Paul Renner, the former Speaker of the Florida State House, said that reversing the state’s tort reform legislation would only benefit personal injury lawyers and result in financial costs for every Floridian. Renner made this statement in a post on X on April 3.
"Just two years ago, the Florida Legislature ended sham litigation practices that made billboard lawyers rich at our expense," said Renner, Fmr. Speaker of the House. "Auto insurance premiums are now going down for the first time in memory, saving Florida drivers millions. Billboard lawyers want those savings back in their pockets …Very simply, a vote for this bill is a total giveaway to personal injury lawyers and will cost every Floridian money. Our reforms are working, and we must stay the course."
In response to an insurance crisis characterized by rising premiums and insurer withdrawals, Florida implemented significant reforms to stabilize its market. These measures aimed to address abuses within the legal system by curbing predatory lawsuits and eliminating one-way attorney fees, which had previously made Florida a hotspot for litigation. As a result, the state's insurance market began to recover, with a notable decrease in lawsuit filings and a substantial shift of policies from the state-backed insurer, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, back into the private sector. In contrast, California's stringent regulations have led to insurers exiting the market, leaving homeowners with fewer options and higher premiums.
According to Florida State Representatives Hillary Cassel and Paula Stark, they are advancing HB 1551, which establishes a "loser pays" standard for attorney’s fees in insurance lawsuits. This move aims to level the playing field for policyholders. The bill passed the House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee with a 15-1 vote; Rep. Mike Caruso was the lone dissenter. Caruso argued that the bill could lead to higher costs for consumers rather than reducing premiums. He cited Governor Ron DeSantis’ recent announcement that Florida's previous insurance reforms have stabilized the market and attracted insurers. The Personal Insurance Federation of Florida and the Florida Chamber of Commerce warned that HB 1551 could reignite excessive litigation and drive up premiums.
March 24 marked two years since Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida's tort reform law, HB 837. The legislation aimed to address excessive litigation that had driven up homeowners’ insurance rates and led to insurer failures. Prior to these reforms, Florida accounted for just 8% of the nation’s homeowners’ insurance claims but a disproportionate share of lawsuits. Supporters credit HB 837 with reducing frivolous lawsuits and stabilizing the insurance market.
Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky highlighted achievements by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) in a January 8 press release. Yaworsky said: "Thanks to reforms championed by Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida’s insurance industry is improving." The agency has made significant progress in stabilizing the property insurance market and strengthening the state’s health insurance sector. Reforms aimed at protecting consumers and improving market conditions have delivered tangible results. OIR has worked to ensure greater industry accountability and resilience against future challenges.
Renner is currently Of Counsel for Nelson Mullins and was appointed to the Board of Governors of the State University System effective April 15, 2025. He is a veteran of the United States Navy who began his legal career as a state prosecutor. Renner earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Davidson College and his juris doctor from the University of Florida.