Florida court vacates $187M Hurricane Sally appraisal; legislative updates highlight insurance reform

This week, committee meetings began in preparation for the 2026 Legislative Session, scheduled to take place from January through March. For nearly twenty years, Lisa and Miller Associates has focused on advancing public policy and supporting consumer protections in Florida's insurance sector.

A recent decision by a federal court judge in Florida vacated a $187 million appraisal award that had been granted to several condominium associations in Pensacola for damage caused by Hurricane Sally. George Keys acted as the appraiser representing the associations, which own the Portofino Towers property.

The frequency and size of so-called "nuclear verdicts"—jury awards exceeding $10 million—against corporations are increasing. According to a report by Marathon Strategies, there were 135 such verdicts in 2024, marking a 52% rise from the previous year. The total value of these verdicts reached $31.3 billion.

A new report indicates that recent reforms to Florida's insurance consumer protection laws and litigation procedures have helped lower reinsurance prices during this hurricane season. Citizens Insurance has accused some plaintiff attorneys of spreading misinformation as they attempt to reverse these legislative changes. Another study suggests that smaller hailstones may be causing more significant property damage than previously thought.

The ongoing federal government shutdown is having widespread effects on FEMA operations, while a lapse in the federal flood insurance program is affecting home sales across Florida. In response, members of Congress from Florida have introduced two bills aimed at reforming the flood insurance program by increasing transparency and encouraging collaboration with private insurers.

Researchers at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), along with Florida Sea Grant and other partners, are investigating new uses for seaweed, which regularly washes up on state beaches.