The Florida Legislature has passed a tort reform bill that will have significant impacts on tort litigation in the state. HB 837 took effect upon becoming law on March 24, 2023. The main objectives of the changes are to eliminate inflated or “phantom” damages and limit the number of frivolous lawsuits. 

During a free webinar for the Society of Claim Law Associates as part of the Claims Education Conference Speaker Sponsors Webinar Series, partner Mike Holt discussed each category of changes including statute of limitations, comparative negligence and damage transparency. This bill’s provisions are expected to bring balance and transparency to tort litigation in Florida that is long overdue and will be beneficial to business defendants who are often targets of frivolous lawsuits.