Legislation allowing Miami-Dade County to pay the remainder of an $800,000 settlement with a woman who suffered permanent nerve damage after being struck by a security gate arm is now one committee vote from the House floor.
Members of the House Judiciary Committee voted unanimously and without discussion to advance a measure (HB 6517) that would clear $500,000 to the injured woman, Lourdes Latour, and her husband, Edward.
Coral Gables Republican Rep. Demi Busatta is sponsoring the bill with Senate support (SB 24) from Sarasota Republican Sen. Joe Gruters.
HB 6517 is a claims bill, a measure intended to compensate a person for injuries or losses caused by the negligence or error of a public officer or agency. They arise when appropriate damages exceed what is allowable under Florida’s sovereign immunity statute, which shields government entities from costly lawsuits.
Last week, the House voted 104-7 to increase the current caps of $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident.
On Nov. 5, 2017, Latour was struck and thrown from her bicycle by a malfunctioning gate arm while exiting the Gables by the Sea community. She and her husband sued Miami-Dade in 2018, claiming the county was negligent in owning, operating and maintaining the gate.
A jury found Miami-Dade 100% liable in January 2025, awarding the couple more than $4.9 million in damages for long-term pain and suffering, physical impairment, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment, loss of companionship and service.
Because of Florida’s liability limits for government entities, the parties ultimately settled for $800,000, with $300,000 paid directly by the county under Florida’s restrictive law and $500,000 contingent on approval of a claims bill.
Busatta noted Thursday that HB 6517 is uncontested and the funds, if approved, will be paid from Miami-Dade’s self-insurance fund.
