HB 7 – Relating to Civil Liability for Damages Relating to COVID-19

On Tuesday, February 16, HB 7 by Representative Lawrence McClure (R-Plant City) was heard by the House Judiciary Committee and was reported favorable with 14 yeas and 7 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, spoke in support of this legislation.

The bill provides civil immunity from COVID-19 liability to businesses, educational institutions, religious institutions, governmental entities, and other covered entities that acted in good faith during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill protects reasonably acting entities and institutions so that they can predict their COVID-19-related litigation risks, remain viable, and continue to contribute to the state's well-being.

HB 7 will now go to the House floor for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that protects the Florida business community from frivolous and costly litigation by plaintiffs suing to settle.

SB 148 – Relating to Beverage Law

On Tuesday, February 16, SB 148 by Senator Jennifer Bradley (R-Orange Park) was heard by the Senate Regulated Industries Committee and was reported favorable with 9 yeas and 0 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this legislation.

Under current law, qualifying restaurants may be licensed to sell beer, wine, and liquor for consumption on the premises only. This bill repeals the prohibition of sale for off-premises consumption of alcohol, thereby allowing restaurants to sell sealed containers of “alcohol-to-go” in conjunction with the sale of food on the same order.

SB 148 will now go to the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

AIF supports legislation removing antiquated regulations on restaurant and lodging establishments to encourage the development of news businesses and increase the financial success of existing businesses, especially during the pandemic.