Florida Citizens Property Insurance Rate Hikes Remain Unresolved Amid Policy Shifts Florida’s largest government-backed insurer, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, is dealing with unfinalized rate hikes for 2025. Initially proposed by the Board of Governors in June 2024, the increases include an average 13.5% rate hike for homeowners’ multi-peril coverage and 14.2% for condominium policies. However, with no formal decision from the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) as of January, these adjustments may not take effect until at least May 2025. The delay leaves policyholders in uncertainty. Citizens’ President and CEO,…
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Major Decision by Florida Court of Appeals Shakes Up Insurance Landscape
Florida Court Ruling Redefines Assignment of Benefits (AOB) and Its Impact on Homeowners Insurance A recent ruling by a Florida court of appeals has established that a “direction to pay” (DTP) by a policyholder does not equate to an “assignment of benefits” (AOB). This decision serves as a significant milestone reinforcing the legislative reform introduced through Senate Bill 2-A in 2023. The reform prohibits insurance policy benefits issued after January 1, 2023, from being assigned to third parties. The objective of Senate Bill 2-A is to curb the extensive litigation…
Read MoreFlorida Home Insurance Premiums on the Rise Again
Why Florida’s Insurance Rates Are Climbing Faster Than Ever Home insurance premiums in Florida are climbing higher, sparking fresh concerns among homeowners and consumer advocates. While stabilized rates in early 2024 offered respite, recent data from the third quarter show an uptick in costs, reversing the trend of slowing increases. Understanding the factors behind these changes is vital for homeowners and industry leaders alike, as new dynamics including inflation, reinsurance prices, and storm recovery efforts take center stage. Rising Insurance Premiums in Florida An analysis of data from Florida’s Office…
Read More2025 Florida Insurance Bills Stir Debate Amid Rising Rates and Hurricane Risks
Key Insurance Highlights in the Upcoming Florida 2025 Legislative Session The Florida Legislature’s 2025 session, beginning in March, is set to tackle a range of critical issues, with several insurance-related bills being hot topics. These proposed measures aim to address housing durability, financial relief for homeowners, and protection amid escalating hurricane activity in the state. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most notable insurance legislation that could reshape the landscape for residents and property owners. Citizens Insurance Windstorm Coverage Expansion One of the most discussed legislative proposals is…
Read MoreWindstorm Coverage for All? The Bold New Proposal for Citizens Insurance
Florida House Bill 13 Proposes Transformations for Citizens Insurance A significant proposal aimed at reforming Florida’s state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is currently under review for the 2025 legislative session. House Bill 13, introduced by Representative Hillary Cassel of Broward County, suggests making Citizens Insurance available to all Florida property owners while limiting its coverage exclusively to windstorm damage. This proposal has sparked considerable debate, with varying opinions emerging on its potential effectiveness. Expanding Windstorm Coverage to All Floridians House Bill 13 proposes transforming Citizens Insurance into a windstorm-only insurance…
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