Florida Senate Panel Advances Bill Raising Government Negligence Payout Caps
SB 1366 would lift sovereign immunity limits for the first time in years, but passage before session ends is uncertain
WHAT HAPPENED: The Florida Senate Rules Committee approved SB 1366 on Tuesday, a bill that would raise the caps on how much state and local governments must pay individuals injured due to government negligence.
WHAT IT MEANS: Under current law, governments are limited to paying $200,000 to a single injured person and $300,000 per incident. SB 1366 would raise the individual cap to $350,000 — a $150,000 increase — while lowering the per-incident cap to $500,000. According to available information, The change would affect anyone pursuing a negligence claim against a Florida state agency or local government entity, including county and municipal governments across Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties.
WHO IS AFFECTED: Florida residents and property owners injured through government negligence — whether in a road maintenance accident, a public facility incident, or another government-related mishap — who seek compensation through the courts.
WHAT WE DON'T KNOW: The committee vote count was not included in the source material. The bill's prospects remain uncertain as the regular legislative session winds down, but no specific obstacles or opposing votes were identified in available records.
WHAT TO WATCH: Whether SB 1366 advances to a full Senate floor vote before the legislative session concludes.
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