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  #  Florida Lawmakers Consider Major Increase in Compensation Limits for Victims of Government Negligence

    Details    Written by: Palm Coast Local   Parent Category: [ALICE](https://mail.palmcoastlocal.com/alice-articles)   Category: [State Government](https://mail.palmcoastlocal.com/state-government)    Published: 24 March 2025    ![Florida Lawmakers Consider Major Increase in Compensation Limits for Victims of Government Negligence](https://mail.palmcoastlocal.com/images/2025/compensation-limits-increase-florida-legislature.png) Florida Lawmakers Consider Major Increase in Compensation Limits for Victims of Government Negligence After failing last year to raise the limits on how much victims of government negligence can receive, a Florida lawmaker is back with a more ambitious plan—seeking a tenfold increase.

After failing last year to raise the limits on how much victims of government negligence can receive, a Florida lawmaker is back with a more ambitious plan—seeking a tenfold increase.

On Thursday March 20, 2025 , the House Budget Committee voted 25-3 to approve [**HB 301**](https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/301), sponsored by [Rep. Fiona McFarland](https://www.flhouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4780), a Sarasota business owner and Navy veteran.

### What the Bill Would Change

Currently, Florida law **caps** the amount a person can receive from a government-related injury at **$200,000 per person** and **$300,000 per incident**—even in cases of serious harm. If the bill passes, those limits would rise to:

- **$1 million per person** and **$3 million per incident**
- And increase again in 2030 to **$1.1 million per person** and **$3.2 million per incident**

Right now, any compensation above these limits requires a **claims bill**, which must be approved by lawmakers—a process that can take years. McFarland’s bill would also allow **local governments to settle cases beyond the cap** without waiting for legislative approval.

### The Debate: Justice vs. Financial Burden

Supporters argue that the current system is unfair, especially to people with life-altering injuries. [Gainesville attorney Julie Fine](https://www.floridabar.org/directories/find-mbr/profile/?num=91070) shared an example where the University of Florida refused to take responsibility after a **truck driver struck and severely injured her client in a crosswalk**—even though video evidence proved the driver was at fault.

“They denied responsibility because they knew they were protected by the cap,” Fine said. A jury later awarded her client **$1.5 million**, but delayed medical care and financial struggles made recovery even harder.

On the other hand, local governments, schools, and small cities worry they **can’t afford** the proposed increases.

- [**Bob Harris**,](https://www.lawfla.com/attorney/bob-l-harris/) general counsel for a group of rural schools, warned that the bill could **drain local budgets** and encourage more lawsuits.
- [**David Cruz**, a lobbyist](http://www.leg.state.fl.us/lobbyist/index.cfm?Lobbyists=View_Lobbyist_Info&Tab=lobbyist&Submenu=2&First_Name=David&Last_Name=Cruz&Suffix1=&Lobbyist_ID=005986&LobbyistYear=2014) for the Florida League of Cities, pointed out that **one $3 million lawsuit** could devastate a small city with an annual budget of only $5 million.

### What Happens Next?

HB 301 has passed two House committees and awaits a final hearing before reaching the full House for a vote. Meanwhile, a similar bill in the Senate ([**SB 1570**](https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1570)) has yet to be heard.

Effective Date: 10/1/2025
 Last Action: 3/20/2025 House - Now in Judiciary Committee

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    Last Updated: 24 March 2025

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