NFIB vigorously supported legislation to ensure defendants and plaintiffs are treated fairly
On May 9, the American Tort Reform Foundation (ATRF) named Florida a “Judicial Hellholes Point of Light,” recognizing the state’s significant progress and Gov. Ron DeSantis’s focus on legal reform.
“Florida’s civil justice system has made tremendous strides over the past several years thanks in large part to Governor DeSantis’ strong leadership and determination,” NFIB State Executive Director Bill Herrle said.
In recognizing the state as a Point of Light, ATRF cited the state’s long history as a Judicial Hellhole, with a legal system plagued by excessive litigation, frivolous lawsuits, and outrageous damages. Florida was named the No. 1 Judicial Hellhole in 2018 and No. 2 in 2019.
The foundation cited three specific legislative victories as contributing to the state’s dramatic turnaround.
House Bill 837 included a host of provisions guaranteeing that both sides, not just plaintiffs, will be treated fairly in the state’s courts. The bill was NFIB’s top legislative priority in this year’s regular session of the Florida Legislature.
Senate Bill 360, a construction defect bill that will shorten the timeline for when a lawsuit can be filed, and House Bill 1205, which addresses truth in legal advertising, were also cited by ATRF as contributing to the state’s turnaround.
ATRF cited research showing that excessive tort costs in Florida’s civil justice system cost Floridians nearly $900 each per year in what it described as a “tort tax.” It the passage of these bills, along with other reforms, is expected to lessen lawsuit abuse that has plagued the state and hurt the economy.
