The Florida Senate on Thursday gave final approval to a far-reaching bill aimed at helping shield businesses and insurance companies from lawsuits, with supporters saying it will rein in ‘billboard lawyers’ and opponents saying it will harm consumers.

The bill (HB 837) was passed last week by the House, meaning it is now ready to go to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it.

Business and insurance groups have long sought such changes, contending that Florida has been plagued by excessive litigation that drives up costs.

As the heavily lobbied bill moved through the House and Senate, supporters often blamed what they called ‘billboard lawyers.’

‘We have a fundamental problem in Florida when you turn on your TV or your radio, and the ad says, ‘If you have been injured, call an attorney first. Do not call your insurance. Call an attorney.’ That is a problem. It’s not right,’ Senate bill sponsor Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine, said.