Peter Cuderman, Director of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs for Governor Ron DeSantis, said that some House lawmakers are threatening to reverse Florida's tort reform progress. This, he said, could jeopardize lower insurance rates, reduce lawsuits, and undermine insurer confidence.
"The Florida Commissioner of Insurance sent me a concerning email last night about a vote hitting the House floor this morning," said Cuderman. "The bottom line? Florida finally stabilized its insurance market after landmark tort reforms in 2022 and 2023. Since then: •12 new insurers entered the market •Reinsurance costs dropped. •Lawsuits fell 23%. •Consumers saw rate reductions for the first time in years."
Florida's 2023 tort reforms have been credited with stabilizing insurance rates and attracting insurers back to the state. New legislation aims to further limit inflated medical damages in lawsuits. Similar reforms are being considered in Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, Missouri, and Tennessee. According to studies by the Insurance Information Institute (III) and the Casualty Actuarial Society, legal system abuse has driven significant increases in insurance claim costs over the past decade.
In a press release, Florida Justice Reform Institute President William Large said that attempts by trial lawyers to roll back Governor DeSantis' tort reforms were politically motivated efforts intended to discourage other states from adopting similar measures. The Florida Senate rejected legislation sponsored by trial lawyers to undo the 2023 legal reforms, and the bill was ultimately withdrawn. DeSantis had also vowed to veto any legislation undermining these reforms. Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky warned that changes proposed by trial lawyers would reverse progress by encouraging excessive litigation. Large asserted that Florida’s 2023 tort reforms will continue serving as a national model.
Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky highlighted achievements by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) in a January 8 press release. He said that thanks to reforms championed by Governor 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.
A new poll conducted by Cherry Communications for the Florida Chamber of Commerce shows Governor Ron DeSantis with a 54% approval rating and former President Donald Trump with 51%. Nearly half of Floridians believe the state is headed in the right direction. The poll also indicates strong public support for the state's 2023 tort reform laws.
Peter Cuderman serves as Director of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs for Governor Ron DeSantis. A U.S. Marine Corps officer for over eight years, Cuderman previously held key roles on DeSantis’ campaign.