Brian Williams

Florida homeowners still face high property insurance costs, keeping premium relief a major statewide voter issue heading into the 2026 elections cycle.
The proposal would eliminate Florida’s homeowners insurance premium tax and require insurers to pass those savings directly to consumers through lower premiums.
A state catastrophe fund change would extend coverage to smaller hurricanes, helping insurers rely less on costly private reinsurance when pricing policies.
Another reform targets a state catastrophe fund surcharge: current insurer premiums run ↑25% above actuarial need, which backers call a hurricane tax.
By covering actual claims-handling costs, backers say the package could bring Florida homeowners premiums ↓10%-20% while stabilizing the market for consumers statewide.

Florida Insurance Proposal Targets Premium Relief

Federal marketplace rules now allow non-network plans to qualify for Exchanges, starting PY 2027 in state-run markets and PY 2028 on federal platforms.
These plans still must cover essential health benefits, respect cost-sharing limits, follow balance-billing protections, and demonstrate provider access without traditional contracted networks.
Lower-cost silver options could shift benchmark pricing, affecting premium tax credits for subsidized consumers while employers may reassess individual coverage reimbursement arrangements.
Providers should review benefit-amount payments, balance-billing limits, and reference-pricing strategies as reimbursement disputes may grow under non-network Exchange products in affected markets.
After a June 3, 2026 lawsuit, the rule remains set for July 20, 2026; stakeholders should plan for possible stays or changes.