NFIB State Director said a pair of bills introduced today in the state Senate and House would help protect small businesses and other employers from frivolous lawsuits brought by trial lawyers seeking to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic. Senate Bill 72 was filed by Sen. Jeff Brandes (24th District), while House Bill 7 is sponsored by Rep. Lawrence McClure (58th District).

 

“Small business owners need to know the state has their back when it comes to COVID-19 liability protection,” Herrle said. “SB 72 and HB 7 would help protect businesses that are following government-issued guidelines to protect the health and safety of their customers and employees from costly and frivolous lawsuits.

 

“Even if a case is eventually dismissed by the courts, the cost of defending itself against even one illegitimate lawsuit could break them financially, especially now, when so many small businesses are struggling to get through this crisis,” Herrle said. One in four small businesses surveyed last month by the NFIB Research Center warned they would have to close within the next six months unless economic conditions improve soon.

 

“On behalf of our members, I want to thank Senator Brandes and Representative McClure for addressing this important legislation,” Herrle said. “We look forward to working with them and leaders of both the House and Senate to pass these measures quickly and protect Florida’s job creators from overeager trial attorneys who would try to profit from the COVID-19 pandemic.”