Florida Underwriter March 2011

Cover Story

A Trimmer Budget in 2011

With a decidedly pro-business governor and a Legislature focused on economic rejuvenation, Florida’s 2011 session could produce significant opportunities for the business community at large and the insurance industry in particular. This may be the year that tort reform finally passes, an impossible feat in previous years. Then lawmakers could...

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From the Editor

Does Not Play Well With Others

By Joan E. Collier, PropertyCasualty360.com

During his campaign, Gov. Rick Scott proclaimed himself (and indeed is conducting himself now) as the consummate CEO. In the weeks since taking office, he has tried to conduct “the people’s business” by edict. It is not going well.

Features

Florida PEOs Continue to Gain Market Share

By Tim Hoelle

Recent studies reveal that in 2010 PEOs had more than 949,000 worksite employees, 69,000 employers, and over $25 billion in payroll in Florida. By comparison, five years ago the data showed 700,000 worksite employees, 50,000 employers and payroll in excess of $17 billion. Growth, however, has not been without challenges.
Why We Don’t Need Health Insurance Agents Under Health Care Reform

By Ken Stevenson

Take a walk with an employee benefits broker on an imaginary tour of the new health care reform provisions to learn what this brave new world means for agents and consumers.

In Conversation

Brown & Brown’s New Regional President Assesses the Florida Insurance Market

By Sharon K. Moorhead

Charles H. “Charlie” Lydecker was recently named a regional president of Brown & Brown, Inc., taking over responsibility for operations in Florida and some retail operations in Arizona, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Virginia. Lydecker spoke with Florida Underwriter about the state’s insurance market and his company’s plans for...

The Inside View

Agreeing on the Strategy Is Tougher Than Agreeing on the Ask

By Sam Miller

Editorial Advisory Board Member Sam Miller, the executive vice president of the Florida Insurance Council, outlines the industry’s “staggeringly ambitious” legislative agenda. Success, he cautions, hinges on consensus and commitment with our industry brethren.