The Florida Justice Reform Institute said on Feb. 26 that recent tort reforms enacted by the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis are achieving their intended results by reducing excessive litigation costs, stabilizing the insurance market, and delivering savings to consumers.
The announcement follows a new insurance study posted by the institute, which details outcomes from tort reform legislation passed in 2022 and 2023, including Senate Bill 2-A and House Bill 837. The analysis, conducted by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association and The Perryman Group, shows that these reforms have rebalanced the civil justice system, reduced litigation costs, improved market stability, and encouraged more insurers to enter or return to Florida—expanding choice and competition for consumers according to the Florida Justice Reform Institute.
Florida’s top five auto insurers have filed rate decreases averaging 8 percent for 2026, covering nearly 80 percent of policyholders. Major carriers such as State Farm, Progressive, and USAA have implemented multiple reductions in recent years, with some cumulative cuts exceeding 15 to 20 percent. These decreases follow the tort reforms that curbed legal system abuse in the auto and property insurance markets. The reforms have helped stabilize premiums for Florida families and businesses according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.
According to The Perryman Group analysis cited in the study, Florida’s tort reforms have driven an average 14.5 percent reduction in property and casualty insurance costs compared to what would have occurred without the changes. The savings have contributed to more than $4.2 billion in annual gross product and support approximately 29,370 jobs statewide when multiplier effects are included. The reforms also generate substantial fiscal benefits each year, with $206.6 million in new state tax revenue and $155.3 million for local governments. These outcomes demonstrate the positive statewide impact on economic activity and insurance affordability, according to the Florida Justice Reform Institute.
The Florida Justice Reform Institute works to promote civil justice reform and balanced legal liability laws across Florida. “The organization advocates for practical changes that reduce lawsuit abuse while preserving access to the courts for legitimately injured parties. Its efforts have supported legislation that improves the business climate, insurance affordability, and overall economic opportunity for Florida residents and job creators. The institute continues to track the measurable results of these reforms for consumers and the state economy,” according to the organization.
