First, sorry it has been so long since my last post! It was a blast seeing a lot of you during the FAPIA conference in Duck Key. The fishing, comradery, and education were all amazing. (Unless you were in my fishing boat…and if you were I apologize). During the FAPIA conference I was honored to be named the Legislator of the Year – a recognition that I am extremely humbled by. During the 2017 Florida Legislative Session we were able to pass HB 911 and get it signed by the Governor (see Insurance Consultants and People Not Licensed as Public Adjusters Cannot Work on Property Insurance Claims).
Despite the successes of last Session, the next Session is not far off and committee weeks will start in a few months. Legislation addressing Assignment of Benefits, Worker’s Compensation, and Mandatory Bodily Injury/PIP was brought up last Session but did not pass. In addition to these issues, I know that those of us who represent policyholders have some ideas on ways to better protect the consumer. I would love to hear your ideas on potential legislation to offer such protection. Send me an email at sshaw@merlinlawgroup.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
Just for informational purposes, here are the important dates for the 2018 Session:
Committee Weeks
- Tuesday, September 12—Friday, September 15
- Monday, October 9—Friday, October 13
- Monday, October 23—Friday, October 27
- Monday November 6—Thursday, November 9
- Monday November 13—Friday November 17
- Monday, December 4—Friday, December 8
The 2018 Regular Session is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 9, and run through Friday, March 9.
