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FLORIDA - Florida lawmakers are introducing new legislation aimed at addressing the state’s rising property insurance costs and exploring ways to reduce financial burdens on homeowners.
Democratic and Republican lawmakers are pursuing different strategies ahead of the 2025 legislative session.
Democratic state senators have proposed a series of bills focused on property insurance reform.
Senate Bill 30, sponsored by Senator Barbara Sharief, seeks to increase accountability and transparency in the insurance market.
The bill would empower the Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate to intervene in proposed rate hikes, hold hearings, and issue subpoenas when necessary.
Another measure would require disputes over insurance claims to first go through mediation, reducing court costs.
Additional legislation includes protections for whistleblowers among insurance employees or contractors who report suspected wrongdoing.
Senate Bill 78, introduced by Senator Rosalind Osgood, proposes making tax exemptions permanent for storm-resistant doors, windows, and garage doors to encourage homeowners to invest in hurricane protection.
Republican lawmakers are taking a different approach, focusing on property tax reductions as a way to ease costs for residents.
Some proposals include reducing or potentially eliminating property taxes statewide, which would require a constitutional amendment and voter approval.
Lawmakers aim to submit these measures before the start of the legislative session to ensure they can be considered for the 2025 ballot.
Both parties emphasize the need for measures that protect Floridians financially, though their approaches differ.