Florida’s legislative leaders have convened for the annual 60-day session, signaling a potential shift in their relationship with Governor Ron DeSantis. Both Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Danny Perez, leading the Republican majority in their respective chambers, have outlined their priorities, with a particular focus on key issues.
One of the primary issues on the agenda is the availability and affordability of homeowners’ insurance. This concern comes despite Governor DeSantis’s recent remarks. In his State of the State address, the governor maintained the insurance market is stable, citing reforms passed in 2022 and 2023, and emphasized the importance of funding a state program to help homeowners fortify their homes against hurricanes.
House Democratic leader Rep. Fentrice Driskell voiced a contrary view, suggesting the Governor’s assessment was out of touch with how Floridians actually feel: “Many of his comments today about property insurance rates coming down and things are so great, that absolutely is not the feedback we get from our neighbors on the ground. They’re concerned because their rates are going up. People need real relief and, frankly, the governor hasn’t done enought about this.”
Speaker Perez announced that the House will subpoena insurance company executives. This decision comes in response to a Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times report about a state-commissioned study. The report allegedly showed that Florida insurers claimed financial hardship while transferring billions of dollars to out-of-state affiliates. Showing his surprise, Perez stated, “A couple of years ago, the insurance industry came to the Legislature and said [that] without sweeping reforms companies could not compete in Florida. We have since learned of the reports in existence at the 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. Shock”. He intends to empower the House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee to conduct investigations, subpoena witnesses, and hire outside legal counsel. His stance was met with applause.
Senate President Albritton also addressed insurance costs by stating, “We’ll hold insurance companies accountable for the rates they charge and the services they provide when disaster strikes. They aren’t going to manipulate the system. And neither is any other industry. Not on my watch.”
The Florida Legislature meets annually to handle state business, but recent years have included special sessions. While lawmakers will consider numerous proposals during the session, one piece of legislation is mandatory: the General Appropriations Act, or state budget. Speaker Perez stated he has no plans to insert his own political priorities into the House’s agenda, but stressed the importance of addressing homeowners’ insurance, fiscal responsibility, and controlling government spending.
Albritton highlighted agriculture among his personal priorities, particularly the protection of Florida’s citrus industry. The industry has been in decline due to blight and competition from land developers. “I was born and bred in Florida citrus, and this vital industry is not going down on my watch. To those growers who are left in the business, hear me when I say, you are not forgotten, you are not alone, and I’m running to this fight.”
Other priorities include government efficiency and information technology. Albritton advocated for IT to be a Cabinet-level agency. The House has a subcommittee dedicated to technology policy and budgeting, and they have heard IT presentations from state agencies. Additionally, Albritton unveiled his “Rural Renaissance” initiative, which proposes grants to counties with declining populations, infrastructure projects, housing aid, and financial incentives for teachers, doctors, and nurses in rural areas. The initiative has a $197.4 million price tag.
Speaker Perez encouraged members to collaborate across party lines. “Lean in and offer help, because that’s how I’m going to be spending my time over the next 60 days,” he said. “How do we make good bills great? How do we get great bills across the finish line and turned into laws together? We can produce policies that will matter to the real lives of the people of Florida. We are the House of Representatives. We are the tellers of the truth.”
Both chambers took time to acknowledge the passing of Senator Geraldine Thompson.
Note: This story has been updated to include comments from House Democratic leader Rep. Fentrice Driskell.
