By Eric Nelson*
On March 24, 2023, HB 837 was signed into effect by Governor Ron DeSantis. This far-reaching tort reform materially changed many aspects of civil litigation that were once thought to be etched in stone. This Article examines these material changes brought about by the passage of Florida House Bill 837 (“HB 837”) and discusses four main constitutional challenges to their validity. By tracing Florida’s illustrious history of tort litigation, the Article contextualizes the bill within the state’s broader legal landscape, analyzing the need for the current tort reform while highlighting the shortcomings of past reforms. It delves into the bill’s key provisions, explains relevant constitutional principles, and predicts the success of potential arguments that could arise in litigation. Ultimately, the piece offers insights into how HB 837 may reshape the state’s civil justice system and provokes new debates over the balance between legislative reform and constitutional protections.