Florida - Stop Lawsuit Abuse!

July 03, 2008, “LAWSUIT TAX” CONTINUES TO HURT ALL FLORIDIANS

Grassroots watchdog group says it is time to gain independence from lawsuit abuse in Florida and repeal “lawsuit tax”

(Boca Raton) – On this 4th of July weekend, as Floridians across the state celebrate our independence from taxation without representation, Florida Stop Lawsuit Abuse (FSLA) is reminding citizens that they must fight for independence from lawsuit abuse, which imposes a cost of $825 on each Floridian, according to a recent study.

Lawsuit abuse drives up costs of products and services, and this $825 burden -- or $3,300 for a family of four -- has become a hidden tax known as the “lawsuit tax.” Unfortunately, lawsuit abuse is still a major problem in our state and we are paying the price without proper representation.

In these hard economic times, Floridians need financial relief. Eliminating lawsuit abuse will help put $825 back into the pocket of hard working citizens. The best ways to fight lawsuit abuse are to pass legislation limiting frivolous lawsuits, elect a fair and balanced judiciary, and promote personal responsibility.

“Floridians will continue to pay the ‘lawsuit tax’ until we demand common sense legal reform from our elected officials and elect good judges to our courts,” said Carlos Muhletaler, Executive Director of FSLA. “On this 4th of July weekend, I challenge all Floridians to make their voices heard by demanding the legal reforms we need and becoming educated about the judicial candidates they will vote for in the upcoming elections.”

“As a small business owner and a father of three I can say that lawsuit abuse is a serious problem for everyone in our state and our legal system needs to be reshaped,” said Patrick Rosacker, owner of Floral Acres in Boynton Beach. “Our legislators need to step up and provide relief, because Floridians cannot continue to pay this additional tax. With basic costs like gas and food skyrocketing, $3,300 means a lot to my family.”

During the 2008 legislative session, lawmakers did not take action to advance consumer protections against predatory lawsuits. However, FSLA remains hopeful that in the coming year, Floridians will work toward independence from lawsuit abuse by electing good judges, exercising personal responsibility, and demanding legal reform during the next legislative session.

“The fact remains that the ‘lawsuit tax’ is an issue that affects all Floridians,” says Muhletaler. “When our system is used for greed instead of fairness, we all pay and we all lose.”

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