Bill > S1520

This bill amends Florida Statutes regarding the types of evidence that can be used to prove medical expenses in personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits. The legislation provides more flexibility for courts in determining admissible evidence of medical treatment costs, replacing previous rigid guidelines with a broader approach. Specifically, the bill allows courts to consider any evidence that demonstrates the actual value of medical treatment, including but not limited to: the amount health insurance would cover, reasonable and customary rates for treatments, payments made under letters of protection, and reasonable amounts billed for medically necessary services. The key changes remove previous specific calculations (such as percentages of Medicare or Medicaid rates) and instead give judges more discretion in evaluating what evidence can be presented to establish medical expenses. By using the phrase "may include" instead of "shall include," the bill provides courts with greater latitude in considering evidence of past and future medical expenses. The new law will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving legal professionals and courts time to prepare for the updated evidentiary standards.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1520