Florida’s Democratic state senators rolled out or previewed a slate of bills aimed at cutting property insurance costs that have nearly doubled the U.S. average.
Senate Minority Leader Lori Berman, District 26, said the proposals span financial relief, tax breaks, and tighter consumer safeguards.
“The out-of-control property insurance market affects all of us, whether you own your own home or rent it from someone else,” Berman said at an Oct. 8 press conference.
“We’ve been talking about property insurance for years, so it’s easy to forget exactly how bad it’s gotten.”
National averages hover near $2,400 a year. That was roughly the level Florida homeowners paid ten years ago. Floridians shell out close to $5,700 annually.
Senate Minority Leader Lori Berman, District 26
Her bill would set up an Insurance Solutions Advisory Council to study how to push rates down and publish an annual report of recommendations. She pointed out a similar strategy worked back in 2008.
Another proposal, Senate Bill 30, comes from Sen. Barbara Sharief, District 35. The measure would expand the consumer advocate’s authority — subpoena power included — whenever rate hikes are filed.
It would also block the insurance department from approving increases above 10% in one filing, while capping cumulative increases at 15% over 12 months.
No more piecemeal filings that quietly stack rate hikes on families who are already struggling
Sen. Barbara Sharief, District 35
Her bill also forces a fast-tracked review process if challenges are filed, limiting insurers’ ability to drag disputes while raising premiums.
Sen. Tina Polsky of District 30 filed Senate Bill 108. It requires disputed property claims to go through mediation, a move she said cuts legal fees, avoids drawn-out court battles, and speeds up resolutions.
Sen. Tracie Davis, District 5, is preparing to reintroduce a measure to restore an emergency relief fund, designed for homeowners who can prove financial need. The fund would operate under the Department of Financial Services.
Another bill, from Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith of District 17, targets property insurers’ use of managing general agents.
His legislation would expand oversight by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, force carriers to disclose affiliate payments and justifications, show profit margins, and cap MGA fees at 20% of gross written premium. It also bans distressed carriers from paying dividends or executive bonuses.
Senate Bill 128 tackles roof-related cancellations and nonrenewals. It requires insurers to notify policyholders of their rights, including inspection rights. If an inspection finds a roof still has at least five years of service life, the insurer must cover the inspection cost.
This is about fairness, transparency and economic relief. It protects seniors and families from needless expenses, keeps roofs out of landfills and puts money back into Floridians’ pockets by preventing costly and unnecessary replacements.
Other bills discussed at the event touch on a national catastrophe risk pool, sales tax exemptions for impact-resistant windows, garage doors, and doors, plus protections for whistleblowers.
