TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (April 19, 2017) – The Personal Insurance Federation of Florida (PIFF) today praised the Florida Senate for passing House Bill 221, filed by Reps. Chris Sprowls (R-Clearwater) and James “J.W.” Grant (R-Tampa), that creates new insurance requirements, and other consumer protections for passengers and drivers involved in transportation network company activities.
HB 221, the companion measure to SB 340, filed by Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg), passed the Senate by a vote of 36-1.
“House Bill 221 ensures that when drivers are operating during the app-on to app-off time frame, there are clear levels of required insurance to protect the driver, passengers and others sharing the roadways,” said Samantha Sexton, PIFF’s Vice President of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs. “If enacted, the bill will clarify the claims process, which will help consumers recover their losses faster.’’
“Florida’s patchwork of ridesharing regulations is finally history,” Sexton said. “For years, the Florida Legislature grappled with possible solutions to the growing ridesharing industry, but failed to reach an agreement that adequately protected drivers and passengers. Thanks to the leadership of Sen. Brandes, and Reps. Sprowls and Grant, Floridians and tourists will be protected when operating a ridesharing vehicle or riding as a passenger.”
PIFF encourages Gov. Rick Scott to sign HB 221 into law, increasing the safety of Florida’s roadways.
The Personal Insurance Federation of Florida was formed in late 2010 with three charter members: Allstate and Castle Key Insurance Companies, The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, and State Farm Insurance Companies, to create a dynamic, efficient, and competitive marketplace for personal insurance products for the benefit of all Floridians. PIFF charter members serve 45 percent of the automobile insurance market and more than 20 percent of the homeowners’ property insurance market.
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