Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins said on May 13 that tort reform legislation enacted in 2023 continues to influence insurance affordability and broader economic conditions across Florida.
Collins said the reforms have helped reduce lawsuit abuse and lower insurance costs, adding that Florida families should not face what he described as a hidden “tort tax.” He said the changes have led insurers to file rate decreases and contributed to broader economic benefits in the state.
“Affordability matters, and Florida families should not bear the weight of a hidden tort tax. Tort reform is helping crack down on lawsuit abuse, reduce insurance costs, and strengthen Florida’s economy. Soon after these reforms took effect, dozens of insurers filed rate decreases, generating billions in economic activity and supporting thousands of jobs statewide,” Collins said in a post on X.
“We’re going to keep fighting for policies that protect consumers, support businesses, and make Florida more affordable to live, work, and raise a family,” he added.
Florida’s top five auto insurers, which represent about 78% of the state’s auto market, reported an average -6.5% rate change for 2025, compared with +4.3% in 2024 and +31.7% in 2023 before the reforms took effect, according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.
A Perryman Group analysis found the state’s tort reforms produced an estimated 14.5% reduction in property and casualty insurance costs compared with what would have occurred without the changes, generating more than $4.2 billion in annual gross product and supporting about 29,370 jobs statewide.
Collins served more than 23 years in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret before being appointed lieutenant governor by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2025. He previously represented District 14 in the Florida State Senate, according to Ballotpedia.
