A.G. Gancarski
Florida’s Governor isn’t fretting about insurance impacts from what looks likely to be Hurricane Helene.
The state market is in good shape, Gov. Ron DeSantis said in Tallahassee. And he added that new construction has held up well during storms.
“Well, we had a major last year with Idalia. It was a Category 3, close to Category 4. And in 2024 so far, I think we’ve had 57 companies file either no increases or reduction in rates. That is not happening in very many states around this country,” the Governor said while briefing reporters on storm impacts.
“You have people that are actually increasing their exposure in the state of Florida. And I think part of it is obviously we had to do some reforms a year and a half ago that put us more in line with how these markets function in other states, and I think that’s attractive.”
Ahead of the storm season in May, the Office of Insurance Regulation reassured people of what Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky called a “strengthened and reliable insurance market for policyholders.”
That said, polling last year found Floridians saying their rates were going up, even as outgoing Senate President Kathleen Passidomo said earlier this year that people are actually paying less year over year, with an average premium currently of $3,600.
Questions did not surface Tuesday about Florida’s insurer of last resort, which may have been a positive for the Governor’s Office given previous messaging.
DeSantis has warned about Citizens’ bloat in the past. He noted in 2022 that Citizens Property Insurance was “unfortunately undercapitalized” and that the company could go “belly up” if it had to weather a significant storm.
The Governor also made news last year when he suggested that homeowners should “knock on wood” and hope the state didn’t get hit by a hurricane.
One reason for the Governor’s confidence seems to be new construction’s increased prevalence, he said Tuesday.
“I think we’re going to be fine on this stuff,” DeSantis told reporters, though there are caveats.
“The building code has really, I think, worked. I think most of the damage that we’ve seen in recent storms have been with construction that’s been a little bit older on the wind. Now, on the water, when you have the surge and the storm surge, I mean, I know people build the homes up and they build buildings up higher, maybe, than they used to, but the water is something that could be difficult.”
17 comments
Frankie M.
September 24, 2024 at 10:49 am
He is our protector.
Vote Blue!!
September 24, 2024 at 1:19 pm
Don’t believe the nonsense gaslighting coming from the repooplican party. First it was can’t say gay, then can’t say climate change, next we won’t be able to say insurance rates. Absolutely preposterous
Michael K
September 24, 2024 at 10:52 am
Of course he’s not worried. He lives for free in government subsidized luxury housing.
Paul H
September 24, 2024 at 11:07 am
He’s talking about insurance costs for all the people of Florida…not his own insurance going up. Sad that’s what you got out of the article. You should come here to California where everything has gone through the roof on insurance costs (and everything else). I’d trade your Gov with ours (who also lives in gov subsidized luxury housing).
Michael K
September 24, 2024 at 1:05 pm
Actually, based on national averages, homeowners in Florida pay $3,200 more for their insurance, while Californians pay nearly $1,000 less than the national average.
I’d gladly trade you governors, and ours has done nothing but wage divisive and expensive culture wars. But I have family and friends in California and would not wish that on the people and state that I love.
Bobblehead Kammy
September 24, 2024 at 2:18 pm
No need to trade just move to Kalifornia. You will fit right in. I have friends out there that would take issue with your insurance averages there. They get earthquakes, forest fires, mud slides, flooding. Once there, then compare fuel prices, consumables, taxes, etc. Yes and Kalifornia has a state income tax. Get ready💰💰🤣
rick whitaker
September 24, 2024 at 2:46 pm
MAGA , guys like you don’t have friends, out there or any where. nice try. face it punk, you live in a fascist hellhole but won’t admit it. california don’t have desantis, that makes it WAY better.
Bobblehead Kammy
September 24, 2024 at 4:13 pm
Really I don’t know why I bother responding to this angry and bitter old man, but it is highly entertaining. I have news for you old man, if DeAantis could and wanted to run for a third term, he would easily win. You are just out of touch old man.
rick whitaker
September 24, 2024 at 5:33 pm
MAGA MARK, desantis could probably win over and over. florida deserves him i guess. you love him for some crazy reason. he’s a snotty assed punk, is that why? go talk to your imaginary friends on sunday book club day.
Doug Hay
September 24, 2024 at 11:03 am
It would be reassuring if the insurance market was as sound as the governor says, but premium increases over the past few years belie claims that homeowners are paying the same or less. If most insurers are now adequately capitalized it is because the insured are now less so.
MH/Duuuval
September 25, 2024 at 2:39 pm
Dee should try that stunt on a fixed income significantly less than what he receives — but failed to earn.
Billy Nash
September 24, 2024 at 11:26 am
“What me worry!?” says Ronda. Stay safe everyone – this one could be a doozy. There are many folks who don’t live in newer homes and those who have had to forgo insurance due to severe premium increases or their carrier’s cancellation. DeSantis spends his time in office on culture wars, pitting people against each other, working on backroom deals with developers to rape our state parks rather than addressing the real problems of every day Floridians.
Billy Rotberg
September 24, 2024 at 11:42 am
As if Christ or Gillum would do any better.
Bobblehead Kammy
September 24, 2024 at 12:04 pm
Well we do know Gillum would throw one hell of a hurricane party.🤣
cassandra was right
September 25, 2024 at 1:17 pm
DeSantis is following the Project 2025 manual. Every day Floridians are not his priority.
Butt and beave
September 24, 2024 at 3:09 pm
A boo I got distracted with all this capital gains exemptions.. better put my atenia back up
Old news
September 25, 2024 at 1:49 pm
Smart homes are doing good Flood replacements ,50 grand from FEMA,,, max. insurance kick in.. I guess no worrying.