Mark Zabilowicz, Tampa Fl Realtor

Legislation that gives Florida regulators more authority over private property insurance companies sailed through the Senate on Wednesday, escalating the state’s ongoing battle with insurers. Senators voted to end a practice of companies being able to increase customers’ rates before final state approval. The practice allows companies ...

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Jan. 23, 2008 – The insurance industry should not be allowed to thumb its nose at regulators and lawmakers, an expert told a Senate panel Tuesday. J. Robert Hunter, an actuary who has spent 45 years in the business, testified there was no doubt rates would be a significantly higher in Florida if the ...

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Feb. 1, 2007 – Insurance reform legislation that passed last week shows what’s possible when lawmakers seek “ideas that help Floridians,” Gov. Charlie Crist said in a weekly newsletter sent to supporters. “Help for the people of Florida is on the way! Help is on the way in the form of lower ...

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Feb. 8, 2007 – An emergency rule issued last week that freezes homeowner insurance rates and prevents policy cancellations or non-renewals through May 1 looks be to retroactive, halting previously announced plans by some insurers to pare the number of policies on their books. Most immediately affected is Allstate ...

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Feb. 7, 2007 – Citizens Property Insurance, cursed and dreaded since its inception, is becoming the lowest-cost coverage option for some homeowners. The massive insurance reform bill that was passed last month allows homeowners covered by a private carrier to opt into Citizens if they’re paying rates 25 ...

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Feb. 7, 2007 – Gov. Charlie Crist’s promise to slash property taxes for beleaguered homeowners would apply to only about two-thirds of the taxes most homeowners pay, top aides told legislators Tuesday, igniting criticism from Democrats that the tax-cut plan could be a “bait and switch.” The ...