http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/02/21/florida-bill-would-protect-gun-owners-from-insurance-discrimination/?intcmp=latestnews Florida bill would protect gun owners from insurance discriminationPublished February 21, 2014
watchdog.org It's illegal for property and auto insurance companies to discriminate against Floridians who lawfully exercise their constitutional right to own a firearm.
But if it did happen, there's not a whole lot a gun owner could do about it. Hiring an attorney, picking a fight with a powerful insurance company and hoping for the best is what Florida law allows. Many residents would be hard pressed to spare the time and money.
Even if they did go down that road, the law lacks enforcement authority because gun owners are not protected under Florida's unfair insurance trade laws.
A new bill advancing through the Florida Legislature would change that.
Legislation sponsored by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, offers gun owners the same protections afforded to those who suffer more widely recognized discriminatory abuses.
If passed, gun owners would have a clear path to sue if they're denied coverage or their premium rates are unfairly raised. Without legal recourse, only the state Office of Insurance Regulation can enforce penalties against insurers.
Click for more from Watchdog.org.
