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’ V

See Full Page