Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) announced that a new report confirms Florida’s 2023 tort reform law led to a steep decline in high-dollar jury awards. The announcement was made in a press release on February 28.
According to a report by Marathon Strategies, after Governor Ron DeSantis signed comprehensive tort reform into law in March 2023, Florida experienced a significant decrease in “nuclear” verdicts—jury awards exceeding $10 million. Historically ranked second nationally for such verdicts, the state dropped to seventh place post-reform, indicating the legislation’s effectiveness in curbing excessive awards. This shift suggests a more balanced legal environment in Florida following the reforms.
The report further states that in 2023, after the tort reform was implemented, Florida’s total lawsuit awards amounted to $491 million. Of this, $316 million was awarded in state courts and $175 million in federal courts. This marks a substantial reduction from previous years, reflecting the impact of the new legislation on reducing large jury awards.
Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) is a national advocacy group dedicated to legal reform and protecting consumers from excessive litigation costs. The organization works with policymakers, businesses, and researchers to promote fair legal standards and prevent lawsuit abuse. PACT has been actively involved in supporting tort reform measures that ensure a balanced legal system, as per their website.
