CLAIMS BILLS SEEK MILLIONS FOR VICTIMS OF GOVERNMENT NEGLIGENCE
More than a dozen bills filed ahead of the 2027 legislative session would authorize millions of dollars in compensation for victims of government negligence.
The bills were filed just weeks after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a “sovereign immunity” reform measure from the 2026 session, saying it would encourage meritless lawsuits.
HB 145 by Rep. Fiona McFarland, a Sarasota business owner, would have increased $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident caps on damages awarded in government negligence suits that have stood for more than a decade.
To be compensated for damages that exceed the caps, victims must convince the Legislature to approve a “claims” bill. The process can take years after a victim finds a bill sponsor.
At a June 30 press conference, DeSantis said that in addition to encouraging “frivolous” lawsuits, he was concerned that HB 145 would sock local governments with higher liability premiums at a time when voters are considering Amendment 3, a sweeping, $11.8 billion property tax cut on the November ballot.
“I have no question, no doubt,” that the bill would encourage meritless litigation,” DeSantis said. “So, we’ll veto that, and also, just with the local government property tax argument, you know, why would I want to impose more burdens on them?”
SB 16 by Sen. Jennifer Bradley, a Fleming Island attorney, is one of 17 claims bills that were filed August 7.
The measure would appropriate $28 million to compensate a Sarasota toddler who suffered near-fatal stab wounds and other permanent injuries after Department of Children and Families investigators failed to remove her from an abusive home.
SB 28 by Rep. Nick DiCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, would authorize $16 million in compensation to a South African tourist who sued the City of Clearwater after a pedestrian crossing signal malfunctioned and the victim, then 16, was struck by a vehicle and suffered catastrophic injuries.
SB 34 by Sen. Jonathan Martin, a Ft. Myers attorney, would authorize the Broward County Sheriff’s Office to pay $2.5 million to compensate the estate of a 5-month-old child who died after the department failed “to complete a thorough child protective investigation, failed to ensure M.N.’s safety, and failed to protect M.N. from further abuse and neglect, which was its primary responsibility.”
The next 60-day regular legislative session begins March 2, 2027.
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