Marathon Strategies, an independent public relations firm, has published a report suggesting that tort reform measures in Florida have led to a reduction in the number of nuclear verdicts, defined as jury verdicts exceeding $10 million. The report was released on May 3.

According to the same report, there was a 27% increase in the number of nuclear verdicts across the U.S. in 2023, with the median size of these verdicts rising to $44 million. Between 2009 and 2022, Florida had the second-highest total of nuclear verdicts among all states. However, due to tort reform measures enacted by Gov. Ron DeSantis, it fell to seventh place in 2023.

Last year, Gov. DeSantis signed HB 837 into law with the intention of improving Florida’s insurance market, according to a press release. The legislation introduced reforms aimed at reducing excessive litigation that was driving up insurance costs. These included eliminating attorneys’ fee multipliers and establishing uniform standards for juries to calculate accurate medical damages. “I am proud to sign this legislation to protect Floridians, safeguard our economy and attract more investment in our state,” said DeSantis at the time.