Florida Property Insurance: No Major Changes Expected in 2026 Session

Florida property owners may not see significant changes to state insurance legislation this year, according to Senate President Ben Albritton. The state legislature is unlikely to pursue sweeping new laws affecting property insurance in the current session, as lawmakers assess the impact of reforms enacted in recent years.

Recent Reforms Taking Effect

Albritton indicated that reforms passed in 2021 and 2022 are still being evaluated for their effectiveness. These prior measures focused on eliminating one-way attorney fees and restricting assignment of benefits – a practice where contractors could directly manage policyholder claims. The changes also allowed for increased rates for customers of Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state-backed insurer.

Did You Know? Reforms enacted in 2021 and 2022 aimed to curb “frivolous lawsuits” in Florida, according to Albritton.

Addressing Litigation

A key component of the earlier reforms was an effort to reduce litigation related to property insurance claims. Albritton stated that the previous changes “ended – or at least heavily suppressed – the practice of frivolous lawsuits” in the state, distinguishing between legitimate claims and those filed speculatively.

Hurricane Season Impact

Favorable weather conditions also appear to be playing a role in the current outlook. Albritton noted that Florida avoided a direct hit during the 2025 hurricane season, which has contributed to a more stable market environment.

Expert Insight: The decision to hold off on further legislative action suggests a ‘wait and see’ approach, prioritizing assessment of existing policies before introducing new ones. This strategy minimizes disruption and allows for a data-driven evaluation of effectiveness.

Rate Relief Anticipated

Looking ahead, Albritton anticipates potential rate relief for policyholders. He stated that the Office of Insurance Regulation operates under statutory limits on insurance company profitability, suggesting that rate adjustments are possible. However, he also acknowledged that property insurance costs are part of a broader affordability challenge for Floridians, alongside expenses like food, utilities, and gasoline.

Differing Priorities

While Albritton believes relief is coming, Democrats in the legislature continue to focus on affordability concerns. They are emphasizing the high cost of property insurance, rather than supporting Governor Ron DeSantis’ proposal to cut homestead property taxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current stance on new property insurance legislation?

Senate President Ben Albritton stated that he does not expect any major property insurance changes this year, as the effects of recent reforms are still being assessed.

What were the key changes made in the 2021 and 2022 reforms?

The reforms eliminated one-way attorney fees, prohibited assignment of benefits, and authorized steeper rate increases for Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Policyholders.

What factors are contributing to the expectation of rate relief?

Albritton cited the operation of the Office of Insurance Regulation, statutory limits on insurance company profitability, and the fact that Florida avoided a direct hurricane hit during the 2025 season.

As Florida assesses the impact of recent insurance reforms and navigates broader economic pressures, how might evolving market conditions influence the long-term affordability of property ownership in the state?