Full story in Florida Politics
For too long, Florida families paid the price for a broken legal system that rewarded lawsuit abuse over fairness. Billboard lawyers turned our courts into profit centers, driving up costs for homeowners and drivers alike. Premiums soared, insurers left the state, and everyday Floridians were left footing the bill.
In 2023, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature acted — passing one of the most sweeping lawsuit reform packages in state history. The changes repealed “one-way” attorney fees, set clear limits on bad-faith claims, and ensured that only actual medical costs — not inflated or speculative charges — could be used in court. The goal was simple: protect the right to sue for legitimate claims while ending the jackpot-justice mentality that made Florida the lawsuit capital of America.
And the reforms are working.
DeSantis recently announced a major win for consumers: state regulators secured nearly $1 billion in premium credits and rebates from a national insurance carrier, directly benefiting Florida policyholders. Before these changes, Florida accounted for just 8% of the nation’s insurance claims but 78% of all litigation costs. That imbalance wasn’t sustainable — and now, thanks to reform, it’s being corrected.
Seventeen new insurance companies are entering the Florida market, bringing fresh capital, new competition, and more choices for families and small businesses. Citizens Property Insurance — once bursting at the seams — is finally seeing its risk pool shrink as the private market begins to rebound.
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The results so far are undeniable: lower premiums, renewed competition, and a stronger insurance market. Florida has become a model for the nation — proving that when you rein in lawsuit abuse and restore fairness, families win.
Other states facing skyrocketing auto and homeowners insurance costs should take note. Florida didn’t wait for Washington or the courts to fix the problem — we acted. And by doing so, we’ve shown that everyone benefits when leaders stand up to special interests and put consumers first.
A system that once burdened families is finally working for them again.
That’s not just a Florida success story — it’s a roadmap for every state wanting to end the lawsuit abuse cycle once and for all.
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Jeff Nelson is president of David Nelson Construction Company and serves as the 2024-25 Chair of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association.