Florida’s insurance overhaul is bad for Floridians

Proposed State House Bill 837 and Senate Bill 236 make it harder for Floridians to sue insurance companies and would weaken more than 100 years of legislation meant to help customers get honest treatment. The bill also would expand corporate protection to auto, life, liability and health insurers.

Changes to insurance legislation have long been sought by giants like State Farm, a frequent defendant in many lawsuits and a major campaign backer of Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The Florida Insurance Council and the Associated Industry of Florida have paid more than $3 million in contributions to DeSantis’ political action committee. Insurance companies have contributed more than $7 million to state legislators, DeSantis and business groups like the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Since 2010, insurance companies have donated more than $74 million to Florida politicians.

According to Bill Newton, director of Florida Consumer Action Network, Floridians pay the highest premiums in the country, at an annual rate of $3,585. According to the Consumer Federation of America, health insurers have seen vast profits in recent years by managing Medicare Advantage plans, while auto insurer profits soared to $30 billion in 2020.

Former Insurance Commissioner David Altmaien stepped down in December and took a job as an insurance lobbyist. Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, whose office regulates insurance companies, received $2 million from the insurance industry he is supposed to regulate.

When officials elected to protect us don’t have our backs, it’s tough to fight back. Perhaps DeSantis could grow a backbone and start taking care of Floridians by lowering our insurance rates.

– Kenneth Karger,

Kendall