Florida's Personal Injury Protection Law

Many people have criticized Florida's Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law and would like it eliminated, however Governor Scott prefers to mend it.

PIP is a type of insurance drivers in Florida must carry. The purpose of this insurance is to make readily available emergency medical benefits to people involved in auto accidents, without regard to who is at fault. Under the law, a person injured in an accident must seek care within 14 days. The allotted benefits drop from $10,000 to just $2,500 if the treatment was not for an "emergency medical condition." And one's medical condition must be diagnosed by a provider on a specified list. This list excludes chiropractors.

A great deal of Floridians feel as though the PIP law is redundant. This is due to most motorists already possessing some type of bodily injury coverage. People are also challenging the law due to massage therapy and acupuncture procedures being eliminated as part of the PIP system. An additional reason change is sought is the federal Affordable Care Act, which takes effect January 1, 2014, is presumed to cover a great deal of what is already provided through PIP.

In an effort to return the PIP law to its prior form, a Circuit Court Judge has found the statute unconstitutional, granting a temporary injunction against it. The basis for his ruling was the exclusion of chiropractors, the exclusion of payment for massage therapists, and the 14 day cut off for maximum benefits.

A Senate bill directed at putting a stop to Florida's PIP law was met with silence during the committee meeting on April 9. As a result, Sen. David Simmons removed the bill from being voted on, then said it would be brought back the following week. Stay tuned for updates...