Florida Legislature Focuses on Spending and Insurance in 2025 Session
TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s Republican legislative leaders signaled a focus on government spending and the property insurance industry as the 2025 session began on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
House Speaker Daniel Perez, referencing an “age of disruption,” urged members to root out waste and fraud. Senate President Ben Albritton echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
“Members, do not be afraid to shake the tree of government and pull out the weeds of waste, fraud or abuse,” Perez told House members.
Property Insurance Under Scrutiny
Perez also addressed practices within the property insurance industry, following a report in the Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald. The report highlighted that some companies distributed substantial dividends to shareholders while diverting billions to affiliate companies.
Perez has asked the House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee to conduct hearings to address these issues, potentially involving subpoenas and sworn testimony.
“A couple of years ago, the insurance industry came to the Legislature and said without sweeping reforms, companies could not compete in Florida,” said Perez. “We have since learned of reports — in existence at that time but not disclosed to the Legislature — that may suggest some insurance companies were using accounting tricks to hide substantial profits while telling us they were in a crisis.”
Democrats Respond to Focus on Efficiency
The Republican-controlled Legislature’s emphasis on spending comes as the Trump administration has focused on cutting federal spending. Democrats suggest the shift toward efficiency is a response to anticipated budget cuts and fewer federal dollars flowing into Florida.
House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, expressed concerns about forthcoming cuts: “They’re trying to get ahead of the harsh cuts that will be made because the federal government is taking a sledgehammer to federal spending,” she stated. “That will leave an economy like ours in tatters if we can’t get the funding that we typically get, given that about one-third of our budget is federal money.”
‘DOGE’ Task Force and Local Government
Also discussed was Gov. Ron DeSantis’s recent announcement of a “state DOGE task force” to review state positions, university and local government spending, and the need for state boards and commissions.
Albritton voiced support for giving the task force the power to audit local government budgets.
“In my view, one of the reasons DOGE has become so popular at the federal level is that Americans have a problem with the idea that unelected federal bureaucrats have so much unchecked authority,” Albritton said.
Albritton also emphasized legislation to aid rural communities, protect the citrus industry, and improve child welfare services.
Affordable Housing and Property Taxes
Albritton also spoke on the need to address rising housing costs, property insurance, and property taxes, which have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo, D-Sunny Isles Beach, offered his support for measures in Albritton’s agenda.
Aside from policy discussions, the Senate and House paused to honor Sen. Geraldine Thompson, who passed away last month.
