benefits” (AOB) law.
“For six years, PIFF has urged the Legislature to protect homeowners from AOB abuse and its direct impact on the pocketbooks of hard-working families, seniors and others on fixed incomes,” said PIFF president Michael Carlson. “All the evidence indicates that the driving force behind increased homeowner rates, especially in southeast Florida, is the abuse of the one-way attorney fee statute, which incentivizes inflated claims and unnecessary litigation. Changes to this law should immediately change the behavior of self-interested vendors and trial attorneys, creating a savings for Florida consumers.” 
HB 7015 includes a change in how attorney fees are awarded in cases involving an AOB that is designed to remove the incentive for bad behavior by creating a sliding scale for the award of such fees. It also includes many consumer protections, such as the requirement of a written estimate, the elimination of onerous cancellation and other fees, and protection from the mechanics lien law in cases where there is an AOB.
“Most importantly, if allowed to operate without obstruction from Florida’s trial bar, this bill will protect consumers and restore fairness to the law in a way that should reduce costs and take the pressure off of rates,” Carlson added. “We think it is high time the Florida House and Senate embrace these ideas and pass a bill that will directly help their constituents.”
PIFF is a member of the Consumer Protection Coalition, which is a grassroots organization whose goal is to educate policymakers on the problem of AOB abuse and to find sensible, pro-consumer solutions that will reduce costs. Learn more about the AOB problem and the Coalition at www.fightfraud.today.

RoadWatch Advisory: Rucks Dairy Road Bridge in Highlands County

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HIGHLANDS COUNTY
Rucks Dairy Road Bridge Over C-41 Canal/Slough: Construction project: Crews will build a new two-lane bridge to replace the current one lane bridge. Construction of the new bridge is next to the current bridge. On Thursday, January 18th and Wednesday, January 19th, crews will be paving the lanes on the bridge. Motorists should expect single lane closures with flagging operations on Rucks Dairy Road bridge. Motorists should follow the new traffic pattern and travel through the work zone during these times. Additional improvements will include resurfacing a portion of the road approaching the new bridge, drainage enhancements, new guardrails and updated signage. Expected project completion is spring 2018.