Floridians for Lawsuit Reform

Industry experts warn that third-party litigation funding (TPLF) could add as much as $50 billion to insurance costs nationwide over the next five years. The practice allows outside investors to fund lawsuits in exchange for a portion of any settlement, often driving up claim amounts and prolonging cases. Consumers ultimately pay the price through rising everyday costs, including higher insurance premiums. Federal lawmakers have proposed new disclosure rules for litigation funding, but legal and industry experts say transparency by itself will not solve the problem. They argue that stronger safeguards are needed to curb profit-driven lawsuits and keep the legal system focused on fairness and accountability. https://lnkd.in/eKYHEzhh

Florida Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA), a nonpartisan grassroots movement of citizens and businesses fighting against lawsuit abuse in Florida, recently reminded residents how legal reforms have strengthened the state’s economy and stabilized the insurance market. In a recent op-ed, CALA explained that excessive litigation and inflated jury awards drain at least $15 billion from Florida annually, raising costs for families and small businesses. Fortunately, legal reform passed in 2022 and 2023 are beginning to stem the tide. Since then, 17 new insurers have entered the property insurance market, and homeowners are seeing some of the lowest average premium increases in the nation. Supporters warn that trial lawyer groups are working to undo these reforms, a move that could erase hard-won progress and return Florida to the days of higher costs and uncertainty. https://lnkd.in/eXSsDcn6

Florida Senator Jim Boyd has been unanimously chosen by his colleagues to serve as Senate President for the 2026–28 term. A Bradenton legislator with a long background in insurance and public service, Boyd has been a strong advocate for tort reform and efforts to reduce lawsuit abuse in Florida. He has also sponsored legislation to strengthen penalties for contractor fraud, crack down on retail theft, and improve the stability of Florida’s insurance market. As Senate President-designate, Boyd said his priorities will focus on protecting taxpayers, supporting small businesses, and ensuring the state remains a place of opportunity and accountability. His leadership is expected to continue Florida’s efforts to maintain a fair legal climate and safeguard the progress made through recent reforms that have stabilized the insurance market and restored confidence in the state’s economy. https://lnkd.in/eF-VWd5v

A Pinellas County homeowner has come forward about alleged contractor abuse involving Florida Roof Specialists, a company under investigation by the Florida Attorney General’s Office. After his insurance company paid $24,000 for a new shingle roof, Pinellas County homeowner T.J. Freidinger was blindsided by an additional $26,000 bill from Florida Roof Specialists for so-called “supplemental charges” costing more than the roof itself. When he questioned the charges and refused to pay, the company filed a foreclosure lawsuit against him. The Attorney General’s Office has logged more than 130 complaints about the company, which is accused of deceiving homeowners and filing unfounded liens to demand payment. Floridians are urged to verify contractor licenses before signing any agreement and to be cautious of promises that sound too good to be true. Homeowners who believe they’ve been targeted by similar scams can file a complaint directly with the Florida Attorney General’s Office at https://lnkd.in/ewscWY7s. Checking licenses through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (myfloridalicense.com) can also help prevent costly fraud and protect homeowners from predatory contractors. https://lnkd.in/eu4bAVXm

Lawmakers in Washington are taking aim at national lawsuit abuse with two new bills designed to bring accountability back to the courtroom. The Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2025 would remove the 21-day grace period for withdrawing frivolous lawsuits, allowing judges to impose sanctions immediately. According to the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Legal Reform, the U.S. tort system costs $529 billion each year - equal to a $4,207 “tort tax” per household. Supporters say these measures could help lower insurance premiums, speed up claims payments, and make the legal system fairer for small businesses and consumers alike. The bills mark a growing national focus on reducing lawsuit abuse and restoring trust in the courts. https://lnkd.in/ezSaJDew

Florida’s insurance market continues to show the results of legal reform, with Governor Ron DeSantis confirming a 30% drop in lawsuits, 17 new carriers entering the market, and Citizens Insurance reducing exposure by $303 billion. Regulators have also received 59 filings for rate decreases and 87 for no increases, showing that competition and consumer relief are returning to the market. The governor credited the 2022–2023 reforms for ending years of lawsuit abuse that drove up costs and forced carriers out of the state. With fewer frivolous suits and stronger oversight of bad-faith claims and contractor fraud, Florida is seeing what stability looks like when the legal system works for consumers instead of against them. https://lnkd.in/eKggTtMs

Yo, Adrian! I think they got TKO’d by tort reform!

A new report from Gallagher Re provides clear evidence that Florida’s legal reforms are working. Lawsuits against carriers have dropped to 2018 levels, and legal expenses are now the lowest they’ve been in nearly a decade. Despite a $20 billion hurricane loss in 2024, Florida’s domestic insurers returned to profitability for the first time since 2015, a sign that reduced frivolous lawsuit activity has decreased significantly and fairer legal standards are helping create a more stable market. Gallagher Re credited the 2022 and 2023 reforms for restoring balance after years of turmoil. The end of one-way attorney fees, the ban on assignment-of-benefits abuse, and tighter bad-faith laws have helped rebuild confidence in the market. Seventeen new carriers have entered Florida, Citizens Insurance’s policy count has dropped sharply, and reinsurance prices have fallen by as much as 20% on some layers. Florida’s progress has become a model for reform, proving that reducing lawsuit abuse results in lower costs and more choices for homeowners. https://lnkd.in/eFTjxinN

On second thought, that brick wall might listen better…🧱

Seniors are often targeted by contractor scams and a Fort Myers couple is speaking out to warn others. Olinda and Brian Spitzer hired a cabinet maker for a custom project, but the work was never started. Even after winning a $6,000 judgment in small claims court, the company shut down accounts and changed names to avoid paying. Florida law requires contractors to be licensed and insured, yet too many continue to exploit families. Homeowners can protect themselves by verifying licenses with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), reviewing county records for lawsuits, and checking references before making payments. Anyone who believes they have been a victim of contractor fraud can file a complaint directly with the Florida Attorney General using this link: https://lnkd.in/ewscWY7s. Reporting abuse protects not only your home and savings but also other families across the state. https://lnkd.in/ewMeAP6k