HB 7 – Civil Liability for Damages Relating to COVID-19

On Wednesday, January 13, HB 7 by Representative Lawrence McClure (R-Plant City) was heard by the House Civil Justice & Property Rights Subcommittee and was reported favorable with 11 yeas and 6 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, spoke in support of this legislation.

The bill provides civil immunity from COVID-19 liability to businesses, educational institutions, religious institutions, governmental entities, and other covered entities that acted in good faith during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill protects reasonably-acting entities and institutions so that they can predict their COVID-19-related litigation risks, remain viable, and continue to contribute to the state's well-being.

HB 7 will now go to the House Pandemics & Public Emergencies Committee.

AIF supports legislation that protects the Florida business community from frivolous and costly litigation by plaintiffs suing to settle.