homeowners insurance

A conversation with Nikki Fried, chair of the Florida Democratic Party, on abortion rights and free speech following her arrest during a protest; A look at legislation that would reshape Florida’s K-12 schools; Lawmakers consider a new approach to address state’s troubled insurance market

Skyrocketing insurance premiums, energy costs and hurricane risks have made routine improvements to Florida homes — like new roofs, impact windows and doors and upgraded AC units — more necessary than ever before.

They include toll credits for frequent drivers and measures to combat the rising cost of property insurance.

On this week's Florida Roundup, lawmakers wrap up another whirlwind special session aimed at fixing the state's crumbling property insurance market, and Gov. Ron DeSantis asks a grand jury to investigate wrongdoing connected to the COVID-19 vaccines.

In addition to the insurance bill passed by the state legislature during its special session, DeSantis also signed a bill to provide property tax rebates to people whose homes were left uninhabitable by Ian.

Kevin Altmaier, who has been Florida's top insurance regulator since 2016, submitted his resignation on Thursday. He did not give a reason for his departure.

They include a provision that seeks to temporarily help insurers obtain adequate reinsurance and a phased-in requirement for Citizens customers to buy flood insurance.

A Republican-authored bill seeking a $1 billion reinsurance fund, reduced litigation costs and to force some customers to leave a state-created insurer passed the Florida House. It now goes to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

It passed mostly along party lines as Republicans used their supermajority power in both the House and Senate to reject every amendment put forward by Democrats.

The Republican proposal passed Tuesday comes during the GOP-led Legislature’s second special session this year aimed at stabilizing the property insurance market. The bill would create a $1 billion reinsurance fund, reduce litigation costs and compel some customers to leave a state-created insurer.

Republican lawmakers say that Florida would become the 40th state in the nation to no longer allow "one-way attorney's fees" if the measure becomes law. Several trial attorneys say that it would block consumers' access to the courts.

The proposal would create a $1 billion reinsurance fund. Lawmakers will also consider property tax relief for Hurricane Ian victims and highway toll reductions for frequent commuters.