Florida Governor Ron DeSantis presented his annual State of the State address on Tuesday, outlining key priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Simultaneously, Florida House Speaker Danny Perez announced an investigation into insurance companies’ profits within the state, signaling a focus on economic issues.
“Florida is the leader among states because we lean into challenges, tackle the big issues and deliver results for the people that we serve,” DeSantis stated in his opening remarks. He emphasized the state’s economic achievements, notably highlighting the unemployment rate, which has been below the national average for over 50 consecutive months.
DeSantis also discussed pending insurance reforms. “The Florida Legislature has spent more time and effort to address insurance reforms over the past few years than any other time in the history of the state in Florida,” he said. Shortly after the address, Speaker Perez announced a committee inquiry into some insurance companies.
“Voters are so concerned about cost,” Perez said. “And frankly, Florida’s becoming too expensive for too many Floridians. So we need to try to rein in this part of the insurance and lower costs for all Floridians.” DeSantis noted that state automobile rates are projected to decrease this year, with reductions of approximately 6-10.5% among the three largest companies, “even as rates continue to skyrocket nationwide.”
On the subject of immigration, DeSantis stated: “We will be part of the solution and not part of the problem. We are not a sanctuary state, we are a rule of law state.”
The Democratic House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell provided the opposition’s response, recorded prior to the address. She criticized DeSantis for “fail[ing] to share anything resembling a viable plan for a better future for all Floridians.” She also addressed DeSantis’s proposal for a Florida version of the Department of Government Efficiency, as well as the fact that Republicans have been in control of the state government for over two decades.
Speaker Perez also announced a special inquiry into insurance companies. He said the committee would investigate accusations that insurance companies have been shifting billions of dollars in profits to other accounts while claiming losses. “I have asked the insurance and banking subcommittees to conduct hearings,” Perez said. “And they will have access to the full range of tools in issuing subpoenas, putting people under oath and hiring outside experts.”
Democratic House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell echoed concerns about rising costs. “Voters are so concerned about costs,” she said. “And frankly, Florida is becoming too expensive for too many Floridians so we need to try to reign in these property insurance and lower costs for all Floridians.”
