Fredric Dicker, a former editor of the New York Post, said that Florida’s litigation reforms have disproven critics and are strengthening freedom, the economy, and insurance markets.
“Florida known for best-in-country freedom agenda, robust economy,” said Fredric U. Dicker. “Yet litigation abuse ranked at bottom. Critics claim reform enriches insurance companies, but recent rate reductions… prove baseless… ending litigation abuse positive difference.”
In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Florida House Speaker Paul Renner explained that the state’s recent tort reforms have begun stabilizing the insurance market. He said that before these reforms, Florida’s insurance system was overwhelmed by litigation abuse, with attorneys exploiting loopholes to file excessive or fraudulent claims. Renner noted that these practices drove up premiums and forced insurers to leave the state, leaving homeowners with fewer options and higher costs. The reforms, he argued, have reduced these abuses, leading to a more stable market and attracting new insurers back to Florida. Renner also pointed out that trial lawyers oppose the changes not out of concern for consumers but because they’ve lost lucrative legal fees.
According to InsuranceBusiness.com, a Florida House panel advanced HB 1551, a bill introduced by Rep. Hillary Cassel that would restore policyholders’ ability to recover attorney fees if they win lawsuits against insurers. This move partially reverses major tort reforms passed in 2022 and 2023. Speaker Daniel Perez has signaled support for Cassel’s legislation, indicating a shift toward reevaluating previous changes.
A report from Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse highlights the economic burden of excessive litigation in Florida, referring to it as a “tort tax.” The report estimates that the U.S. lost $557.8 billion in output and over 4.8 million jobs in 2023 due to lawsuit abuse, with Florida ranking 33rd in per capita tort costs at $1,238. These costs are passed on to consumers through higher prices and insurance premiums affecting industries like retail, manufacturing, and healthcare most significantly. Florida has enacted several reforms under Governor Ron DeSantis aimed at attracting insurers back to the state. Advocates are urging lawmakers to build on this progress by targeting third-party litigation funding in future legislative sessions.
Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky announced the approval of Apex Star Reciprocal Exchange as the 12th property and casualty insurer entering the state’s market following recent legislative reforms. Yaworsky credited these historic reforms for driving market growth and called for continued commitment to these policies. Homeowners insurance costs fell by 0.7% in late 2024, with nearly 100 residential rate filings requesting either decreases or no increases. A recent S&P Global report revealed Florida had the lowest average homeowners rate increase in the nation last year. The Office of Insurance Regulation continues welcoming new insurer applications to further strengthen the market.
Dicker is a veteran political journalist who served as state editor for the New York Post from 1982 to 2016. During his tenure, he covered six gubernatorial administrations and earned a reputation as an influential voice in New York politics.
