Controversy surrounds Florida parts law

State prosecutes Progressive for specifying non-OEM parts; group of insurers files suit to protest law

Florida's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, under the direction of Commissioner Bob Crawford, has already attempted to prosecute one insurer-Progressive Express Insurance Co.-for specifying non-OEM parts in violation of the Florida MotorVehicle Repair Act, which the department just began to enforce in mid-April. Meanwhile, the Alliance of Automotive Insurers (AAI) filed a lawsuit on July 11 against the department because it says the law is flawed, vague and discriminates against aftermarket parts.

The department filed suit against the division of …