American Property Casualty Insurance Association: Bad Faith Reform Essential for Florida Consumers

CHICAGO, Illinois, Feb. 28 -- The American Property Casualty Insurance Association issued the following statement by Logan McFaddin, assistant vice president of state government relations, regarding measures that passed the House Commerce Committee:

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- PCS for CS/CS/HB 895, related to Insurance, by the House Appropriations Committee, House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee and Representative David Santiago

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"Florida's legal climate is one of the worst in the country, and the abuse and manipulation of Florida's bad faith law by some plaintiffs' attorneys has reached epidemic proportions and is driving up costs for consumers and hurting local businesses.

"APCIA appreciates the House Commerce Committee for advancing PCS for CS/CS/HB 895 to the full House floor. This good bill contains meaningful reforms to Florida's bad faith law that combat out-of-control bad faith lawsuit abuse, ensure consumers' rights are protected, and help to lower costs for all Floridians.

"We encourage all members of the House to support this bill as a positive step forward in creating a more fair and balanced legal system and helping to reduce costs for all Floridians."

HB 771, related to Motor Vehicle Insurance, by Representative Erin Grall

"APCIA is disappointed HB 771 passed the House Commerce Committee today as it repeals Florida's no-fault system without addressing rampant abuse of Florida's bad faith law.

"Abuse of Florida's bad faith law had a $6.6 billion impact on premium costs in 2017. Without making fixes to Florida's bad faith law, HB 771 does nothing to protect consumers from rising costs and bring relief to an overburdened court system.

"As this legislation advances to the House floor, we encourage lawmakers to stand with consumers and vote no on HB 771."

The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is the primary national trade association for home, auto, and business insurers. APCIA promotes and protects the viability of private competition for the benefit of consumers and insurers, with a legacy dating back 150 years. APCIA members represent all sizes, structures, and regions--protecting families, communities, and businesses in the U.S. and across the globe.