TALLAHASSEE - (AP) -- Gov. Jeb Bush canceled a special session for next week to address the rising costs of medical malpractice insurance, saying lawmakers still haven't agreed on how to limit some lawsuit damages in such cases.

He said Thursday that he was encouraged by negotiations between the House and the Senate, but that it did not make sense to call lawmakers back to town without a final agreement. ''Until we reach agreement on key elements of reform, including reasonable caps for non-economic damages . . . there is no reason to call an immediate special session,'' Bush said in a statement.

He had earlier said he wanted the Legislature to return Aug. 5 for a third special session aimed at reining in the cost of doctors' insurance.

The question of rising malpractice insurance rates has been the most contentious political issue in the state this year. Two earlier sessions ended without an accord.

Bush emphasized that he and legislative leaders have made good progress toward a solution and a spokeswoman said the governor hoped to call lawmakers back ``sooner rather than later.''