Bill > S0030

This bill modifies Florida's laws regarding property insurance rate filings by expanding the powers of the consumer advocate and imposing new restrictions on rate increases. Specifically, the bill allows the consumer advocate to request administrative hearings to challenge rate filings and grants them broader investigative powers, including the ability to issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and access documents. If someone refuses to comply with a subpoena, the consumer advocate can seek a court order, and the court may require the non-compliant party to pay the advocate's expenses. The bill also prohibits the Office of Insurance Regulation from approving property insurance rate filings that exceed 10 percent above the highest rate approved in the past 12 months, with a cumulative increase cap of 15 percent. Additionally, the bill provides the consumer advocate with the right to request an expedited administrative hearing and appellate review of rate filings. These changes aim to provide greater oversight and consumer protection in the property insurance market, giving the consumer advocate more tools to challenge potentially excessive rate increases and ensuring more transparency in the rate-setting process.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/30