Georgia State Senator Greg Dolezal, representing the 27th District, highlighted Florida's tort reform as a contributing factor to the state's low insurance rate increases during a Senate floor debate on February 21.
"Three years after the Florida tort reform bill passed, Geico has filed for a 10% rate decrease; Progressive Auto has filed for an 8.1% rate decrease; State Farm has filed for a 6% decrease," said Dolezal. "Why? Because 11 new insurance companies have entered the market in the State of Florida. Florida had the lowest insurance rate increase in the entire country this year."
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had previously announced improvements in the state's insurance market through a press release on February 5. Major auto insurers such as GEICO, Progressive, and State Farm have filed for rate reductions of 10.5%, 8.1%, and 6%, respectively. Additionally, Citizens Property Insurance is implementing premium decreases averaging 5.6% statewide, benefiting approximately 75% of homeowners in Miami-Dade County. Over the past two years, the entry of 11 new insurance companies into the Florida market has increased competition and contributed to greater market stability.
Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) released a poll on February 7 indicating that a significant majority of Georgia voters believe lawsuit abuse contributes to rising costs of goods and services. The survey conducted by Public Opinion Strategies from February 2-5 found bipartisan agreement among Republicans (88%), Independents (64%), and Democrats (62%). It also revealed that 85% of voters consider it important for the Legislature to address lawsuit abuse to eliminate hidden taxes on consumers. Furthermore, 82% of individuals who have used personal injury lawyers support reforms to the current system.
A study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform released on January 24 reported that rising tort costs in Georgia are placing an increasing financial burden on households, affecting insurance premiums and overall living costs. In 2022, Georgia's tort costs reached nearly $20 billion, averaging over $2,000 per household.
According to InsuranceRateReporter.com on February 18, a survey by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) and Munich Re US identified plaintiff lawyer tactics like third-party litigation funding (TPLF) and jury anchoring as contributors to rising insurance costs with an estimated $529 billion impact on the U.S. economy. The survey showed that while many Americans believe these practices increase insurance premiums, a significant portion remains unaware of them.
Dolezal is known for his results-driven approach as both a business owner and entrepreneur. Before entering politics, he served as Creative Director for a Bible study at North Point Community Church and spent over a decade as Tour Manager for musician Chris Tomlin.