The following email was sent to all AIF members on March 17, 2023.
We are pleased to inform our members that HB 837 relating to Civil Remedies has passed the House today by a vote of 80 yeas and 31 nays. This is a huge step closer to a more balanced and fair judicial system for Florida's employers. (See the synopsis of this bill below.)
As outlined in our 2023 Session Priorities publication, tort reform is the top priority for AIF, AIF members, and all of our partners in the business community. As it stands today, our current legal system fills the pockets of trial lawyers while damaging Florida businesses, regardless of size, location or industry, and has been a burden to employers for many years. HB 837 makes significant reforms that will restore balance and fairness to Florida's civil justice system.
AIF took the lead on this issue by hosting the Florida Business Forum in February 2023. The Forum, along with more than 30 business partner groups, industry experts and corporate leaders, identified exactly which areas in our tort law needed reform.
AIF applauds Speaker Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast) for his leadership and bill sponsors Representatives Tommy Gregory (R-Lakewood Ranch) and Tom Fabricio (R-Miami Lakes) for their steadfast efforts to shepherd HB 837 through to passage in the House of Representatives.
Senate Bill 236, sponsored by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast), is the Senate companion to HB 837 under the leadership of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples) and is poised to be heard on the Senate floor as soon as next Wednesday.
As tort reform has taken center stage this legislative session, AIF has provided additional support through messaging via TV, radio, billboards, and digital ads. You can follow our efforts in the fight for a fair judicial system on the AIF website at https://aif.com/tortreform/ where you can view our position statements, video from the Florida Business Forum, and our current TV and radio ads.
AIF and our full advocacy team is leading the battle every day in the state capitol to ensure that your company will have a fighting chance in the court system. Please reach out to me if we can be of further service to you and your company.
On Friday, March 17, HB 837 was introduced for final passage on the House floor and reported favorably with 80 yeas and 31 nays.
HB 837 seeks to eliminate the cottage industry of trial lawyers and frivolous legal artists undermining the integrity of our civil justice system in Florida. The bill addresses current loopholes in our laws and court procedures that keep their cottage industry alive by addressing seven main issues:
HB 837 waits Senate approval before heading to the Governor. The Senate is expected to consider SB 236, the companion to HB 837 next Wednesday.
For more information about AIF and its position on tort reform legislation, please contact Adam Basford, Vice President - Governmental Affairs, at (850) 224-7173 or email him at abasford@aif.com