Florida legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Florida H449: Department of Transportation Contractor Liability
Status: Failed, March 13, 2026
Provides that contractor is considered agent of this state in certain circumstances; requires contract documents to indemnify DOT for liability caused by negligence of contractor or its employees.
What the bill says
An act relating to Department of Transportation contractor liability; providing that a contractor is considered an agent of this state in certain circumstances; requiring contract documents to indemnify the department for liability caused by the negligence of the contractor or its employees; providing an effective date.
From the introduced text, November 18, 2025:
An act relating to Department of Transportation contractor liability; providing that a contractor is considered an agent of this state in certain circumstances; requiring contract documents to indemnify the department for liability caused by the negligence of the contractor or its employees; providing an effective date. Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: Section 1. Subsection (6) is added to section 337.195, Florida Statutes, to read: 337.195 Limits on liability.— (6) For purposes of this section, a contractor is considered an agent of this state while acting within the scope of the contract documents. The contract documents must, to the extent permitted by law, provide for the indemnification of the department for any liability, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred up to the limits set forth in this chapter to the extent caused by the negligence of the contractor or its employees. Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.
Sponsors
- Alvarez, Danny (R, HD-069) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Died in Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee
- : 1st Reading (Original Filed Version)
- : Now in Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee
- : Referred to Judiciary Committee
- : Referred to Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee
- : Referred to Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee
- : Filed
Common questions
- What is H449?
- H449 is a bill in the Florida Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Department of Transportation Contractor Liability.
- What does H449 do?
- In its own words: An act relating to Department of Transportation contractor liability; providing that a contractor is considered an agent of this state in certain circumstances; requiring contract documents to indemnify the department for liability caused by the negligence of the contractor or its employees; providing an effective date.
- What is the status of H449?
- Failed as of March 13, 2026. Latest action: Died in Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee (March 13, 2026).
- Who sponsored H449?
- Alvarez, Danny (R, HD-069).
- Where is the official record for H449?
- On the Florida Legislature website: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/449
Source: official Florida record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.