Florida Capital Conversations

In this episode of our "Florida Capital Conversations" podcast series, Tallahassee transportation and regulatory compliance attorney Katie Inman discusses the rapid growth of Florida's commercial space industry and what it means for stakeholders. Drawing on her senior experience at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and as former general counsel to Florida's Attorney General, Ms. Inman talks about the surge in FAA-licensed launches and breaks down how private investment and new laws are accelerating the sector. She highlights major federal developments – including the executive order to streamline launch licensing and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews, bond financing incentives for spaceport infrastructure and Space Command/Space Force initiatives – as well as Florida's 2025 legislation establishing the International Aerospace Innovation Fund and expanding seaport-spaceport infrastructure support. She additionally explains Space Florida's unique role as an economic development entity, reviews anticipated timelines for infrastructure versus research funding and shares practical steps for companies to engage in this rapidly growing field.This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Nathan Adams and Mia McKown, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

In the third and final episode of Florida Capital Conversations' healthcare privacy series, Tallahassee attorneys Shannon Hartsfield and Eddie Williams join hosts Nathan Adams and Mia McKown to discuss the challenges of patient privacy complaints under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). They explain that though complaints are common — often concerning alleged misuse or disclosure of protected health information — patients have limited legal recourse beyond filing complaints with providers, state boards or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as HIPAA does not include a private right of action allowing patients to sue organizations directly.The conversation highlights the importance of clear communication, robust HIPAA policies and thorough documentation in addressing and preventing privacy issues. Ms. Hartsfield and Mr. Williams emphasize timely responses to complaints, comprehensive staff training and proactive protocol updates as key strategies for building patient trust and resolving issues efficiently. As a whole, the series offers practical legal insight into privacy matters affecting Florida's healthcare landscape.

In the second episode of a "Florida Capital Conversations" mini-series on healthcare privacy, Tallahassee healthcare attorneys Shannon Hartsfield and Eddie Williams focus on Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance for students and interns. They discuss the importance of treating students and interns as part of the healthcare workforce under HIPAA, implementing thorough training on privacy policies and electronic record security, and the serious consequences of unauthorized access to or "snooping" on patient records. The episode imparts practical advice for healthcare providers to prevent privacy breaches and ensure students understand their legal responsibilities to protect sensitive health information in clinical settings.This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Nathan Adams and Mia McKown, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

In the first episode of a "Florida Capital Conversations" new healthcare privacy series, Tallahassee healthcare attorneys Shannon Hartsfield and Eddie Williams discuss the evolving landscape of genetic data privacy, focusing on protections under Florida law and the implications for genetic testing companies such as 23andMe. They explain how Florida law generally recognizes individuals as owners of their DNA and genetic test results, though there are exceptions for clinical or research use. The bankruptcy of 23andMe raises important questions about what happens to consumers' genetic data during company sales, highlighting the tension between consumer privacy promises and business realities. Unlike healthcare providers, consumer genetic information companies are typically not covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) but instead fall under Federal Trade Commission oversight, which enforces privacy commitments made to customers. This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Nathan Adams and Mia McKown, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

In this episode of our "Florida Capital Conversations" podcast series, Government Section Leader Karen Walker and litigation attorney Tiffany Roddenberry discuss the intricacies of protecting trade secrets in the realm of public procurement and dealing with Florida government. They highlight the broad definition of public records under Florida law, the potential for private entities to be subject to public records law and strategies for safeguarding confidential and proprietary information. The conversation provides valuable insight into overcoming legal and practical challenges to maintain confidentiality when engaging with state and local governments.This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Nate Adams and Mia McKown, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

In this episode of our "Florida Capital Conversations" podcast series, policy advisor Jon Steverson and attorney Lawrence Sellers discuss significant legislative developments affecting the energy and environmental sectors in Florida. The conversation covers the statewide stormwater rule, energy resources, water legislation and proposed constitutional amendments. Mr. Sellers specifically addresses the economic implications of modifications to stormwater regulations, while Mr. Steverson analyzes the provisions of the energy resources bill. They conclude the conversation by reviewing measures related to bear hunting, the release of balloons and specialized license plates.This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Nate Adams and Mia McKown, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

In this episode of our "Florida Capital Conversations" podcast series, Equine Industry Team Leader Kayla Pragid and Public Affairs Advisor Tori Deal delve into the diverse aspects of Florida's equine industry. Ms. Pragid shares insights into establishing the equine practice within the firm, while Ms. Deal talks about her journey as an equestrian lobbyist and consultant. The discussion also covers topics such as the resources provided by Holland & Knight to this unique field, the industry's economic contributions to the state, challenges it encounters and the role of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Nate Adams and Mia McKown, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

In this episode of our “Florida Capital Conversations” podcast series, policy advisors Kimberly Case, Tori Deal, Jon Steverson and Beth Vecchioli join together to discuss the 2024 regular legislative session in Florida. They each provide insight on a number of key legislative priorities heading into session, including healthcare, education, infrastructure, energy, coastal resilience and insurance. This conversation also covers Florida's budget and the continued economic and population growth in the state. Additionally, the group highlights how global and national events may impact the upcoming session, specifically the 2024 election cycle.

In this episode of our “Florida Capital Conversations” podcast series, healthcare attorneys Mia McKown, Eddie Williams and Shannon Hartsfield discuss how privacy violations can put a healthcare practitioner's license at risk. This conversation covers the types of privacy violations that warrant a complaint, how those complaints are filed and what physicians should do if a complaint is filed against them. They also offer guidance on the best ways to avoid potential violations.This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. These candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

This episode was originally released on October 17, 2023 | In this episode of our “Florida Capital Conversations” podcast series, Holland & Knight healthcare attorney Eddie Williams joins to discuss the dissemination of electronic health information and provisions regarding information blocking. He explains the concept of information blocking, which is a practice by an "actor" that is likely to interfere with the access, exchange or use of electronic health information. He also notes the exceptions to this rule and how hospitals, physician practices and others in the healthcare industry should prepare to maintain compliance. This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Mia McKown and Shannon Hartsfield, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

This episode was originally released on October 10, 2023 | In this episode of our “Florida Capital Conversations” podcast series, Holland & Knight healthcare attorney Shannon Hartsfield joins to discuss recent enforcement trends with regard to protected health information and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). She provides important context surrounding the enforcement process, including what office enforces HIPAA and the types of penalties violators could potentially face for non-compliance. This conversation also highlights several recent enforcement actions practitioners should be aware of and provides insight on the role of HIPAA in digital privacy and consumer data collection. This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Mia McKown and Eddie Williams, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

This episode was originally released on April 5, 2023 | In the 15th episode of our "Florida Capital Conversations" podcast series William Large, President of the Florida Justice Reform Institute (FJRI), and Tiffany Roddenberry, Holland & Knight attorney, discuss Florida tort reform by way of House Bill (HB) 837. Recently passed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, HB 837 aims to protect businesses, property owners and corporations from paying excessive damages in lawsuits. Mr. Large explains that tort reform, or lawsuit abuse reform, is designed to make the civil justice system or fair and equitable for all citizens and not push the scales in favor of either plaintiffs or defendants. This conversation focuses on key sections of the bill and describes the expected implications across the state of Florida. This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Nate Adams, Mia McKown and Brent Cooper, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

This episode was originally released on October 27, 2022 | In the 14th episode of Holland & Knight's "Florida Capital Conversations" podcast series, Senior Policy Advisor Beth Vecchioli joins to discuss Hurricane Ian's effect on the property and casualty insurance market. During this conversation, Ms. Vecchioli outlines the expected total cost of Hurricane Ian and how it will specifically impact the Florida property insurance market, which is currently in a state of crisis. She explains the significant expansion of Citizens Property Insurance in recent years and how its position in the market will serve Floridians adversely affected by the storm. The group also highlights resources that are available to those impacted by Hurricane Ian, including newly established insurance villages. These villages, scattered across southwest Florida, are portable offices where folks affected by the storm can file their claims punctually and in person. They conclude their conversation by discussing whether insurance rates will rise following the storm and whether the Florida Legislature will hold a special session to address issues stemming from Hurricane Ian. This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Nate Adams and Mia McKown, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

This episode was originally released on June 6, 2022 | In the 12th episode of our "Florida Capital Conversations" podcast series, Holland & Knight healthcare attorneys Shannon Hartsfield and Eddie Williams join the conversation to discuss developments impacting patient access to medical data. They provide insight on the rules and regulations surrounding records ownership and how the policy landscape has shifted. The conversation incorporates the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) as it relates to patient privacy as well as the information blocking rule. Additionally, our attorneys outline the consequences for improper health data sharing. This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Nate Adams and Mia McKown, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

This episode was originally released on April 28, 2022 | In the eleventh episode of our "Florida Capital Conversations" podcast series, Holland & Knight attorney Kevin Cox joins to discuss all things antitrust. He provides a brief overview of antitrust to frame the conversation for listeners, highlighting the importance of healthy competition in the American economy. The discussion also explores the evolution of antitrust enforcement and how different administrations have tackled violations. Additionally, the group spends time outlining what the average consumer or business owner should know about antitrust regulations given their nature can oftentimes be complex. This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Nate Adams and Mia McKown, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

This episode was originally released on April 21, 2022 | In the tenth episode of our "Florida Capital Conversations" podcast series, Holland & Knight Senior Policy Advisor Beth Vecchioli joins to discuss Florida’s 2022 Regular Legislative Session. She highlights the big ticket items that were on the table during session and shares details about what bills ended up passing as well as those that fell short. As she points out during the conversation, the Legislature spent a good amount of time on topics related to property insurance, auto insurance, consumer data privacy and several COVID-related bills. There was also a focus on condominium legislation, as a result of the Surfside condominium collapse in the summer of 2021. The discussion also notes the status of the budget passage, which is the primary responsibility of the Legislature. This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Nate Adams and Mia McKown, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

This episode was originally released on February 1, 2022 | In the ninth episode of Holland & Knight's "Florida Capital Conversations" podcast series, Former Governor Bob Martinez provides insight into the executive branch and shares his fascinating and versatile personal journey to becoming the Governor of Florida. Governor Martinez discusses his time owning a restaurant, serving as Vice Chairman of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, becoming mayor, and eventually, governor of Florida and so much more. This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Nate Adams and Mia McKown, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

This episode was originally released on December 2, 2021 | In the eighth episode of Holland & Knight's "Florida Capital Conversations" podcast series, Government Section Leader Karen Walker and litigation attorney Tiffany Roddenberry focus on state and local government procurement. With states like Florida spending billions of dollars each year contracting with private entities, and with billions of federal dollars set to flow to state and local governments through the recently passed infrastructure bill, procurement will be top of mind for many state agencies and private sector actors in the coming months. Ms. Walker and Ms. Roddenberry talk about their experience guiding clients through the procurement process, from introducing products or services to potential government customers to filing bid protests and responding to public records requests. They discuss common exemptions to procurement laws, cover key rules and deadlines for interested companies to note, explain what happens once a company either wins or loses a bid and preview areas of interest in 2022. This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Nate Adams and Mia McKown, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

This episode was originally released on November 18, 2021 | In the seventh episode of our "Florida Capital Conversations" podcast series, Holland & Knight appellate attorneys Tiffany Roddenberry and Tara Price share insight on their day-to-day practice. They provide an overview of the appellate process and highlight the differences between courtroom proceedings at the trial court level and at the appellate level. Ms. Roddenberry and Ms. Price also spend time discussing appellate writing and the specific nuances that coincide with preparing appropriate legal briefs, motions and other materials to be presented before the judge(s). This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Nate Adams and Mia McKown, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

This episode was originally released on November 10, 2021 | In the sixth episode of our "Florida Capital Conversations" podcast series, Holland & Knight education attorney Nate Adams shares insight on the education law industry. In this episode, Mr. Adams covers a wide range of topics reflecting the broad scope of the education law practice. He highlights a number of national topics and issues affecting educational institutions in Florida and across the country, including pandemic-related litigation, Title IV, Title VII and Title IX. He also touches on the complex regulatory requirements and hurdles higher education institutions have to maneuver related to licensing and accreditation, and how those rules vary from state to state. This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Nate Adams and Mia McKown, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

This episode was originally released on November 3, 2021 | In the fifth episode of our "Florida Capital Conversations" podcast series, Holland & Knight healthcare attorneys Shannon Hartsfield and Eddie Williams dive deep on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). They provide a helpful overview of this healthcare privacy law, describe what entities fall under its discretion and explain how it is enforced. They also highlight the narrow nature of HIPAA, explaining that many use the term to broadly describe healthcare privacy when in fact the regulations are relatively stringent. Ms. Hartsfield and Mr. Williams also offer insight on how they help clients come into compliance with HIPAA and the consequences for not doing so. Most importantly, in this episode our attorneys make sure listeners know how to correctly spell HIPAA. This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Nate Adams and Mia McKown, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

This episode was originally released on October 13, 2021 | In the fourth episode of our "Florida Capital Conversations" podcast series, Holland & Knight Senior Policy Advisors Kimberly Case and Beth Vecchioli offer insights on the Florida Legislature. They provide key information regarding the upcoming session and dive deep on top issues including redistricting, the budget, condo reform, property insurance and consumer privacy protection.This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Nate Adams and Mia McKown, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

This episode was originally released on October 4, 2021 | In the third episode of our "Florida Capital Conversations" podcast series, Holland & Knight Partners Shannon Hartsfield and Eddie Williams offer insights on Florida's healthcare industry, focusing on the legal roadblocks, specifically involving the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), for healthcare businesses looking to do business in Florida. This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by Holland & Knight attorneys Nate Adams and Mia McKown, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

This episode was originally released on September 3, 2021 | In the second episode of our "Florida Capital Conversations" podcast series, Holland & Knight attorneys Bruce May and Kevin Cox offer insights on Florida's energy industry, focusing on recent electric utility rate cases, the development of solar power projects and broadband deployment. This Tallahassee-based podcast series takes a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Nate Adams and Mia McKown, these candid conversations offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens.

This episode was originally released on August 18, 2021 | Holland & Knight's Tallahassee office is pleased to present its "Florida Capital Conversations" podcast series, which will take a look at the many different aspects of state and local government through the lens of experienced legal professionals. Hosted by attorneys Nate Adams and Mia McKown, these candid conversations will offer a seat at the table to everyone who listens. In the debut episode of this series, Senior Policy Advisor Beth Vecchioli offers insights on Florida's insurance market, focusing on property insurance and auto insurance. She explains how natural disasters like hurricanes, coupled with litigation expenses, have put a strain on the property insurance market and increased rates. She also touches on the potential effects of the Surfside condo collapse and previews potential legislation that could arise during the 2022 session. On the auto insurance side, Ms. Vecchioli describes how a system "fraught with fraud" has made for very expensive policies and discusses legislative attempts at a solution.