Citizens’ Board OKs Proposed 2016 Rates

Citizens Property Insurance Corp.’s board of governors on Wednesday approved a 2016 rate package that lowers rates for nearly half of Citizens’ personal lines policyholders while addressing increased water loss claims and inadequate rates for its remaining policyholders along the coast. By a unanimous vote, the board approved an overall rate increase of 3.2 percent…

Court Sides with Contractors in Insurance Battle

Wading into a high-profile issue in the insurance industry, a South Florida appeals court Wednesday sided with contractors who do emergency repair work for homeowners and pursue payments from insurance companies. The controversial issue centers on a practice known as “assignment of benefits,” which involves homeowners signing over insurance-policy benefits to contractors who do work…

Andy Gardiner Readies Senate GOP for Campaign Season

TALLAHASSEE — Florida Senate President Andy Gardiner is rallying his troops as the legislative session ends and campaign season begins. In an email sent to his Republican members Monday, Gardiner said Majority Leader Bill Galvano will be in charge of overseeing the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee, which raises campaign cash and coordinates Republican state…

Sen. Brandes Wants to Study Whether Uber Cuts DUIs

TALLAHASSEE — The Legislature may spend $10,000 on a study showing how Uber and other hired-car services are helping reduce drunk-driving accidents and arrests in Florida. The study appeared in “proviso language” Monday night as lawmakers continue their work on a 2015-16 state budget. More importantly, the language would prohibit local regulation of ride-booking services…