Florida legislators call for special session over property insurance problems

Legislators in Florida could call on the governor for a special session as property insurance rates continue to rise in our state. Florida State Senator Jeff Brandes wants legislation passed before hurricane season. That is a time when so many Floridians need reliable property insurance.

Several insurance companies have pulled out of the state and that has sent prices through the roof.

Florida Sen. Jeff Brandes calls for a special session. Mark Friedlander works with the Insurance Information Institute. “Absolutely yes, Florida needs a special session,” said Friedlander.

At a news conference on Monday morning, Governor Ron DeSantis said he supports Brandes’ efforts. Their task was to find a solution for Florida’s collapsing insurance market.

“If we were to lose say four or five more insurers on top of the two we already did that would be seven failed insurers in a very short timeframe we haven’t seen a scenario like that since Hurricane Andrew,” Friedlander said.

He says providers canceling coverage or pulling out of the state altogether means premiums are rising. Some area residents are paying more than double in parts of the state.

Lucy Mastej says hers has risen exponentially. “If you want the water, It’s $7,750 for insurance which used to be about $3,000,” said Mastej.

Friedlander believes it is a manmade problem. And it’s being fueled by frivolous lawsuits and corrupt business practices.

Kathleen Passidomo is a Senator for the 28th District, which includes parts of Southwest Florida.”I’m getting calls from constituents who have been receiving emails from or flyers from roofers who are basically saying we got a new roof for your neighbors, list their names and addresses we can get you a new roof and your insurance company will pay for it,” Passidomo said.

Passidomo believes this issue is or should be, a priority. But she only supports a special session if there is cooperation in the House.

Over the next couple of weeks, Florida lawmakers will be polled. Those responses are public so you will know where your elected official stands.