A Florida House panel on Wednesday approved a proposal (HB 145) that would significantly increase the limits on payments made by government agencies when individuals are injured due to the agencies’ negligence.
The House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee voted 16-1 to advance the measure, sponsored by Rep. Fiona McFarland, R-Sarasota. The bill aims to update the state’s sovereign-immunity laws, which currently cap government liability at $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident.
Proposed Increases: The bill would raise the caps to $500,000 per person and $1 million per incident starting October 1, and further to $600,000 and $1.2 million starting in 2031. It would also allow local governments to settle cases above the limits without needing legislative claim bills.
Supporters’ View: Rep. McFarland called the proposal a “measured and responsible update” that strengthens fairness and accountability, arguing it’s about properly compensating injured people.
Opponents’ Concern: Local government groups, including the Florida League of Cities and the Florida Association of Counties, opposed the measure, warning it will pile more costs onto cities, counties, and school boards, particularly for insurance. They also cited the potential for reduced property tax revenue following a possible 2026 voter referendum.
This issue has repeatedly flared up in the Legislature, with a similar House bill passing but stalling in the Senate during the 2025 session. Wednesday’s vote sets the stage for the debate to continue during the upcoming 2026 legislative session, which begins in January.
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