Homeowners Insurance

The hearings will come less than a week before the May 23 start of a special legislative session that Gov. Ron DeSantis called to grapple with widespread problems in the insurance market.

The session would address rising property insurance rates — which Sen. Jeff Brandes claims are “out of control.” Gov. DeSantis voiced his support.

With lawmakers scheduled to return to Tallahassee on April 19 for a brief special session on congressional redistricting, Brandes announced Wednesday he would undertake the polling process to hold a special session on insurance if House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, and Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, failed to do so.

In a letter Wednesday to Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, and House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, Brandes said “Floridians are suffering from skyrocketing rate increases” and that he might use a provision in state law to try to spur a special session.

House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, said property-insurance changes made during the 2021 session haven't been given enough time to take effect.

The requested 11% increase aims to reduce the gap between the rates of Citizens and private insurers.

The Florida Department of Financial Services will liquidate the Orlando-based St. Johns Insurance Co. and is seeking court approval of a “transition plan” that would move policies to Slide Insurance Co.

The bill is aimed at reducing the number of Citizens policies, thus making it easier for private companies to come into the state.

Citizens was originally created as an insurer of last resort, but it has seen huge growth since mid-2020 as private insurers have raised rates and reduced policies to try to stem financial losses.

The measure would prevent contractors from soliciting homeowners to file roof-damage claims through a “prohibited advertisement,” which could include such things as emails, door hangers, flyers and pamphlets.

The idea is to control costs in the hopes of bringing more insurers into Florida. But will it work?

Will your home be covered in the event of a hurricane? Here's what you need to know.