Florida Lawmaker Holds Town Hall Meetings on Insurance Crisis

In a sign that Florida’s property insurance problems continue to be a hot-button issue, a Florida state representative will hold town hall meetings next week to hear from stakeholders.

State Rep. Kamia Brown, D-Orlando, announced the “State of the Insurance Crisis” meetings will be Dec. 7. One will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m at Apopka Community Center in Apopka. A second town hall will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Pine Hills Community Center in Orlando.

Answering questions will be Brown; Tasha Carter, the state’s insurance consumer advocate; and Patrick Gray, a State Farm Insurance agent. Topics will include Florida’s troubled homeowner’s insurance market, in which premiums continue to rise and some insurers have left the state; insurance legislation, insurance fraud, helpful tips and resources, Brown’s office said in a news release.

At least one Florida legislative leader has said that lawmakers may consider further changes to insurance laws. The Legislature in the last three years has adopted measures designed to limit assignments of benefits and reduce lawsuits filed against insurers. Others have said that solons may be inclined to wait another year to see if the 2019 and 2021 reform measures are having the desired effect.

The Florida Legislature convenes Jan. 11.

Brown’s office asked that people who want to attend should reply via email to adrianna.tran@myfloridahouse.gov.