The Florida Legislature passed this law to unclog the courts, limit the ability to bring class actions, and relieve defendants of having to defend against lawsuits or claims from uninjured plaintiffs. It raised the bar on the level of proof and injury required to pursue legal actions. Furthermore, it limits the damages a plaintiff can be awarded and doesn't allow for punitive damages.
The Act also eliminates strict liability for sellers (not manufacturers) who sold asbestos or silica or asbestos or silica-containing products. There are exceptions, though. (1) If a seller failed to exercise reasonable care, and this failure caused harm; (2) the product failed to live up to the seller's express warranty, and this failure caused harm; or (3) the seller engaged in intentional wrongdoing.
Before this Act was imposed, individuals exposed to asbestos or silica could seek compensation before being diagnosed with a disease, and asbestos or silica product sellers were subject to lawsuits based on strict liability.