A bill filed in the Florida House on Wednesday would raise the state’s sovereign immunity limits, expanding the financial liability of government entities in lawsuits and granting local governments greater authority to settle claims without legislative approval.
House Bill 301, introduced by Rep. Fiona McFarland, would increase the maximum amount individuals can recover in lawsuits against state and local governments. Current law caps damages at $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident unless the Legislature approves additional compensation through a claims bill. Under the bill’s purview, those limits would rise to $1 million and $3 million, respectively, for claims arising between October 1, 2025, and October 1, 2030. After that, the caps would increase to $1.1 million per person and $3.2 million per incident.
The bill would also eliminate the requirement that local governments seek legislative approval before paying settlements above the statutory limits. Currently, claimants awarded damages exceeding the cap must rely on a separate act of the Legislature, a process that can result in delays or no compensation beyond the limit. Additionally, the bill would prohibit insurers from making payouts conditional on legislative action.
Beyond financial thresholds, the measure would shorten the time frame for filing claims against public agencies. Under existing law, claimants have three years to notify a government entity before filing suit. HB 301 would reduce that period to 18 months and shorten the statute of limitations for lawsuits from four years to two. The bill also addresses government liability in civil disturbances. If a municipality restricts law enforcement from responding to large-scale disruptions and injuries or property damage occur as a result, the city or county could be held liable. Unlike other claims, these cases would not be subject to sovereign immunity limits.
The bill is scheduled for review in the House Judiciary Committee before advancing to the full chamber. If passed, the changes would be enacted on October 1, 2025.
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