ICYMI: Florida Must Stay the Course Against Tort Reform

AFFM & AIF in Florida Politics: “As we move forward, free market principles must be our guide. They’ve led us well so far.”

In case you missed it, Americans for Free Markets (AFFM) Executive Director John Wittman and Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) President & Chief Executive Officer Brewster Bevis authored a joint op-ed in Florida Politics highlighting the importance of protecting and expanding free market policies in the Sunshine State.

The op-ed applauds Florida leaders for enacting pro-growth policies that have made Florida a national model for opportunity, job creation, and economic freedom. But Wittman and Bevis caution that now is not the time to ease up — warning that regulatory overreach, excessive litigation and harmful taxes still threaten Florida’s business climate if left unchecked.

The authors sounded the alarm on the patchwork of inconsistent state and local regulations that make it harder for businesses to operate and grow, including proposals that would roll back Florida’s hard-won tort reform progress. They commend recent federal efforts to address regulatory overreach — following Florida’s lead — and urge lawmakers to prioritize clarity and consistency. As they note:

“Overregulation is increasingly frustrating when it’s not backed by sound science. Oftentimes, these policies have little – if any – measurable benefit for the communities they are intended to protect.”

Wittman and Bevis credit the Florida Legislature’s work to restore balance to the state’s civil justice system. Recent tort reform has helped curb lawsuit abuse and lower costs for both businesses and consumers. Once called a “judicial hellhole,” Florida has made impressive strides in enacting tort reform legislation to protect consumers and the entire marketplace.

“Recognizing this threat, lawmakers passed meaningful tort reforms in 2022 and 2023 to deter billboard attorneys from gaming the system for their own personal benefit. These reforms… have helped level the playing field for Florida businesses, curbing lawsuit abuse and reducing unnecessary costs. As a result of these efforts, Florida’s property insurance market is finding balance. More insurers are coming to Florida, giving more homeowners choice for their coverage. Florida’s rates remain steady, with just an average increase of 1% last year — a stark contrast to other states where premiums have surged more than 20%.”

Now, lawmakers are threatening to collapse the progress Florida has made in tort reform in recent years. Proposed legislation such as Section 687.16 of SB 700, HB 1551, and HB 947 would result in increased costs for American taxpayers and strain essential services such as health care and financial services, while handing benefits to trial lawyers.

Their message is clear: Florida has become a national leader by embracing free market principles — and the rest of the country is watching. Staying the course, especially with the current threat on tort reform, is essential to ensuring continued growth and prosperity.

Read the full op-ed in Florida Politics HERE.