How New Insurance Laws Could Change Auto and Home Insurance in Florida Forever

Auto and Home Insurance in Florida

Florida Insurance Woes as Challenges Mount for Homeowners and Drivers Florida is at a crossroads when it comes to its insurance market, with homeowners and automotive policyholders grappling with escalating costs and industry instability. State lawmakers are taking on the issue with proposed laws that aim to create transparency, reduce premiums, and hold insurance companies accountable. However, with rising property insurance premiums and Florida’s rank as the most expensive state for car insurance, finding a workable solution is proving complex. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening, why it’s important,…

Read More

Connecticut’s Proposed Dog Breed Insurance Bill Sparks Debate

Dog Breed Insurance Bill

Lawmakers in Connecticut are pushing for a new bill that could change how insurance companies treat homeowners and renters with dogs. This legislation seeks to address a long-standing concern among dog owners—discrimination based on their pet’s breed. If passed, the law would prohibit insurance companies from penalizing policyholders or altering premiums solely because of the breed of dog on the property. It also includes protections for service animals in training, offering a broader scope of fairness for dog owners across the state. Breaking Down the Proposed Insurance Bill The bill,…

Read More

Miami Lawmaker Takes Aim at Condo Insurance for Noncompliant Buildings

Miami Condo Insurance

Noncompliance with Building Safety Laws Draws Scrutiny A Miami lawmaker is spearheading efforts to hold condominium associations accountable for adhering to Florida’s newly implemented building safety regulations. These laws, adopted in the aftermath of the tragic Surfside condo collapse in 2021, are designed to ensure the safety and sustainability of residential buildings, particularly those three stories and higher. Under state law, condominium associations were required to complete a building inspection and conduct a funding study for future repairs by December 31, 2022. However, of the 11,270 associations mandated to comply,…

Read More

The Roof Rule That’s Blocking Homebuyers Nationwide

Roof rule that homebuyers need to know

Homebuyers Struggle to Navigate Insurance Obstacles with Older Roofs Buying a home is a major milestone, but for an increasing number of buyers, the road to homeownership is becoming more complicated. Across the country, insurance companies are tightening their underwriting requirements, and aging roofs are emerging as a significant hurdle. Many homebuyers are finding themselves caught in a frustrating cycle—unable to secure insurance policies that mortgages require for closing. This growing challenge is leaving buyers and sellers searching for creative solutions to keep deals intact. Why Are Insurers Focusing on…

Read More

Florida’s Property Insurance Shake-Up: What Homeowners Need to Know

Florida's Property Insurance

State-Backed Citizens Insurance Plans to Raise Rates Residents across Florida are bracing for another surge in property insurance costs as Citizens Property Insurance, the state’s insurer of last resort, inches closer to finalizing a 14% rate increase for 2025. This proposal, already approved by Citizens’ board, seeks to align rates with the private market while continuing efforts to reduce the insurer’s policyholder count. But as Floridians juggle rising premiums and limited options, the bigger question remains—what’s the way forward? Why Are Florida Insurance Rates Rising? Florida’s property insurance market faces…

Read More

Florida House Bill 13 Aims to Shake Up Home Insurance in the Sunshine State

Citizens Insurance Focus - home insurance

Expanding Citizens Insurance to Address Windstorm Damage Florida is no stranger to the wrath of hurricanes. With the state regularly experiencing some of the costliest natural disasters in the United States, reliable home insurance has become both a necessity and a challenge. Enter House Bill 13, a proposal that could significantly alter the insurance landscape. Sponsored by Rep. Hillary Cassel of Broward County, this legislation seeks to make Citizens Property Insurance Corp. — a state-run insurer — available to all Florida property owners for windstorm coverage. The bill primarily targets…

Read More

Unpacking Citizens Insurance Rate Increase Delays

Citizens Insurance

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,…

Read More