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Bill Changing One-Way Attorney Fees Provision Closer To Passage

House Bill 7065 makes changes to the state’s one-way attorney fees provision when dealing with lawsuits between contractors and property insurance companies.

It now makes a claimant responsible for attorney’s fees if the settlements are less than 25% more of the initial ask. CEO of Citizens Property Insurance Barry Gilway sees this as a deterrent.

"In my opinion it would absolutely cause claimants, particularly those contemplating putting in fraudulent or exaggerated claims to think twice before they brought suit. Because now they’re at risk.", said Gilway.

Gilway believes this will help drive down the amount of exaggerated claims in the property insurance market, ultimately lowering rates for homeowner’s insurance overtime.

Senate Bill 122 is scheduled for its last committee meeting Wednesday.

Blaise Gainey is a State Government Reporter for WFSU News. Blaise hails from Windermere, Florida. He graduated from The School of Journalism at the Florida A&M University. He formerly worked for The Florida Channel, WTXL-TV, and before graduating interned with WFSU News. He is excited to return to the newsroom. In his spare time he enjoys watching sports, Netflix, outdoor activities and anything involving his daughter.