Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week kicks off today, October 6th, running through October 10th, with advocates in Florida sharpening their focus on what they term the “Tort Tax”—the tangible economic pain they say is inflicted upon the state’s economy, small businesses, and consumers by frivolous lawsuits.
Floridians Against Lawsuit Abuse (FL CALA) is spearheading an effort to shed light on alleged injustices in Florida’s civil justice system and foster dialogue on the need for meaningful reform.
Tom Gaitens, the Executive Director of FL CALA, emphasized the widespread impact of misused courts.
“These abuses and misuses of our courts have a tangible cost upon all Floridians, particularly among small businesses and consumers and is measured by what we refer to as the ‘Tort Tax’,” Gaitens stated.
Reports from organizations like CALA have repeatedly cited this cost, which they argue drives up prices and insurance premiums across the state.
While acknowledging that recent legislative efforts have been encouraging—referencing significant civil justice reforms passed in recent years, including in 2023—Gaitens insists the fight for fairness is far from over.
“The Legislature should build upon the successes not snatch defeat out of the hands of success!” Gaitens concluded, stressing the need to preserve and expand upon past reforms.
FL CALA’s message for the week is one of accountability and citizen action. “This week is about holding attorneys, courts, judges and elected officials accountable!” Gaitens declared.
The organization is inviting the public to join the conversation and share their personal experiences with legal abuse. Gaitens invites “all Floridians to share their story and join the conversation at #LawsuitAbuseAwarenessWeek, and be part of the solution.”
The ultimate goal, according to Gaitens, is to create a more equitable legal environment. “We’re advocating for a more balanced civil justice system that serves all Floridians, not the special interests, trial lobby or selected few!” he said. “Fairness is at the heart of a just society, and lawsuit abuse threatens to erode that fundamental value!”
By advocating for a balanced legal landscape now, FL CALA hopes to preserve the integrity of the state’s legal system for future generations. Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week is observed nationally from October 6th through October 10th.
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