Advocates Join Senator Alan Hays at Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Depopulation Bill (SB 1714) Media Conference
Mar 11, 2011
Florida Senator Senator Alan Hays (R-Umatilla) held a press conference in Tallahassee today, March 11, 2011, on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (“Citizens”) and his related bill, SB 1714.
Joining him were representatives from The Heartland Institute, James Madison Institute, Florida Wildlife Federation, Americans for Prosperity, 1000 Friends of Florida, The American Consumer Institute, Campaign for Liberty, the Sea Turtle Conservancy and the Tea Party of Tallahassee.
Senator Hays noted that if a 1-in-100 year storm were to hit Florida, Citizens would have a $13.7 billion deficit. The probable maximum loss for two 1-in-25 year storms in the same year would trigger a $2 billion deficit.
According to Senator Hays, SB 1714 represents an effort to depopulate Citizens as rapidly as possible. With that in mind, he indicated that he will propose amendments to his bill that would prohibit Citizens from writing any new construction in coastal and environmentally sensitive areas.
The aforementioned SB 1714 proponents who joined Senator Hays noted coastal conservation should be addressed in the legislation, inasmuch as it will help reduce Citizens’ risk and exposure. The proponents also noted that doing so will allow for environmental conservation and thus make economic sense.
Floridians should not subsidize this type of growth, explained the bill advocates, who emphasized that SB 1714 is not intended to limit private enterprise.
Senator Hays indicated that Florida Governor Rick Scott supports this proposal, and that he does not expect the Governor to propose separate Citizens-related legislation.
State Representative Jim Boyd has sponsored HB 1243, an identical bill.
Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Colodny Fass.