A.G. Gancarski
Gov. Ron DeSantis is rolling out his budget proposal, and it includes $431 million in breaks for people who have struggled with property insurance costs in recent years that the Governor’s Office says will save policyholders 6% on their premiums.
The plan includes a one-year holiday from taxes, fees and assessments affecting homeowners insurance policyholders, with $409 million allocated for these costs for policies of up to $750,000 written between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The insurance premium tax, the Fire Marshal assessment and the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association assessment are all under this umbrella.
Additionally, the DeSantis plan contemplates a permanent insurance premium tax exemption on flood insurance policies for $22 million for policies effective on or after July 1, 2024.
“We’re trying to make it for middle- and low-income people,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis argues that the goal is to stabilize the insurance sector to give private companies confidence so Floridians “see more capital come online,” as “ultimately, this is not something that’s run by the government.”
“I mean, it’s private companies that have to want to come into the market and have confidence that they’re in an environment that makes sense. We have done a lot to increase that. We don’t have the runaway lawsuits anymore like we used to, which drove up premiums a lot. So it’s feasible to come in and offer premiums that are competitive and yet still make money,” DeSantis said.
The Governor’s moves to shore up confidence in the flagging insurance market come just days after the U.S. Senate Budget Committee began a probe of Citizens Property Insurance and its ability to handle underwriting losses, including the question as to whether the state insurer might need a federal bailout. That did not come up in Tuesday’s press conference.
DeSantis on Tuesday described his administration as “ready, willing and able” to work with the Legislature on more insurance changes, an issue that has been front of mind in recent years. It’s worth noting that he recently blamed the Legislature for not implementing insurance reforms he wanted, then refused to say what those reforms were when asked directly.
DeSantis hasn’t suffered much political blowback from challenges in the insurance market, at least from his own party. A recent poll from the University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab shows just 3% of Republicans primarily blame the Governor, though Democrats and independents are more likely to blame him.
That said, insurance has been a major issue for Floridians’ pocketbooks. A Cygnal survey last month showed 91% of voters are “concerned” about higher rates, with just 0.5% of all respondents saying their rates have decreased in the last year.
12 comments
Josh Green
December 5, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Government handouts? Sounds like socialism to me! 🧐
MH/Duuuval
December 5, 2023 at 9:34 pm
Realistically, we’re all lined up at the trough — but the biggest pigs get a disproportionate share even though they already have plenty.
Thom
December 6, 2023 at 10:37 am
Actually even more SOCIALISM! Both Citizens Insurance and the National Flood Insurance are Tax Payer funded with bail-outs and hand outs to wealthy individuals and corporations.
MH/Duuuval
December 6, 2023 at 7:04 pm
Ironic, ain’t it? Captialists get to keep their profits, if there are any, and when the wheel turns, we the people bail them out.
MH/Duuuval
December 5, 2023 at 12:27 pm
“We’re trying to make it for middle- and low-income people,” DeSantis said.
Asking for a friend: If one has house and property insured for $750k, is this a middle-income residence?
And, will this be another situation where there are more applications than money?
Ron DiSaster
December 5, 2023 at 2:06 pm
That’s $19 bucks per Floridian. Thanks a lot DeSantis.
Jan Reinecke
December 5, 2023 at 3:06 pm
May have to leave Florida because of ins.premiums and the rates for gas and electric companies plus amenity fees are sky rocket. Could really need something done. Social security does not keep up with expensives.
Joan
December 5, 2023 at 3:50 pm
After Ian i had to file an insurance claim and was denied so I hired a public Adjuster and now they are asking for more than what I would have asked for. Maybe insurance companies should pay the homeowner without getting money hungry PA’s involved. I had no hope of getting any money without a PA. Now I am canceled from my insurance company and have to go without because of the insurance premiums are so high I could never afford insurance again.
A E L
December 5, 2023 at 3:52 pm
Why does insurance companies in Fla charge $7200 for an older home of 1400 sq feet and a 2000 sq. ft new home only pay $1900? If charged the same for similar home sizes. It would decrease the cost for the ones least able to pay!
A E L
December 5, 2023 at 3:52 pm
Why does insurance companies in Fla charge $7200 for an older home of 1400 sq feet and a 2000 sq. ft new home only pay $1900? If charged the same for similar home sizes. It would decrease the cost for the ones least able to pay!
Carl G
December 6, 2023 at 7:35 am
My insurance went from $3400 to $8500 . No claims. No Hurricane damage from Ian and no policy change other than insurance company premiums. Fixed income disaster.
Too little too late. DeSantis has to go!
John L
December 6, 2023 at 9:56 am
Pathetic short term help for his losing presidential campaign. Duh Santis has not even been in the state to deal with our problems the last year and then comes up with this short term band aid . Worst inflation in the country, highest insurance and flood premiums in the country and the highest increases in rent and house prices. That 19 bucks will really help. Total failure in his second term in office as Governor – Missing in action one at that.
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