Crist lists insurance reform priorities for special session

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Jan. 12, 2006 – Thursday was a busy day in the insurance reform arena in Tallahassee. Gov. Charlie Crist applauded legislative leaders for the commitment they’re making this and next week to “providing immediate relief” to property owners struggling with the high costs of insurance. Crist spent the day in House and Senate insurance committee meetings in preparation for next week’s legislative special session.
The governor listed the following insurance issues as his priorities and said he fully expects the House and Senate to embrace these reforms:
• Mandate meaningful and broad based rate cuts
• Eliminate “pup companies” and “cherry picking”
• Make Citizens Insurance more competitive
• Require uniform state building codes
• Improve and enhance mitigation programs to get money to the people
• Push Congress for a National CAT Fund
In response to the governor’s urgent call for insurance reform, the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR) Vice President of Public Policy John Sebree says, “We will continue to work with members of the House and Senate through the weekend as they prepare for next week’s special session.
“While all of the Senate and House bills have major reforms that Realtors are calling for, the bills need to be reconciled. We will work hard to make sure provisions we support are contained in the final product that is presented to the governor,” Sebree added.

*Content from the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR)