Florida Is a Destination for World-Class Neurosurgery

Florida’s world-class neurosurgeons are pioneering advanced techniques, such as 3D inter-operative imaging, deep brain stimulation systems, and awake craniotomies. 

Florida is also among the top three U.S. states for medical malpractice payouts, totaling $1.92 billion over the last 5 years, according to statistics from the National Practitioner Data Bank.

That’s why even the best Florida neurosurgeons need robust medical malpractice insurance.

MEDPLI will help you find the right coverage at the best rate in Florida.

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If you are a Florida neurosurgeon in private practice, or planning to open a new practice in Florida, use this guide to give you a concise overview of medical malpractice insurance. Then contact a MEDPLI insurance broker to discuss your coverage needs and get a quote.

Medical Malpractice Insurance Dos and Don’ts for Florida Neurosurgeons

DON’T Skip getting medical malpractice insurance, even though Florida does not legally require neurosurgeons, and physicians in general, to carry medical malpractice insurance.

DO Follow the requirements from the Florida Board of Medicine to establish financial responsibility in one of the following ways:

DON’T Do the absolute minimum when you can protect yourself with malpractice insurance. Florida’s standard limits of liability are $250,000 Each Claim / $750,000 Aggregate per year.

DO Secure coverage from an A-rated carrier using an independent broker, MEDPLI, to protect against devastating financial loss if you are sued for malpractice in Florida. 

Florida medical malpractice insurance carriers

Types of Professional Liability Insurance for Florida Neurosurgeons

1. Claims Made Insurance

  • If the policy is in effect both when the incident took place and when the claim is filed, claims-made malpractice insurance coverage is provided
  • If a claim is filed after the policy end date, it is not covered
  • A claims-made policy requires tail malpractice insurance, a separately purchased policy or endorsement, to ensure full protection

2. Occurrence Insurance

  • Occurrence malpractice insurance covers incidents from the policy year, no matter when the claim is reported
  • Costs more upfront, but the rate holds steady for the life of the policy
  • No tail coverage needed when the policy ends

3. Tail Insurance

  • Without tail coverage, you’re exposed if a former patient files a claim after you leave, since most policies are claims-made
  • Seek tail coverage through an independent broker like MEDPLI before you leave your employer
  • A new employer’s policy won’t cover prior acts, so tail coverage fills that gap

Reach out to an experienced MEDPLI insurance broker who will do all of the work for you to find a tail policy at a great price.

Let a MEDPLI Broker Help You Choose the Best Policy for Your Practice

Every medical specialist’s situation is unique, so we recommend a conversation with a MEDPLI insurance broker to discuss the unique needs of your Florida neurosurgery practice.

Get Quotes from A-rated Carriers Serving Florida Neurosurgeons

MEDPLI insurance brokers will obtain quotes for medical malpractice insurance from carriers rated “A” for their long-term financial solvency and robust legal support of policyholders. The top carriers include:

  • The Doctors Company
  • MedPro Group
  • MagMutual
  • Coverys Group
  • ISMIE

Top Reasons Why Florida Neurosurgeons Are Sued

According to a review of neurosurgery medical malpractice claims data by “A” rated malpractice insurance carrier MedPro Group, more than half of the cases cited allegations of patient injuries including pain, nerve damage, mobility loss, and the need for additional surgery related to these specific procedures:

  • Exploration/decompression of the spinal canal
  • Excision of the intervertebral disc
  • Cervical fusion, anterior
  • Lumbar fusion, posterior

In addition, some of the most often cited allegations in Florida’s neurosurgery medical malpractice cases include:

  • Surgical errors in brain or spinal cord areas, resulting in nerve damage or paralysis
  • Misdiagnosis leading to unneeded surgery, resulting in brain damage
  • Uncontrolled brain bleeds
  • Improper performance of surgery
  • Improper management of the surgical patient
  • Delay in surgery

Florida’s Medical Malpractice Insurance Legislation

Consulting with a MEDPLI insurance broker who understands the complexities of Florida’s medical malpractice laws will ensure that your neurosurgeon practice is protected with the right amount of coverage.

Florida’s Damage Caps on Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

  • No cap on non-economic damages in Florida medical malpractice lawsuits
  • No limit on compensation for past and future economic damages
  • Covers medical care necessitated by the malpractice, lost income, and lost future earning capacity
  • Includes any other measurable economic losses attributable to the defendant’s malpractice

Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Claims

  • Two years from the date the harm was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered
  • Four-year statute of repose as an absolute cutoff, regardless of discovery date

  • Seven years in cases involving fraud, concealment, or intentional misrepresentation
  • For minors, a claim may be filed up until the child’s eighth birthday

Neurosurgery Medical Malpractice Outcomes in Florida

With no caps on economic and non-economic damages in Florida, neurosurgeons are more vulnerable to personal financial loss if they do not have robust medical malpractice coverage.

In 2025, the total medical malpractice payout in Florida was $459,496,300.

The following examples of Florida medical malpractice lawsuits found in favor of the plaintiff, or paid as a settlement, show the critical need for neurosurgeons to have strong liability coverage:

Jury Awards $15.5 Million

A Florida jury found a neurosurgeon negligent in misinterpreting the patient’s post-operative CT scan and failing to diagnose and treat a condition that resulted in the patient’s permanent paralysis. The jury also found the radiologist negligent for failing to properly flag an epidural hematoma in the patient’s spine.

$1 Million Settlement

The plaintiff alleged improper performance of spinal surgery, which resulted in permanent drop foot in the teenage patient.

How MEDPLI Brokers Help Neurosurgeons Save Time and Money on Medical Malpractice Insurance

Even the best and most innovative neurosurgeons in Florida need protection from medical malpractice lawsuits. Working with MEDPLI as your trusted broker takes the guesswork and effort out of finding the right coverage at the best rate on your own. We help you save time and money by:

  • Researching top A-rated carriers that fit your specialty and Florida practice
  • One application, multiple quotes
  • Checking for discounts (new practice, association members, no prior claims, risk management, CMEs)
  • Researching flexible payment options to fit your budget
  • Reviewing all quotes and options with you to find the best fit

MEDPLI insurance brokers are ready to help you navigate the complexities of Florida’s malpractice laws and secure the right amount of coverage for your Florida practice. Reach out today. 

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About the Author

Max Schloemann is a medical malpractice insurance broker helping physicians and surgeons secure Medical Professional Liability coverage. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Southern Illinois University’s College of Business, he was named Outstanding Management Senior.

Max began his career in 2008 at an industry-leading firm and founded MEDPLI in 2017 to guide private practice doctors and physicians in transition through the complexities of malpractice insurance.

Outside of work, Max, his wife Kristen (a Physician Assistant), and their four kids enjoy the outdoors and attending the kids’ sporting events. Contact Max for malpractice insurance questions.

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