Floridians Parental Authority in Jeopardy - Part 2

The Trial Bar is at it again, this time not only targeting businesses but attempting to take away the authority of parents in Florida to make decisions about what is best for their children. As you know, the Florida Supreme Court stripped parents of the right to sign waivers for their children to participate in countless recreational activities, including many offered by our industry.

The Court's ruling that parental waivers are not valid under current Florida statute, means that if you are currently using waivers for youth activities, they are not valid and provide no protection for your business.

We have worked to craft legislation that would restore these rights for parents through the Parental Authority Bill, SB 1578, sponsored by Sen. Carey Baker. Unfortunately, the Trial Bar has proposed a substitute version of the legislation -- SB 2440 -- which is nothing more than a Trojan Horse that will allow them to continue to target any and all providers of recreation for Florida's youth. In fact, after reviewing the provisions of SB 2440, one of the largest providers of insurance for the recreational water sports in Florida, said, "We do not believe that recreational sports in Florida would be commercially viable to insure any longer,” if SB 2440 is adopted.

Senate leadership needs to understand that all providers of recreation for Florida’s youth are under attack and that Florida’s insurance industry will soon begin cancelling liability coverage for countless youth activities. Senate leadership is apparently under the impression that our Parental Authority Bill is being supported by only one company in Florida. That's simply not the case. SB 1578 is the only bill that will truly restore parental authority and preserve countless youth activities that are currently in jeopardy.

Thanks to many of you, Florida is known for its activities and attractions that draw families from around the world to Florida and result in significant contributions to the state's economy. The Supreme Court ruling and the Trial Bar's bill threatens Florida's economy, compromises parental authority and will eliminate the availability of countless youth activities.

Please click here to review the facts and talking points, and read this week's Orlando Sentinel Editorial. If you agree that Florida must restore a parent’s right to make decisions for their children’s recreational pursuits, please contact by telephone or email immediately:

President Jeff Atwater
Phone (850) 487-5100
atwater.jeff.web@flsenate.gov

Judiciary Committee Chairman Joe Negron
Phone (850) 487-5088
negron.joe.web@flsenate.gov