Lawmakers in the state are calling for greater accountability as coverage prices break records.
As Florida faces some of its highest ever property insurance rates – with more increases on their way – lawmakers are calling for greater accountability in the industry.
Rate hikes and policy cancellations are reaching their worst ever level in the state.
Now, a Senator representing Jacksonville is pushing for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to call another special property insurance session this summer, for the one purpose of generating savings and benefits for homeowners.
Florida Senator Tracie Davis has said that lawmakers must return to Tallahassee as soon as possible, because the new legislation signed last December offered insurers stability and support but didn’t do anything to bring immediate relief for the massive price hikes homeowners have been paying for their coverage.
“Governor, come home and take care of your state. We all know that he’s running for president, but we have real problems, real issues, and the crisis with property insurance,” said Davis. She is seeking a commitment from the state governor that this summer will come with more efforts to help people in the state to be able to afford to pay for their homeowners’ policies.
The average property insurance bill in Florida is currently $6,000 per year, far higher than the national average.
The rest of the country is paying an average of $1,700 for their coverage, which is clearly substantially lower than what Floridians are facing.
According to Republican lawmakers, the last special session successfully established legislation that would slash fraud in the industry and would cut back on excessive litigation. It was also designed to reduce one-way attorney fees for homeowners’ claims. However, insurers received over $3 billion for business stabilization, while Florida homeowners continue to watch the amount they pay rise, or alternately experience dropped coverage altogether, said Davis.
“We went back to those special sessions and none, none of those special sessions did anything to provide any savings for policyholders at all,” said Davis about the situation homeowners are currently facing with their property insurance. “That’s why the legislature needs to do something to solve this problem,” she added. “We have options out there, but Floridians are running out of the options they have.”
FAQs about One-Way Attorney Fees
- What are one-way attorney fees? One-way attorney fees refer to a legal agreement where only one party involved in a lawsuit is responsible for paying the attorney fees. This arrangement typically occurs when there is a specific provision in a contract or statute that allows the prevailing party to recover attorney fees from the other party.
- How do one-way attorney fees work? In a typical legal proceeding, each party bears their own attorney fees, regardless of the outcome. However, with one-way attorney fees, if one party prevails in the case, the losing party is required to pay the prevailing party’s attorney fees in addition to any other damages or awards decided by the court.
- What is the purpose of one-way attorney fees? The purpose of one-way attorney fees is to encourage parties in legal disputes to act in good faith and discourage frivolous lawsuits. By potentially facing financial consequences, parties will be more inclined to carefully consider the merits of their case before pursuing legal action.
- Are one-way attorney fees always awarded? No, the awarding of one-way attorney fees is not automatic. Whether or not one-way attorney fees are granted depends on the specific contractual provisions or statutes applicable to the case, as well as the discretion of the court. It is important to consult with an attorney to understand the specific laws and regulations governing your jurisdiction.
- Can one-way attorney fees be negotiated in contracts? Yes, parties involved in a contractual agreement can negotiate and include provisions for one-way attorney fees. These provisions can outline the circumstances under which attorney fees may be awarded and the specific amounts or limits associated with such awards. It is crucial to work with legal counsel to ensure that any contractual provisions related to attorney fees are clear and enforceable.
- Are there limitations to one-way attorney fees? The availability and limitations of one-way attorney fees vary by jurisdiction and the specific laws governing the case. It is essential to consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable in the relevant legal framework to understand the specific limitations and requirements that may apply.
Please note that the information provided here is general in nature and should not be considered legal advice. If you require legal assistance or have specific questions about one-way attorney fees, it is recommended to consult with a qualified attorney
