‘Citizens insurance for all’ among insurance proposals filed for spring legislative session
Citizens windstorm insurance for all. Closing loopholes for a “bad-faith” insurance claim. Creation of an insurance advisory council. Requiring mediation before policyholders can sue their insurer.
They are among proposed insurance law changes that will face scrutiny in the Florida Legislature this spring. More are likely to follow with five weeks left before the session’s scheduled March 4 start.
So far, no insurance-related bills have been filed for the special session that’s slated to begin on Monday. Condominium safety is one of the subjects that Gov. DeSantis has said he wants addressed.
The biggest proposed insurance change so far, and likely toughest to get passed, would make state-owned Citizens Property Insurance Corp. the provider of all windstorm insurance sold to homeowners in the state.
First proposed last year, the bill would end Citizen’s status as “the insurer of last resort” that provides multiperil coverage to customers who cannot obtain it affordably from the private market.
The Savings Game: Precautions for new home buyers
If you are buying a home or for the first time, it is very important to understand the necessary costs of being a homeowner beyond the down payment and mortgage costs.
You have to understand the costs of home insurance, property taxes, maintenance, utilities, association expenses and other costs you might not anticipate.
Home insurance
When you are looking to buy a house or condo, be sure to obtain actual insurance quotes for properties you are considering. A ballpark estimate of annual insurance cost of insurance is 0.5% of the value of a home. But get actual costs, not an estimate.
Take into consideration whether the area you are considering is prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes or wildfires. The annual cost of home insurance in areas prone to natural disasters could be three times, or more than the national average.
You should also consider that in subsequent years, because of inflation, the costs are likely to increase, not decrease.
Maintenance
According to a Zillow and Thumbtacks report of 2023, routine home maintenance averages about $500 per month. If you are purchasing an older home, you should estimate the cost to be higher. These estimates refer to appliance repairs and lawn care. The cost of a new roof, air conditioning, water heaters and the like would be more expensive, so you should take into consideration the age of those items. Many experts recommend estimating a budget of 1% per year to cover large items. You can review real estate websites for additional estimates.
Pictures: PGA Merchandise Show 2025
Part of I-Drive could be named in honor of Harris Rosen, hotel and philanthropic titan
A section of Orange County’s famed International Drive could soon honor the late hotel mogul and philanthropist Harris Rosen.
Two Central Florida state lawmakers have introduced a bill to designate the stretch of the tourist corridor between State Road 528 and Sand Lake Road as “Harris Rosen Way.” This portion of I-Drive includes several Rosen hotels.
Rosen, the founder of Florida’s largest independent hotel chain and one of Orlando’s most prominent charitable donors, died Nov. 25 at the age of 85.
“Mr. Rosen was a remarkable role model for the Central Florida community,” state Sen. Kristen Arrington, D-Kissimmee, one of the bill’s sponsors, said in a statement. “Through his dedication and unwavering work ethic, he embodied the pursuit of the American Dream, inspiring others along the way.”
The tribute is a way to “carry on his remarkable legacy,” said state Rep. Rita Harris, D-Orlando, who sponsored the bill in the Florida House.
Legislative designations are for honorary purposes and do not require local governments and private entities to change street signs or mailing addresses, according to state law. The Florida Department of Transportation would erect markers, attaching Rosen’s name to I-Drive.