Fla. Gov. Expands Special Session to Include No-Fault

In a Florida Special Legislative Session originally called to focus on the 2007-08 budget, Gov. Charlie Crist expanded the call to include renewing Florida’s Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law, known as personal injury protection or PIP, which expired Oct. 1.

“Personal injury protection insurance is very important to the people of Florida, and $10,000 in coverage provides a minimum safeguard,” Crist said. “I am encouraging members of the House and Senate to reach consensus and ensure the continuation of this important consumer protection.”

Crist wants the no-fault law renewed but with changes to root out fraud and lower costs. Crist called for minimum qualifications for care providers, a uniform claims process, a fee schedule to help control medical costs, increased enforcement authority and increased funding to crack down on fraud, and litigation reform aimed at streamlining the claims process and reducing legal costs.

Senate President Ken Pruitt, R- Port St. Lucie, said when the governor deemed the PIP issue a priority, “then it is a priority for me.”

Pruitt added, “Although there is no legislative agreement on PIP, Sen. Posey and Rep. Bogdanoff have offered the Legislature a tremendous work product. It is now up to membership to decide the issue.”

The special session convenes at 9 a.m. on Oct. 3 and will span 10 days, officially ending at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 12.

Sources: Office of the Governor of Florida
Florida State Senate