Florida - Tuesday December 6, 2022: Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and House Speaker Paul Renner issued a Joint Proclamation Tuesday calling members into a Special Legislative Session next week at 10 a.m. Monday December 12.
The Special Session is set to last five days, ending at 11:59 p.m. Friday December 16.
Property insurance and property tax relief top the agenda in the wake of damage caused by Hurricane Ian, and Nicole. The session comes as Florida’s property insurance market has struggled under billions of dollars in losses, rising prices for consumers and insurer insolvencies.
Lawmakers are also being asked to create a toll credit program for frequent Florida commuters.
The full agenda is as follows:
A. Reduce the cost of litigation regarding property insurance claims.
B. Foster the availability of reinsurance for property insurance.
C. Improve claims handling practices in property insurance.
D. Modify deadlines for notices of property insurance losses and limit the assignment of benefits under property insurance policies.
E. Prescribe property insurance requirements regarding alternative dispute processes, coverage options, and agent practices.
F. Increase oversight of property insurance market participants:
G. Improve the financial stability of the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, reduce the potential for assessments related to the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, and foster the transition of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation policies to the private property insurance market.
H. Provide tax relief and other financial assistance related to damages resulting from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole.
I. Provide additional mechanisms to support the Division of Emergency Management for natural disaster response, recovery, and relief efforts.
J. Establish a statewide toll credit program for frequent Florida commuters.
K. Provide appropriations to implement such legislation.