A poll of the Legislature for a special session on property insurance today failed due to a lack of support from the majority. All 42 members of the House Democratic Caucus voted for the special session. Shortly before the poll ended, Governor Ron DeSantis announced his intention to call a special session on property insurance in May.
The poll was initiated by Republican Senator Jeff Brandes (R- St. Petersburg) and did have bipartisan support (see attachment).
Members of the Florida House Democratic Caucus issued the following statements:
“After months of public outcry, newspaper headlines, and Democrats raising the alarm all session long, the Governor has finally addressed the growing homeowner’s insurance crisis.
Every single member of our caucus voted “yes” for a special session on the out-of-control property insurance market. It’s a shame we didn’t get more support from the majority, because a full collapse of the market would be catastrophic for our economy. I want to thank Senator Brandes for proposing the special session, and give credit to the handful of Republicans who did vote “yes.”
Governor DeSantis said he intends to call us back sometime in May to tackle the problem. We welcome the rest of the Republicans to the table, and we look forward to working together to find solutions to protect Floridians. This crisis isn’t partisan, and we all have to work together to find a way to protect Floridian’s pocket books and their homes.
We need to see what policies get proposed, though. A solution can’t be something that raises rates or weakens protection for Floridians’ homes,” said Leader Evan Jenne (D-Hollywood).
“Governor DeSantis’ announcement this morning confirms the unfortunate reality that Republicans wasted taxpayer dollars fighting culture wars while ignoring the real, pressing issues that everyday Floridians face. We should have addressed the property insurance market crisis when we had the chance during the regular legislative session. Every day the Governor failed to take action was an additional day that Floridians had to shoulder the burden of out of control property insurance rates while also trying to make ends meet in light of Florida’s skyrocketing cost of living. This failure rests squarely within the Governor’s hands,” added Representative Fentrice Driskell (D- Tampa).
“Time and again during the 2022 Regular Session, Republicans had the chance to address serious issues – kitchen table issues- impacting Floridians and chose not to. Instead Republicans focused on promoting culture wars on the behalf of the Governor. Florida’s property insurance market is in crisis and we need to act immediately. It is disheartening, yet unsurprising, that Florida Republicans again chose to turn their backs on Floridians by voting against a property insurance Special Session,” said Representative Dan Daley (D- Coral Springs).
“A special session is for property insurance is clearly needed. This problem is causing many Floridians to suffer, to the point that some are losing their homes because of the rising cost of insurance. I’m getting emails from constituents who have been affected by the rising cost and they need our help immediately. This priority cannot be ignored any longer,” added Representative Patricia Williams (D- Pompano Beach).
