Staff Reports
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Farmers Insurance is pulling out of the Florida market, but House Speaker Paul Renner said the right policies are in place to help the state’s insurance market pull out of a nose-dive.
In a statement posted on social media, the Palm Coast Republican highlighted legislation passed by lawmakers during a pair of Special Sessions last year.
A bill passed and signed into law late last year set up a $1 billion reinsurance fund backed by taxpayer money. That came on the heels of a $2 billion program lawmakers set up during a Special Session in May 2022.
In the 2023 Legislative Session, lawmakers OK’d bills aimed at reducing insurance litigation — often cited as a primary driver of rising premium costs — and giving the state more tools to go after insurers that slow-walk claims or receive numerous consumer complaints.
Renner said that Farmers’ decision to leave the state, which is expected to impact around 100,000 homeowners, wasn’t an indictment of recent “reforms” but was predicated by the company’s financial situation.
“The Florida Legislature took great strides to bolster our insurance market to create an environment where companies can provide stable and reliable coverage for Floridians,” Renner said.
He added, “While our reforms will take time to take effect, we put the right systems in place to strengthen our insurance market and provide Floridians with the access to coverage and peace of mind they need for their property.”
Renner’s comments came shortly after Democrats held a news conference slamming the Republican-led Legislature for fast-tracking bills they see as handouts to the industry.
“So, we passed a $2 billion package that at the end of the day, only six out of 165 insurance companies took advantage of because we actually increased the cost of reinsurance. And that just goes to show once again, the Republicans have no idea what they’re doing when it comes to insurance,” said Rep. Hillary Cassel, a Broward County Democrat.
Evening Reads
—”Ron DeSantis confronts a Murdoch empire no longer quite so supportive” via Nicholas Nehamas and Maggie Haberman of The New York Times
—“A Joe Biden plan cuts student loan payments for millions to $0. Will it be the next legal battle?” via Collin Binkley of The Associated Press
—“‘I’m not a no. 2 guy’: DeSantis says he wouldn’t run as Donald Trump’s Vice President” via Nicholas Nehamas of The New York Times
—“From DeSantis to Prada’s runway, fisherman gear catches on” via Jacob Gallagher of The Wall Street Journal
—“Poll: 8% of Americans think LGBTQ+ people would be better off during DeSantis presidency” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
—“The next wave of abortion rights ballot measures looks different from the last” via Rachel M. Cohen of Vox
—“Democrats: Republican policies haven’t abated Florida’s insurance ‘crisis’” via Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics
—“University of Florida report shows Florida lagging behind the nation in affordable housing recovery” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics
—“Teens buying ghost guns online, with deadly consequences” via Tom Jackman and Emily Davies of The Washington Post
—“The curious personality changes of older age” via Faith Hill of The Atlantic
Quote of the Day
“I don’t think I’m a No. 2 guy. I think I’m a leader, Governor of Florida, I’ve accomplished a lot. I think I could do more staying there than being VP, which doesn’t really have any authority.”
— Gov. Ron DeSantis, saying he’s uninterested in being Donald Trump’s running mate.
Bill Day’s latest
Breakthrough Insights
___
Last Call is published by Peter Schorsch, assembled and edited by Phil Ammann and Drew Wilson with contributions from the staff of Florida Politics.
