The proposed legislation seeks to redefine coverage and reduce the burden on Floridians
Amidst soaring premiums in Florida due to increased hurricane activity, State Representative Alina Garcia from Miami has introduced a potential solution to alleviate the financial strain faced by homeowners in the Sunshine State. House Bill 809, alongside Senate Bill 1070, aims to reshape insurance coverage, potentially providing relief to homeowners grappling with exorbitant insurance costs. Continue reading this news to get a complete picture of Florida’s current housing insurance.
In response to the escalating costs of homeowners' insurance premiums in Florida, exacerbated by the departure of insurers and reinsurers due to heightened hurricane risks, State Representative Alina Garcia presented House Bill 809. This bill seeks to address the alarming issue of skyrocketing insurance rates faced by Floridian homeowners.
The proposed legislation, if passed, would bring a significant shift in insurance policies. It mandates carriers to offer coverage policies that solely encompass the unpaid principal amount on a mortgage, excluding the valuation of the land where the house stands. This alteration aims to ensure that insurance policies meet mortgage company requirements while potentially reducing premium costs for homeowners. By offering coverage limited to the mortgage's unpaid principal, it notifies policyholders of the coverage's specific limitations, excluding coverage for home contents and additional liabilities.
Concerns and uncertainties surrounding the proposed bill
Despite the proposed benefits, critics have expressed reservations. They highlight potential drawbacks, particularly regarding catastrophic losses due to natural disasters. A mortgage-only policy, while potentially lowering premiums, might not cover significant repair costs in the event of extensive property damage. Concerns also arise about potential litigation from homeowners unable to afford repairs in such scenarios.
In addition to that, uncertainties persist regarding the acceptance of this policy by condominium associations and its effectiveness in covering repair expenses adequately.
Looking ahead, the bill has been referred to the state legislation’s House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee of the Commerce Committee for further review.
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Rate typically go up 75% for flat amount coverage not complying with coinsurance requirements
Total bull crap legislation! So the banks get their money and the homeowner loses everything? The idiot thet proposed it must be a Democrat!
So what happens to those of us who have upgraded our homes and have a low mortgage? On that same note, what happens to those who have paid off their mortgage? We’ve invested more than $50,000 in upgrades…as this house had not been taken care of…yet purchased our home for under $100,000. This program wouldn’t help us at all, it would put us in a horrible situation. Things to bring up before passing this bill. What would be our options? Would we need to show receipts regarding the updates?