At present, Citizens act as a final option insurer for individuals unable to secure coverage in the private market. Should the bill be enacted into law, this insurer will extend windstorm coverage, offering an alternative with affordable insurance premium rates.
Roach elaborated that this approach is reminiscent of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which furnishes flood insurance to property owners. The distinction lies in its state-level implementation, as opposed to NFIP's federal scope, and its coverage specifically for wind damage.
This proposed bill is not perfect and draws many naysayers on the other side with claims of 'unfairness' and 'loss of significant premiums', as well as lobbyist being hired to stop, hinder rewrite, or make amendments from becoming an option.
The bill as it current reads:
General Bill
Windstorm Coverage by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation: Removes provisions relating to windstorm risk apportionment plan agreements among property insurers; requires Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to make windstorm coverage available to homeowners for any residential structures & commercial lines residential structures; provides underwriting & administering requirements for windstorm coverage portion of insurance.
Effective Date: July 1, 2024
Last Event: Now in Insurance & Banking Subcommittee on Saturday, January 13, 2024 9:36 AM
Be In The Know!
What is Insurance & Banking Subcommittee?
The Banking and Insurance Committee is a standing committee of the Florida State Senate and examines legislation in the following subject areas: Regulation of state chartered financial institutions (banks, credits unions, etc.), Regulation of credit, debt, and lending activities, Securities regulation, Money services businesses (check cashers and money transmitters), Regulation of insurance companies and agents and Regulation of insurance products