MyFloridCFO, May 25, 2023
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis applauds Governor DeSantis for signing Senate Bill 1002, Motor Vehicle Glass, by Senator Linda Stewart and Representative Griff Griffitts in the Florida House. Senate Bill 1002 cracks down on Assignment of Benefits (AOBs) abuse within the automobile windshield repair and replacement industry to fight rising car insurance rates.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, "When you sign an AOB, you are signing away your insurance benefits and this bill will provide better protection against those bad actors who want to separate you from your hard earned dollars. I appreciate the efforts by Senator Stewart and Representative Griffitts who got this bill to the Governor’s desk and thank them for their commitment to Florida’s consumers. Thank you to Governor DeSantis for signing this great piece of bipartisan legislation into law that will crack down on AOB windshield repair schemes and help lower auto insurance premiums for all Floridians.”
Insurance Consumer Advocate Tasha Carter said, “Consumers are now protected from the predatory practice of unscrupulous repair shops using assignment of benefits as a tool to defraud both consumers and insurance companies. Consumers should always first work with their insurance company to initiate a claim and repairs. Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature have made it clear that consumers’ insurance rights are of upmost importance. I am grateful to Senator Stewart and Representative Griffitts for recognizing the need for this much-needed consumer protection.”
Michael Carlson, President and CEO of the Personal Insurance Federation of Florida said, “Florida leaders made it their mission to stop rampant fraud in the property market, and we’re thankful they prioritized fixing the cracks in the auto market as well. This is an important win for the health of the marketplace and Florida consumers. Eyes have been opened to the cottage industry of predatory claims and litigation. The signing of SB 1002 means Florida can reset and even become an example to other states tackling this type of exploitation. We’re grateful to Governor DeSantis, CFO Patronis, Senator Stewart, Representative Griffitts and partners in the Fix the Cracks initiative for the collective effort to address the glass harvesting and litigation crisis in Florida.”
David J. Glawe, President and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) said, “The measure will help reduce fraudulent activity, improve safety conditions in Florida, and shield consumers from rising insurance rates. NICB is especially grateful to the Florida Legislature, Senator Stewart, Representative Griffitts, Chief Financial Officer Patronis, and Governor DeSantis for their leadership on this critical issue. These reforms will go a long way toward protecting consumers from criminal actors and irresponsible litigation. NICB is proud to work together with our member companies, and Florida state and local law enforcement, to help detect, prevent, and deter insurance crimes, including auto glass fraud.”
Matthew J. Smith, Esq., Executive Director of the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud said, “The Coalition and its members are grateful that the last step in protecting Floridians from unscrupulous repair shops and scam-focused lawyers has been achieved with Governor DeSantis signing this into law. We thank the Governor for his support and Florida’s unwavering leaders on this crucial issue, as this has been a year fueled by anti-fraud-focused action. The Coalition also extends its gratitude towards the diverse organizations it has worked with that have supported this critical initiative. Floridians now have a new law on their side! This is a great blow against insurance fraud which is the crime we all pay for. Once again, thank you Governor DeSantis.”
To view CFO Patronis’ 2023 “Keep Florida Free” Legislative Victories, click HERE.