Gov. Ron DeSantis has vetoed HB 145, legislation that would have increased Florida’s sovereign immunity limits for negligence claims against state and local government entities. The bill would have raised the maximum payouts to $350,000 per claimant and $500,000 per incident. In his veto announcement, the governor said the measure would encourage additional “unmeritorious” lawsuits and increase costs for local governments.
The proposal drew significant attention during the 2026 legislative session, with supporters arguing the current limits no longer reflect inflation. Opponents, including the Florida Hospital Association and other healthcare organizations, said the bill could increase litigation costs for publicly operated hospitals and other government entities. The Florida Hospital Association praised the governor’s veto, saying it preserves the legal framework that allows public hospitals to continue serving their communities.
Email to a Friend