Amended HB 1267 Discounts Reinsurance For Taking On Citizens’ Policies

Apr 24, 2007

HB 1267 by Representative Robaina relating to property insurance was heard on Monday, April 23, by the Florida House of Representatives Policy & Budget Council. It passed 22-6 as a Committee Substitute (CS), with five of eight amendments adopted successfully.

Copies of all eight amendments are attached, along with the complete bill text of CS/CS/HB 1267.

In particular, Amendment 7 by Representative Bogdanoff authorizes the State Board of Administration (SBA) to sell reinsurance below the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF) retention level for 30-60 percent rate-on-line to insurers that agree to take a specified number of Citizens’ policies out of Citizens and requires Citizens’ policyholders to receive a minimum 10 percent discount. The amendment also gives the SBA authority to set parameters relating to the sale of reinsurance below the FHCF retention for insurers who agree to take policies out of Citizens.

Previously a priority for Governor Crist, HB 1267 originally intended to make Citizens more competitive with the private insurance market. It is unclear at this juncture how the amendments will affect the Governor’s continuing support.

The developments to HB 1267 were reported in the April 24 edition of The Miami Herald. The complete story can be found at: http://www.miamiherald.com/458/story/84331.html

Should you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact this office.