The bill amends section 768.28 of the Florida Statutes to increase the statutory limits on liability for tort claims against the state and its agencies and subdivisions. It establishes new liability limits based on the date the cause of action accrues, with claims accruing before October 1, 2025, limited to $200,000 for a single claim and $300,000 for multiple claims, while claims accruing after this date can reach up to $1.1 million for a single claim and $3.2 million for multiple claims. The bill also allows state subdivisions to settle claims exceeding these limits without further legislative action and prohibits insurance policies from conditioning payment of benefits on the enactment of a claim bill. Additionally, it revises the claim presentation period from three years to 18 months and introduces a provision that deems a failure to make final disposition of a claim within four months as a final denial.

Furthermore, the bill incorporates changes related to sovereign immunity and liability across various sectors, including local government, law enforcement, foster care, and rail operations. It specifies that payments for judgments against public officials may be made unless harm was caused intentionally and outlines liability protections for individuals providing shelter during emergencies. The bill also clarifies the liability of freight rail operators and Amtrak, allowing the department to assume liability under certain conditions while capping its contractual liability at $200 million. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining liability insurance for private providers of foster care services and ensures that various entities, including charter schools and health care providers under governmental contracts, are covered by sovereign immunity protections. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding liability and sovereign immunity for public officials and entities in Florida, with an effective date of October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1570 Filed: 944.713