On Friday, March 24, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis took final steps to reform Florida’s legal system by signing HB 837  into law. Known as Tort Reform, or the Civil Remedies bill, this legislation is effective immediately and aimed at limiting frivolous lawsuits protecting businesses as well as citizens.

The West Orange Chamber supports efforts to rein in unnecessary litigation, reduce costs and prevent additional avenues to sue in Florida law. This includes, but is not limited to, addressing inflated medical damages, eliminating Florida’s reputation as a haven for “bad faith,” and ending the incentive to litigate resulting from Florida’s one-way attorney’s fees. Florida businesses and ultimately consumers may now see a brighter path in the future as some of the benefits are projected to be lower insurance and medical costs.