William Large, president of the Florida Justice Reform Institute, said that trial lawyers attempted to undermine Florida's significant legal reforms to prevent similar initiatives nationwide. However, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Senate maintained their stance, preserving these measures as a model for other states.
"The Florida House seemed hell-bent on undoing Gov. DeSantis' legal reforms. I suspect the reason has to do with the fact that many governors around the country were looking at the DeSantis reforms as a template for their state to use," said Large. "Trial attorneys wanted the Florida House to send a message to other state governors that if they tried to replicate the DeSantis reforms, they would face political repercussions. However, Gov. DeSantis and the Florida Senate stood strong and would not bend to the political whims of the Florida House. The 2023 DeSantis tort reforms remain in place; moreover, they will continue to serve as an example for other states."
According to Large, in a press release, attempts by trial lawyers to reverse Governor DeSantis’ tort reforms were politically motivated efforts aimed at discouraging other states from adopting similar measures. The Florida Senate rejected legislation sponsored by trial lawyers to roll back the 2023 legal reforms, leading to the bill's withdrawal. DeSantis had also promised to veto any legislation undermining the 2022–2023 reforms, which have been credited with stabilizing Florida’s insurance market. Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky warned that the proposed changes would reverse progress by encouraging excessive litigation. Large asserted that Florida’s 2023 tort reforms will continue serving as a national model.
In another press release, the Republican Party of Florida responded to comments from trial attorney John Morgan, who praised socialism and suggested creating a new political party during a Capital Tiger Bay Club event. Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power remarked that Morgan’s statements were recycled Democratic and socialist ideas repackaged for Florida voters. Power added that Morgan’s values align with existing parties such as Democrat, Socialist, or Green and that such ideologies are unwelcome in Florida. He further noted that many Floridians have left socialist-leaning states seeking freedom and opportunity in what he termed the "Free State of Florida." The GOP also announced a campaign to help name Morgan’s new party with suggestions like United Ambulance Chasers, The Puff and Pay Party or The Blunt Redistribution Party.
According to Politico, prominent Florida trial lawyer and Democratic fundraiser John Morgan has announced plans to launch his own political party named the "Capitalist Party," positioning himself as a centrist alternative ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial race. While Morgan has historically supported Democratic causes, he now claims to represent voters disillusioned with both major parties. His entry into the race could potentially act as a spoiler for the GOP by attracting moderate and independent voters who might otherwise support the Republican nominee. In a state trending red, Morgan’s candidacy could disrupt the GOP’s path to victory by fracturing non-Democratic votes.
On February 5th, Governor DeSantis issued a press release announcing significant improvements in Florida's insurance market. Major auto insurers such as GEICO, Progressive, and State Farm have filed for rate reductions of 10.5%, 8.1%, and 6%, respectively. Additionally, Citizens Property Insurance is implementing premium decreases averaging 5.6% statewide, benefiting approximately 75% of homeowners in Miami-Dade County. Over two years, eleven new insurance companies have entered the Florida market contributing to increased competition and market stability.
William W. Large leads efforts at FJRI (Florida Justice Reform Institute) as its president where he advances civil justice and tort reform in Florida. A seasoned attorney and former deputy chief of staff under Governor Jeb Bush played an instrumental role in pushing for medical malpractice reforms including caps on damage awards bringing deep legal expertise into his work at FJRI collaborating closely with multiple state agencies implementing gubernatorial policy agendas.