After 10 Glorious Years, Sunshine State News and I Are Passing the Baton

Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, has filed a bill proposed by Attorney General Pam Bondi that increases criminal penalties for those found ripping off military service personnel. The Military Protection Act, Senate Bill 716, extends existing protections under state statutes regarding deceptive and unfair trade practices to cover military service members and their families, Simpson stated in a release.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation announced Monday its approval of an 18.8 percent statewide rate decrease for Praetorian Insurance Co.s collateral protection program. This rate filing impacts 126,336 policies representing a premium volume of $521 million and results in a decrease to consumers of $98 million, according to the state office. The insurance, called force-placed, typically is imposed on individuals who had failed to secure homeowners insurance as required by mortgage and other lenders.

Jim Greer's attorney, Damon Chase, tells Sunshine State News his client is dropping his lawsuit against the Republican Party of Florida, Sen. John Thrasher, and former Sen. Mike Haridopolos, as part of his plea deal with the state. Greer had sued for $124,000 in what he says was promised severance pay, along with $5 million in punitive damages. More to come ...

In the realm of bills filed more to make a statement, Sen. Darren Soto, D-Orlando, has filed a bill that proposes Florida set its clocks to daylight saving time year round. Senate Bill 734, the Sunshine Protection Act," would first require the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to study adjustments in standard agricultural practices due to the year-round observance of daylight saving time.