In late 2022 and moving into 2023, pivotal changes have been brought about in Florida’s insurance laws, specifically those regarding bad-faith claims in insurance coverage litigation. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed two key pieces of legislation into effect, with far-reaching implications for legal professionals in the field.
The first of these was Senate Bill 2A (SB-2A), ratified into law on December 16, 2022. It was soon followed by the passage of House Bill 837 (HB 837) on March 24, 2023. Collectively, the components of these bills impacting bad-faith claims have been collectively referred as ‘the Amendments’.
These shifts in legal statutes are notable instances of the ongoing evolution in how jurisdictions address bad faith claims. For professionals in corporate law and those servicing large corporations, understanding the nuances of these changes should be considered essential. The amendments will undoubtedly affect future bad-faith claims and are likely to shape the landscape of insurance litigation in the state of Florida.
Additional perspectives and detailed analysis on the subject can be found in a piece by Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP. The evolving changes these amendments represent necessitate the need for vigilance in staying abreast of any consequent effects, arising litigation, and further amendments that may surface in response to SB-2A and HB 837.
In rapidly evolving legal landscapes, like insurance law, staying informed and adaptable ensures a greater degree of preparedness in handling changes effectively. Regardless of the jurisdiction your law practice or corporation is in, understanding these changes in Florida’s insurance law provides an insightful case study into the wide-sweeping changes that can occur in insurance litigation.