HB 947 – Evidence of Damages to Prove Medical Negligence

On Thursday, April 3, HB 947 by Representative Omar Blanco (R-Miami) was introduced for the first time on the House Floor.  However, instead of being heard, the bill was recommitted to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration. The AIF team, as well as other partners, were very active in the past few days working to gather significant opposition to the bill.

HB 947 repeals portions of the 2023 legislation that makes claimant damages and past medicals transparent and fully available to a jury in civil trials relating to personal injury and wrongful death claims. Prior to the 2023 reforms, a common practice by plaintiff’s attorneys were to inflate the total cost of damages by using a “letter of protection” that often-multiplied damages upwards of 300 percent. These disputes produced a flurry of frivolous litigation and massive nuclear verdicts (verdicts over $20 million) based on evidence that was dramatically inflated against the consistent market-price of medical procedures. HB 947 would remove the ability for a jury to see the real cost of damages compared to other examples of similar medical expenses.

HB 947 was pulled off the House Floor and now awaits a second hearing by the House Judiciary Committee. The Senate companion, SB 1520 by Senator Erin Grall (R-Vero Beach), has not been heard in any of its committees of reference.

AIF opposes legislation that repeals transparency in damages in civil actions. Such reforms would open the floodgates for frivolous litigation and nuclear verdicts leading to higher prices of insurance for businesses operating in Florida.

HB 1181 – Motor Vehicle Insurance

On Thursday, April 3, HB 1181 by Representative Danny Alvarez (R-Fishhawk) was heard by the House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee and was reported favorably with 17 yeas and 1 nay. Representative Mike Caruso (R-Delray Beach) voted against the bill. AIF spoke in opposition of this legislation.

This bill repeals Florida’s “no-fault” law, also known as personal injury protection, or (PIP), relating to motor vehicle insurance. The revisions outlined in the bill would remove the requirement for motorists to have PIP coverage in Florida. Additionally, the bill provides for non-economic damages in personal injury cases. Currently, bodily injury coverage is capped $10,000 per person. This bill would increase that coverage to $25,000 per person. These reforms would allow more claims to be filed, regardless of the severity of the injuries disputed, leading to increased frivolous litigation and “sue to settle” schemes that increase premiums against consumers and businesses.

HB 1181 will now go to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration. The Senate companion, SB 1256 by Senator Erin Grall (R-Vero Beach), is awaiting consideration by its committees of reference.

AIF opposes PIP repeal until sufficient data is collected to show that the proposed replacement system will enhance competitiveness, ensure access to medical care, and promote consumer affordability. These changes as written would increase insurance costs for businesses and consumers, undoing a lot of the positive initiatives from the 2023 tort reform legislation.

SB 1198/HB 1007 – Fraudulent Use of Gift Cards

On Tuesday, April 1, SB 1198 by Senator Nick DiCeglie (R-St. Petersburg) was heard by the Senate Rules Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

On Wednesday, April 2, HB 1007 by Representative Sam Greco (R-St. Augustine) was heard by the House Judiciary Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

This bill establishes criminal penalties for those who illegally obtain,
tamper with, or misuse gift cards sold by a business. There is a rising rate in the illegal use of gift cards in retail and online businesses that is costing Florida businesses millions. The penalties for fraudulently using gift cards would be a misdemeanor for all offenses under $950 in damages and a felony for offenses above $950 in damages.

SB 1198 will now go to the Senate Floor for consideration. HB 1007 will now go to the House Floor for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that deters criminal acts against Florida businesses by establishing criminal penalties for those who commit them.

HB 857 – Assault or Battery on a Utility Worker

On Monday, March 31, HB 857 by Representative Jennifer Kincart-Jonsson (R-Lakeland) was heard by the House Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

This bill increases penalties against individuals who commit acts of violence against utility workers while working on critical infrastructure. The bill rephrases statutory definitions of “utility workers” that require such individuals to wear appropriate gear that clearly identifies them as an employee of a utility provider.

HB 857 will now go to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that stiffens criminal penalties against those who commit acts of violence against utility workers working on Florida’s critical infrastructure.

SB 1000 – Court-ordered Sealing of Criminal History Records

On Tuesday, April 1, SB 1000 by Senator Corey Simon was heard by the Senate Criminal Justice Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

This bill expands Florida’s access to court-ordered sealing for individuals with a criminal record. HB 1000 would rework the existing laws for record sealing in a way that permits those with non-serious offenses greater opportunities to have a record officially sealed.

SB 1000 will now go to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.

AIF supports legislative efforts to increase a non-serious offender's access to record sealing abilities. Florida, like many other states, continues to face issues with labor shortages. These initiatives will help more people enter the workforce and alleviate ongoing labor issues for businesses throughout the state.

HB 585 – Former Phosphate Mining Lands

On Thursday, April 3, HB 585 by Representative Jon Albert (R-Frostproof) was heard by the House State Affairs Committee and was reported favorably with 14 yeas and 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

Phosphate mining is a critical industry in Florida and is essential to providing sufficient fertilizers and agrichemicals for agricultural operations around the globe. HB 585 adds a new, narrow defense against causes of action that come from naturally occurring elements. This ensures that phosphate mining companies that meet all of their environmental permitting duties aren’t held liable for elements that are already in the land.

HB 585 will now go to the House Floor for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that simplifies regulatory patchwork and provides protections against frivolous litigation allowing businesses to buy, sell, and develop land without the threat of unnecessary lawsuits while following the law.

HB 1183 – Cybersecurity Incident Liability

On Thursday, April 3, HB 1183 by Representative Mike Giallombardo (R-Cape Coral) was heard by the House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee and was reported favorably with 13 yeas and 1 nay. Representative Micheal Gottlieb (D-Davie) voted against the bill. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

This bill tackles civil liability from the cybersecurity perspective. As businesses, large and small, continue to rely on data and software to effectively service their customers, frivolous litigation has been on the rise following cyber-attacks on businesses. The bill sets standards for businesses to follow, so if a breach occurs, they are protected from frivolous litigation. Additionally, the bill creates a structure for companies using consumer data to better protect the data from cyberattacks.

HB 1183 will now go to the House State Affairs Committee for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that creates a clear and consistent framework for businesses to follow in order to safeguard consumer privacy and to reduce the risk of frivolous litigation. These measures will create a fair playing field and encourage more businesses to invest in Florida.

HB 129 – Products Liability Actions Under the Florida Pesticide Law

On Thursday, April 3, HB 129 by Representative JJ Grow (R-Inverness) and Representative Danny Nix Jr. (R-Placida) was heard by the House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee and was reported favorably with 10 yeas and 4 nays. Representatives Kim Kendall (R-St. Augustine) Micheal Gottlieb (D-Davie) Dotie Joseph (D-North Miami) and Michelle Rayner (D-St. Petersburg) voted against the bill. AIF spoke in support of this legislation.

This bill removes several civil liability risks against businesses that use or distribute products containing certain pesticides or agrichemicals if the business did not directly oversee the development, design, or manufacturing of the product. Another provision prevents civil liability if a product label is tested and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.

HB 129 will now go to the House Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that reduces civil liability claims against businesses that buy and distribute products in accordance with EPA regulations and guidelines. This legislation will protect businesses from frivolous lawsuits while following the law.

SB 1322 – Tax Credits for Investments in Rural Communities

On Monday, March 31, SB 1322 by Senator Corey Simon (R-Tallahassee) was heard by the Senate Commerce & Tourism Committee and was reported favorably with 9 yeas and 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

This bill amends Florida’s tax code to provide for tax credits for investments in rural communities by certified rural funds. The Florida Department of Commerce would oversee rewarding such tax credits under the Regional Rural Development Grants Program. The changes will add caps for awarded credits at $7.14 million for 7 years.

SB 1322 will now go to the Senate Finance and Tax Committee for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that expands urban and rural tax credit programs. These programs encourage economic activity and job creation in areas designated in qualified rural areas benefiting Florida’s overall economy.

SB 922 – Employment Agreements

On Tuesday, April 1, SB 922 by Senator Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach) was heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

On Wednesday, April 2, HB 1219 by Representative Traci Koster (R-Tampa) was heard by the House Judiciary Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

In a highly competitive business environment, companies are often required to keep innovations and intellectual property developments confidential. SB 922 strengthens non-compete and confidential employment agreement guidelines by establishing a framework that protects confidential trade secret information. The framework sets new rules for covered garden leave agreements for covered employers and covered employees, as current laws allow for several loopholes that employees can use to contest these agreements through litigation while also working for a competing business.

SB 922 will now go to the Senate Rules Committee for consideration. HB 1219 will now go to the House Commerce Committee for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that protects a business’s sensitive information and drives more innovation through clarified rulemaking. These standards will allow more businesses who rely heavily on research & development to invest in Florida and create new jobs in various industry sectors.

HB 561 – Manufacturing

On Tuesday, April 1, HB 561 was heard by the House Housing, Agriculture, & Tourism Subcommittee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

This bill restructures Florida’s approach to encouraging manufacturing investments. At the Department of Commerce, the bill creates the role of “Chief Manufacturing Officer” to oversee the “Statewide Office of Manufacturing.” Additionally, the bill provides for a Florida’s Manufacturers’ Workforce Development Program designed to encourage small manufacturers with new technologies, cybersecurity protocols, and workforce training. The bill also creates a promotional campaign that boasts state-manufactured products to consumers.

HB 561 will now go to the House Transportation & Economic Development Budget Subcommittee for consideration.

AIF supports initiatives that drive new manufacturing investment to the state and the promotion of “Made in Florida” products.

SB 496 & HB 897 – Timeshare Management

On Tuesday, April 1, SB 496 by Senator Stan McClain (R-Ocala) was heard by the Senate Regulated Industries Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

On Tuesday, April 1, HB 897 by Representative Kim Berfield (R-Clearwater) was heard by the House Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

These bills clarify the applicability of recently enacted legislation that governs timeshare management firms and community association management companies. The bills narrow the conflict-of-interest language to clarify the regulations to ensure transparency. The bill also clarifies how many times these management firms must meet per year and streamlines the process ensuring regular oversight of these meetings. Finally, the legislation requires annual disclosure of information to stakeholders in the community.

SB 496 will now go to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government for consideration. HB 897 will now go to the House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee for consideration.

AIF supports streamlining and clarifying the community association management companies’ regulations to ensure compliance and growth for Florida’s residents and businesses.

SB 818 – Utility Relocation

On Tuesday, April 1, SB 818 by Senator Stan McClain (R-Ocala) was heard by the Senate Transportation Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

This bill modifies the process of relocating utility facilities on a public right of way. It helps to ease some scheduling pressure that certain utilities may have in the relocation process as well as shifts the cost burden from the utility owner to the owner of the right of way that is requiring the relocation. These expenses often add up when developments, road projects, and other local structures require broadband facilities to be moved. As Florida becomes increasingly more developed, these relocations will become ever more frequent.

SB 818 will now go to the Senate Rules Committee for consideration.

AIF supports initiatives that ease burdens for utility providers who are forced to move facilities from a right of way by local governments.

SB 1002 – Utility Service Restrictions

On Tuesday, April 1, SB 1002 by Senator Keith Truenow (R-Tavares) and Senator Jay Trumbull (R-Panama City) was heard by the Senate Regulated Industries Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

SB 1002 preempts local governments from enacting restrictions against how the source of energy is produced, used, delivered, converted or supplied by utility providers. The bill has several housekeeping provisions that eliminates any current local ordinance conflicting with the proposed preemption.

SB 1002 will now go to the Senate Rules Committee for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that relieves tensions between utility providers and local governments that impose restrictions against different energy sources.

SB 1574 – Energy Infrastructure Investment

On Tuesday, April 1, SB 1574 by Senator Nick DiCeglie (R-St. Petersburg) was heard by the Senate Regulated Industries Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) continues to expand its presence in Florida’s economy as it becomes a more practical and cost-effective source of renewable energy. SB 1574 would grant public utilities with a cost-recovery mechanism for qualifying RNG infrastructure projects. The bill would also encourage further solutions for the capture, sale, and reuse of methane gas.

SB 1574 will now go to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that provides an economically and technically feasible framework which encourages development and investment in renewable natural gas, hydrogen, and other energy technologies.

HB 1175 – Mitigation Banking

On Wednesday, April 2, HB 1175 by Representative Wyman Duggan (R-Jacksonville) was heard by the House State Affairs Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

HB 1175 expands laws passed by the legislature in 2024 that provided credits for environmental mitigation projects. The proposed legislation would allow state agencies who govern mitigation credits to offer credits outside the service area of authorized mitigation banks. This is a resource already available at the federal level.

HB 1175 will now go to the House Floor for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that expands access to water quality mitigation projects. These measures would allow businesses to operate effectively while working alongside regulators on lands/waterways categorized as mitigation banks.