Page 4 - Spencer Roach News Today

Historic preservationists say iconic Art Deco buildings would be at risk if the bills become law. Proponents argue safety and resiliency comes first.

Democratic Rep. Susan Valdes said she trusts the bill can still be changed for the better before its final passage

A local Florida lawmaker who lost his home in Hurricane Ian said he has the answer to Florida's insurance crisis.

Our own insurance premiums are high enough without covering others’ mistakes. We need a better system.

He says it will lower property insurance premiums

All eyes are on Iowa tonight as the 2024 presidential primary election officially kicks off and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis fights for his political life.

HB 1213 proposes opening Citizens Property Insurance to everyone in Florida and moving away from being the “Insurer of Last Resort.” It would trigger a complete remodel of Citizens Property Insurance. According to the bill, the state-backed insurer would only offer hurricane-related wind coverage, and private carriers would be left to cover the rest of your home insurance coverage.

"Think of this as the National Flood Insurance Program but instead of the federal level, it's at the state level, and it's covering wind damage only instead of flood," said Roach.

In the quest to lower homeowners' insurance rates, one Florida lawmaker wants the state to over all wind damage coverage through Citizens Insurance.

A pension cost-of-living increase, or COLA, was eliminated in 2011 during the Great Recession.