Big changes could be coming to Florida’s insurance laws. On Thursday, state House subcommittees voted on several bills that could shake up the industry, including the long-debated repeal of Florida’s personal injury protection (PIP) auto insurance requirement.
PIP Repeal Gains Momentum
One subcommittee voted to repeal the state’s PIP law, which has been in place for decades. Right now, Florida drivers are required to carry PIP coverage, which pays for medical expenses regardless of who is at fault in an accident. If the repeal becomes law, drivers would instead need to carry bodily injury liability insurance, shifting costs onto at-fault drivers and potentially lowering premiums for some.
Supporters argue that PIP has led to high insurance costs and fraud, making repeal a necessary step. Opponents, however, worry that the change could result in higher medical bills for accident victims and increased litigation.
Mixed Reactions to Other Insurance Bills
The House insurance subcommittee also advanced two other insurance-related bills, with mixed reactions from industry professionals. One measure, backed by insurance agents, aims to streamline certain licensing and regulatory processes. The other, which faced opposition from both agents and carriers, could impact how insurers handle claims and disputes.
These bills are now one step closer to becoming law, but they still have hurdles to clear in the legislative process. With the state’s ongoing struggles with rising insurance costs and availability, these proposals could have a big impact on Florida drivers and homeowners alike.
What’s Next?
The debate over these insurance changes is far from over. Lawmakers will continue discussing the potential repeal of PIP and other reforms in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Florida drivers should keep an eye on how these proposals develop, as they could significantly impact their coverage options and costs.