Scott fails to lowers workers comp by promised amount

As part of his plan to grow jobs, Gov. Rick Scott promised "a 35 percent reduction in workers' compensation costs."

By the time Scott took office in 2011, Florida already had taken steps to cause its rates to nosedive, as a result of a reform package signed by Gov. Jeb Bush in 2003.

After Scott's first year in office we noted that rates increased an average of 8.9 percent, so we rated his promise Stalled. We decided to check on his progress as he heads into his fourth year.

The Office of Insurance Regulation also approved rate increases of 6.1 percent in November 2012 and .7 percent in October 2013, according to a report from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. The most recent rate increase still places rates 56 percent lower than before the 2003 reform.

In 2010, Florida was in 40th place in terms of rates. Based on the Jan. 1, 2012, rates, Florida has rise, to 29th place -- still below the national median rate.

We sent a summary of our findings to spokespersons for Scott and asked if he had taken any steps to lower workers comp by 35 percent.

A Scott spokesman pointed to a law Scott signed in June, House Bill 662, which revised provisions related to medications dispensed as it related to workers' comp. Legislative staff analysis of the bill stated that it should lead to a decrease of about $20 million or .7 percent.

Years before Scott launched his campaign, Florida had already taken steps that significantly lowered workers compensation. Scott promised to lower it substantially more and did sign a bill that should lower it a smidgen, but he's nowhere near his goal of a 35 percent reduction.

We rate this Promise Broken.