5 Proposed Bills We Watched During the 2024 Florida Legislative Session
A new year brought a new legislative session, and the 2024 Florida Legislature session was a hotbed of activity, where proposed bills represented the power of democracy and the constant flow of changes and innovations. Here at Avera & Smith, we stayed on top of some specific proposed bills that could have had a massive impact on Alachua County and Florida residents. With our clients at the forefront of our decisions, we always ensure we are fully informed and prepared to navigate any legislative changes to come.
Quick Look at the 2024 Florida Legislative Session
This year, over 1000 bills were proposed for consideration during the 2024 Florida Legislative Session. Each one of these proposed bills had the potential to influence the legal landscape in ways that could affect our clients. As a firm, we prioritize staying abreast of these developments. We closely monitored the actions and decisions made on key bills as part of our commitment to providing the most current and comprehensive legal advice possible.
Here are the top five proposed bills that made waves during the 2024 Florida Legislative Session:
HB 129 | SB 442 | HB 77: Damages Recoverable in Wrongful Death Actions (Wrongful Death Reform)
One of the most controversial topics in recent years is a state law that some refer to as Florida’s “Free Kill” law, which disallows adult children and other surviving family members from suing doctors or hospitals for medical malpractice if the patient was 25 years of age or older.
The proposed House Bill 129, its Senate companion SB 442, and HB 77 aimed to pivot this. The bills sought to amend Florida law to allow more individuals to recover damages in wrongful death actions. This shift could have had far-reaching consequences on the Florida healthcare system and tort law landscape.
2024 Florida Legislative Session Outcome of HB 129, SB 442, HB 77
Despite significant attention and controversy surrounding the proposed House Bill 129, its Senate companion SB 442, and HB 77, which aimed to reform Florida’s “Free Kill” law and expand the scope of wrongful death actions, all three bills met their demise in judiciary during this year’s legislative session.
The failure of these bills to advance marks a missed opportunity for potential changes to the state’s healthcare system and tort law landscape.
SB 464 | HB 653: Motor Vehicle Insurance
The once groundbreaking no-fault car insurance system in Florida could have vanished. Florida Senate Bill 464 and its associate Florida House Bill 653 proposed the repeal of laws mandating $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. The proposed legislation was part of a broader movement against no-fault auto insurance, which had come under fire in numerous states due to fraud and high premiums.
History of Florida’s No-Fault Car Insurance System
Initially introduced in the 1970s to simplify claims regardless of fault, no-fault insurance has faced challenges due to fraudulent exploitation. Florida’s no-fault system, in particular, has become notorious for fraud, driving up insurance costs. While legislation has been proposed to address these concerns, critics argued it failed to tackle the root issue of excessive litigation. Similar challenges had been faced in other states like Colorado and Michigan.
During both the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions, there have been expressed concerns regarding the possibility of higher costs for consumers and an increase in the number of uninsured motorists. There was a notable emphasis on exercising caution and avoiding hasty reforms without carefully assessing their consequences.
The debate centered on the potential impacts of the reforms on insurance rates, access to medical care, and the state’s legal system. For Florida residents, especially drivers, the stakes were high, and the outcome could have profoundly reshaped the auto insurance market within the Sunshine State.
2024 Florida Legislative Session Outcome for SB 464 / HB 653
Florida Senate Bill 464 and its counterpart, Florida House Bill 653, aimed to overhaul the state’s auto insurance landscape by proposing the repeal of laws mandating $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
This legislation was part of a broader movement against the no-fault auto insurance system, which had faced criticism in various states due to fraudulent activities and soaring premiums.
Despite the potential for significant changes, both bills met their end in the legislative process, failing to advance beyond the committee stage.
When a bill “dies in committee,” it means it didn’t progress further through the legislative process. This outcome indicates that the proposed reforms to Florida’s auto insurance regulations will not be enacted at this time.
HB 809 | SB 1070: Personal Lines Residential Property Insurance
Another bill, HB 809 and its Senate counterpart SB 1070, aimed to address the complexity of Florida’s homeowners’ insurance policies during the 2024 Florida Legislative Session. These bills address personal lines and residential property insurance. If passed, these bills would have allowed homeowners to purchase policies that covered only the unpaid mortgage loan amounts.
2024 Florida Legislative Session Outcome of HB 809 / SB 1070
During the 2024 Florida Legislative Session, HB 809 and its Senate counterpart SB 1070 sought to simplify Florida’s homeowners’ insurance policies. These bills aimed to permit homeowners to purchase policies covering only the outstanding mortgage loan amounts.
While this proposed change could have introduced more flexibility into insurance options, it also raised concerns about potential underinsurance and financial vulnerability, particularly in the context of Florida’s frequent natural disasters.
However, even with attempts to address crucial issues affecting residential homeowners, both bills met their end in the judiciary process, becoming another example of Florida’s elected officials defeating and removing legislation from further consideration for the remainder of the session that aimed to benefit homeowners.
HCR 693: Congressional Term Limits
Florida House Concurrent Resolution* 693 proposed an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to impose term limits on members of Congress. The proposed term limits stipulated that no person may serve as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for more than six consecutive terms, or serve as a member of the U.S. Senate for more than two consecutive terms.
The topic of congressional term limits had been a point of debate for decades; however, there hadn’t been a vote on congressional term limits since 1995. Advocates argued that it could increase turnover and fresh ideas, while opponents suggested that it could reduce institutional knowledge and experience. This bill represented one of the purest expressions of a state’s desire to influence federal governance, and its potential impact was colossal.
2024 Florida Legislative Session Outcome of House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 693
Surprisingly, Florida House Concurrent Resolution 693, which proposed an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to impose term limits on members of Congress, has been order enrolled.
“Order enrolled” signifies that the final version of the bill has been prepared, incorporating any amendments made during the legislative process, and is ready for presentation to the executive branch, typically the governor, for approval. If signed by the governor, the bill would become law.
This resolution, aimed at restricting the tenure of congressional representatives, sparked significant debate. Nonetheless, the resolution reflects Florida’s desire to influence federal governance, representing a significant step in potentially reshaping the composition of Congress.
HJR 19 | HB 57: County Commissioner Term Limits
House Joint Resolution** 19 and its corresponding House Bill 57 targeted term limits for county commissioners. The proposed legislation aimed to amend the Florida Constitution to prevent incumbent members who had already served for the prior eight consecutive years from appearing on the ballot for reelection to that office.
The context for this bill was local, and its significance lay in the governance of Florida’s counties. Advocates contended that it could redefine local politics by ensuring turnover and allowing new leadership to flourish. On the other hand, critics warned about the challenges of implementing such strict term limits.
2024 Florida Legislative Session Outcome of HB 57
HB 57, part of the County Commissioner Term Limits initiative, has progressed to the stage of being referred to the House Calendar and added to the Second Reading. This indicates that the bill has successfully navigated through the committee stage and is now scheduled for debate and consideration by the entire House of Representatives.
The successful advancement of HB 57 underscores its significance in reshaping local governance in Florida’s counties.
Each of these proposed laws had – and in some instances, still have – the potential to redefine the legal and institutional landscape of Florida. Whether you’re a healthcare professional impacted by potential malpractice reform or a homeowner concerned about insurance costs, your stake in these policies is real. Now is the time to stay informed, get involved, and have your voice continue to be heard. After all, outcomes from the 2024 Florida Legislative Session will shape the future of our state and local communities.
Staying Ahead of the Curve: Avera & Smith Kept Clients Informed Amidst Impactful Legislative Changes in the 2024 Florida Session
As the 2024 Florida Legislative Session unfolded, it brought with it a flurry of proposed bills that can have a significant impact on the lives of Alachua County and Florida residents, as well as our client cases. At Avera & Smith, we continue to remain vigilant in staying updated on these legislative developments to ensure we are well-prepared to navigate any changes on behalf of our clients.
With over 75 years of experience serving Gainesville, Florida, and beyond, the team at Avera & Smith provides comprehensive legal representation, specializing in areas such as personal injury, criminal defense, workers’ compensation, and medical malpractice. Our dedicated team is committed to delivering personal service and genuine advocacy, ensuring our clients feel supported and well-represented at every step. We understand that you aren’t just looking for a lawyer, but a partner to navigate the complexities of the law. Contact us today for a free consultation about your potential case.
Unlike concurrent resolutions, joint resolutions require the President’s signature to become law, unless passed with a two-thirds majority in both chambers of Congress to override a presidential veto.