Posts filed under 'Perspective'
Posted: November 18, 2009: 8:34 am
Winter Haven Chamber’s Legislative and Public Policy Committee hosts Polk County lawmaker – by Justin Glover
WINTER HAVEN—Outgoing State Representative Baxter G. Troutman (left) recently provided an in-depth preview of his final legislative session, saying Florida’s economy remains “front and center” for lawmakers as they convene in Tallahassee.
Rep. Troutman spoke to members of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative and Public Policy Committee. The Legislative and Public Policy Committee was formed by the Winter Haven Chamber to address the public policy concerns of local businesses at city, county and state levels.
At the meeting, Troutman said he expected lawmakers would be forced to trim another $1-3 billion off of an already scaled-back state budget. Unlike other issues addressed by the legislature which sometimes have limited impacts, the state’s budget is one in which, “we’re all affected,” according to Troutman.
Troutman, who is term-limited in 2010, serves as Chairman of the powerful House General Government Policy Committee and has represented Polk County since 2002. Look for his committee to be involved in several important debates next session, including another high priority for lawmakers and businesses: energy policy. Troutman said he believes the Legislature will pass a sweeping energy package aimed at finding more sustainable energy sources. At the same time, Troutman said he’ll make sure the final bill doesn’t overburden small businesses with huge costs for compliance.
“We’ll keep the ratepayer in mind,” Troutman said.
Property insurance reform will also demand attention in Tallahassee, and Troutman expects to again support a measure giving consumers more choices in insuring their homes and businesses. Earlier this year, the Legislature passed HB 1171 to allow property insurance consumers to choose whether to pay a higher premium for private coverage or opt for coverage through state-run Citizens Property Insurance. The bill was vetoed by Gov. Crist.
Of the measure, Troutman said, “If the consumer wants to pay, why should government get in the way?”
Polk County residents could also see the debate over commuter rail resurrected. Troutman said it’s possible House and Senate leaders will call for a Special Session in December to deal with public transportation and the long-debated issue of expanded gambling on Florida’s Seminole reservations.
Complete our legislative issues survey now at this link (survey closes at 3 p.m. today).
The Chamber’s next Government and Legislative Affairs Committee meeting is today, Wednesday, November 18 at 4 p.m. in the Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium. Sam Killebrew will present an overview of the status and challenge in addressing the Hometown Democracy amendment. The Committee will also review the results of a Chamber member legislative issues survey. Chamber members are invited to attend.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, City of Winter Haven, Perspective, Political Scene
Posted: October 7, 2009: 12:03 pm
Winter Haven City Manager David Greene spoke to a capacity Chamber breakfast audience this morning outlining the current state of the community. The presentation was an overall comparison of Winter Haven 2000 vs. Winter Haven 2009 and the statistics were impressive. Winter Haven’s current financial position is strong in spite of current economic challenges.
Here are some interesting Winter Haven comparisons of 2000 vs. 2009:
2000 2009*
Population: 26,487 34, 464
City Size: 23 sq. mi. 39.7 sq. mi.
# of Employees 488 475
Millage rate/$1,000 6.325 5.79
Taxable Property Value $814 mil $1.9 billion
Ad Valorem Tax Collections $4.9 mil $12.5 mil
General Fund Balance $3.8 mil $9.5 mil
Gen Fund Avail Reserve $1.7 mil $7.9 mil
Self Insure Healthcare Fund ($.5 mil) $3 mil (est.)
State and Federal Grants $1.3 mil $7 mil
Invested Cash $39.4 mil $65 mil
Library Borrower Cards 18,257 40,015
The 2009-10 City budget includes Police protection $9.4 million, Fire protection $6.2 million and Quality of Life/Leisure Services $5.2 million.
Greene noted that the city has no interest in growing to compete with Lakeland in size. He complimented the neighboring city for their success and vision. He stated that Winter Haven’s plans have been to grow within our general area and protect that which makes us unique and distinct. When asked what his “dream list” for the future among the projects he listed:
- continuing necessary infrastructure and capital improvments
- a firm commitment to support the USF Polytechnic Business Accelerator and expanding
downtown technology core
- extension of the Chain of Lakes Trail southward along Third Street, SW.
- a beautifully landscaped “Roundabout” at the intersection of Third St./Magnolia
Avenue/Avenue B, SW providing a newly renovated gateway to downtown
- construction of Trailhead Park adjacent to the Garden Center and Chain of Lakes Trail
- renovations and improvements to Inman Park at the City’s Northern gateway
Test Your Knowledge:
List the top property owners of taxable value in Winter Haven. (Answers at bottom of this post)
David Greene has served as City Manager since July of 2001. He brings more than 31 years of experience to the job. As he looks to the future considering the current economic environment he predicts it will be 2012 before area municipalities see an improved economic picture.
Perhaps one breakfast attendee summed it up best when they commented, “Great to know our city is in such great shape during such a difficult time.”
* 2009 figures are unaudited at this time
(Top taxable value property owners in the City of Winter Haven: Wal Mart – $50 million taxable value; Carlton Arms Apartments – $36 million taxable value; State Farm Insurance Company – $29 million taxable value; Hansen Pipe – $16.3 million taxable value; Lake Ashton II – $15.7 million taxable value)
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Perspective
Posted: September 23, 2009: 4:13 pm
Cypress Gardens will shutter the gate at the close of business today (Wednesday, September 23, 2009). That’s 73 years after a young, energetic entrepreneur named Dick Pope and his wife, Julie, opened their beloved gardens on January 2, 1936. Eventually Cypress Gardens was the #1 roadside attraction in Florida until Disney opened in 1971. (Pictured at left Mr. and Mrs. Pope with son Dick Jr. and daughter Adrienne. circa 1936)
Current owners Brian Philpot and Rob Harper of Land South have owned the park for the past two years. What is apparent is that as it is currently configured, the park is not viable. For that reason the owners have decided to close the park while negotiations continue with several potential buyers.
It’s a sad day for Florida history and even sadder for the many people who hold special memories of working, skiing and playing at America’s Tropical Wonderland. More than 50 million people visited the Gardens throughout its existence. Today’s announcement follows a six year roller coaster ride for the park after closing in April 2003 and being rescued by the State of Florida, Kent Buescher and Polk County in 2004 only to be pounded by triple hurricanes the same year. The park enjoyed a brief renaissance opening in December 2004 but never fully overcame the devastation and costs associated with hurricanes Charley, Jeanne and Frances.
It is difficult to predict what the next chapter may hold for the venerable site. The state purchased development rights off of 120 acres which includes most of the land surrounding the original Botanical Gardens and ski show area. The citizens of Polk County own the original 30 acres of the park including all of the lake frontage on both Lake Summit and Lake Eloise.
Statement from Land South:
From the earliest moment that our firm purchased Cypress Gardens and Splash Island Waterpark, our highest priority has always been to maintain the park’s beauty and protect its proud traditions as a mainstay of the State’s history and natural treasures. It is with these ideals in mind that we must announce that the park will be closed for business as of Wednesday, September 23, 2009.
During the last two years, Land South Adventures, LLC, has explored numerous management frameworks and exhausted every possible approach to keep the park running in its traditional form. Now, we are in the process of negotiating with several potential purchasers and lessees for all or part of the property, and do not feel it is fair to our employees, the guests, or the public to continue operations heading into the fall with the future of the property in flux. We are optimistic that the outcome will be in the best interests of both the park and the residents of Polk County and the State of Florida.
| See other posts filed in: Cypress Gardens, Parks and Green Space, Perspective, Tourism
Posted: August 5, 2009: 1:43 pm
The Chamber hosted a City Commission Candidate Breakfast Forum this morning (August 5, 2009). The breakfast was organized by the Chamber’s Government and Legislative Affairs Committee. The candidates were asked a series of questions relevant to the business community including transportation priorities, economic development opportunities, public transit funding, city responsibility to the Chain of Lakes and their opinion of the Hometown Democracy amendment (requiring all future comprehensive plan amendments to be put forth in voter referendums) expected to be on the 2010 state ballot.
Candidates for Seat 4 (Mayor Yvonne Brooks and Jamie Beckett) both pointed to the economic development potential of the Winter Haven Municipal Airport along the US 92 corridor. Beckett noted his view that runway length would not support increased use by corporate jets. Beckett felt the city’s responsibility with regard to the Chain of Lakes required cooperation with the various agencies from the canal commission to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Brooks pointed to the number of lakes preservation goals outlined in the “Our Future By Design” visioning document that the city has accomplished including the urban lakefront design guidelines. Their most divergent views were expressed regarding the Hometown Democracy amendment with Brooks favoring continuing the current regulatory process and Beckett supporting the amendment. (Ed. Note: While candidate Beckett originally stated that he felt comprehensive plan changes should be left to voters, he has since clarified his position and opposes the Hometown Democracy amendment. His clarification is noted in the first comment below. – BG 8/13/09)
Candidates for Seat 5 (Commissioner Mike Easterling, Steven Hunnicutt and Bob Jardine) were in general agreement on most issues. Easterling expressed his continued commitment to the community visioning plan and Hunnicutt and Jardine both agreed it was an important guide for decisions. Jardine noted his interest in representing the needs of sight and physically impaired including his work to secure audible crossing signals for key city intersections. All Seat 4 candidates favor retaining the current regulatory system for changes in comprehensive plans and opposed the Hometown Democracy amendment.
Candidates for Commission Seat 4:
Mayor Yvonne Brooks
Jamie Beckett
Candidates for Seat 5:
Commissioner Mike Easterling
Steven Hunnicutt
Bob Jardine
The Chamber collected candidate information including background, city strengths and challenges, revitalization, top priorities and more. A comparison of that information is available at this link.
The city election will take place Tuesday, September 8, 2009.
| See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, City of Winter Haven, Economic Development, Perspective, Political Scene, Transportation
Posted: July 15, 2009: 1:12 pm
It may be a tough economy and budgets are certainly stretched thin but in the course
of routine surveillance, Fitch Ratings affirms the “A+” ratings on the city’s $22.7 million public improvement refunding revenue bonds and $7.5 million sales tax revenue bonds, series 2002. The rating outlook is stable.
The “A+” ratings reflect solid debt service coverage by each issues’s respective pledged revenues with no additional leveraging plans.
Fitch also notes, “The city’s financial position remains healthy despite the challenges posed by the recession. The general fund’s fiscal 2008 unreserved fund balance totaled $6.7 million, a high of 20.4% of total spending … well above the city’s formal 10% target. You can get a copy of the firm’s report here: fitch-ratings
Congratulations to our City Commission, Adminsitration, management team and employee workforce.
From the company Web site: Fitch Ratings is a global rating agency committed to providing the world’s credit markets with independent and prospective credit opinions, research, and data. With 50 offices worldwide, Fitch Ratings’ global expertise, built on a foundation of local market experience, spans across capital markets in over 150 countries. Fitch Ratings is widely recognized by investors, issuers, and bankers for its credible, transparent, and timely coverage.
Fitch Ratings is headquartered in New York and London and is part of the Fitch Group. In addition to Fitch Ratings, the Fitch Group also includes Fitch Solutions, a distribution channel for Fitch Ratings products and a provider of data, analytics, and related services. The Fitch Group also includes Algorithmics, a world leading provider of enterprise risk management solutions. The Fitch Group is a majority-owned subsidiary of Fimalac, S.A., headquartered in Paris, France.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Financial Industry, Perspective, Success Stories
Posted: June 25, 2009: 9:02 am
GOAL:
A Polk County School Board Process for Selecting Contractors
that is “Fair, Equitable and Transparent”
A “white paper summary” of a June 15 Meeting between Polk County Chamber of Commerce representatives and Assistant Superintendent for Facilities/Operations, Fred Murphy.
Over the past 90 days a number of Polk County’s Chamber executives and their
volunteer leaders have been approached by local contractors who felt the process used for selecting contractors to manage major construction projects of the Polk County Public School System was flawed and unfair. There exists a strong feeling that dollars spent for Polk Schools should be spent with those businesses that are legitimately based in Polk County. There also exists a strong desire to ensure the process is free of favoritism.
Following discussions that initially took place between Lakeland, Bartow and Winter Haven Chamber executives, a decision was made to request a meeting with Polk Public Schools Administration. Immediately upon inquiry Superintendent Gail McKinzie offered to arrange such a meeting with Assistant Superintendent for Facilities/Operations, Fred Murphy. (Murphy was tapped to resolve contractor selection and favoritism issues in November 2008 following the initiation of an FBI investigation into alleged wrong doing by district staff.)
On Monday, June 15, Mr. Murphy met with representatives from the Bartow, Davenport, Haines City, Lakeland, Mulberry and Winter Haven Chambers of Commerce. The two-hour meeting was framed by a thorough review of where Polk Public Schools are in their efforts to create a Contractor Selection Process that is “fair, equitable and transparent.”
Mr. Murphy spoke for the majority of the two-hours allocated and displayed a sincere commitment to creating a selection process that may not always make every one happy but a process that will truly be “fair, equitable and transparent.” The phrase is repeated here again to underscore Murphy’s repetitive statement of commitment.
He provided detailed information regarding the policy which is currently in its final draft stages. More importantly Mr. Murphy addressed two important points:
a.) Within the new policy (under development), the mere offer of a gift by a contractor to a School Board representative will cost a contractor any future right to do business with the School Board. There has not been a “gift policy” in place and specifications are being drafted to prohibit gifts of more than $50 in value.
b.) The new selection process will include a “local recognition of proximity” policy that will provide a legally defensible edge for Polk County-based contractors.
Chamber representatives present felt that positive steps were being taken to develop a process for contractor selection that was indeed “fair, equitable and transparent.” Those Chambers present have since conferred and expressed confidence that Fred Murphy’s goals for the Contractor Selection Process will be a significant step forward and hold the potential to restore contractor confidence and respect.
The new policy is expected to be presented to the School Board for consideration by August. When the policy is finalized we will present the document in its entirety.
The commitment of all Chambers involved is to bring positive change to this contractor procurement process. Mr. Murphy displays a sincere grasp of the challenge and the commitment to make such positive change.
We encourage your comments on this important “buy local” issue.
| See other posts filed in: Economic Development, Education, General Announcements, Perspective
Posted: May 14, 2009: 12:36 pm
The recent Sun n’ Fun Air Show generated additional traffic for many neighboring airports. Winter Haven was no exception with a variety of air craft circling the recently competed municipal air terminal. The City worked with the Central Florida Visitor and Conventions Bureau to provide the air visitors information on area attractions, restaurants and hospitality options.
Winter Haven joins Lakeland and Bartow in offering modern new facilities. More recently the impressive Citation X aircraft below paid a visit. The air terminal features Richard’s Fine Coffees and sandwches.
The new facility is conveniently located adjacent to US 92 for maximum exposure. The new footprint for the airport positions the City for development of an air-related business park along the US 92 frontage.
Among the groups recently visiting the air terminal were the Board of Directors of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce and the second class of Leadership Polk, a county-wide leadership and learning program.
The City of Winter Haven is among the many municipalities in Polk County who are moving ahead with improvement projects such as the new air terminal, Fire Station #1 and Lake Maude Park providing jobs and improvements in a tough economy. Haines City is moving to complete the massive Lake Eva Park project, Polk City has new city administrative offices, Polk Community has opened the J.D. Alexander satellite campus in Lake Wales and Auburndale has partnered with the County and Central Florida Development Council in development of the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex just to name a few.
As the economy begins to improve, these infrastructure improvements will serve as further catalysts for growth.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Economic Development, Perspective, Transportation
Posted: May 5, 2009: 2:12 pm
Homeowners want Freedom of Choice for Homeowner’s Insurance
Legislation approved by formidable margins in both the Florida House and Senate is on its way to Governor Crist’s desk for signature. If you support free market choice for homeowner’s insurance, please use the link below to urge the Governor’s support of HB 1171. Share with your family and friends who are also Florida residents at risk …
The message is clear: homeowners want freedom of choice. The people are asking for the freedom to choose, and the Legislature has answered by approving the Consumer Choice bill (HB 1171) with a clear majority. With this action, legislators proved they were listening. They showed they understood the importance of allowing consumers the right to choose their own insurance company for homeowners insurance.
Promise of Protection
Homeowners deserve protection. In addition to offering consumer choice, the bill holds the promise of protection. Homeowners will be protected from insurance companies who are not financially sound enough to pay claims. They can rest secure in the knowledge that if the unexpected happens, they can count on their trusted insurance company to help them recover.
Freedom of choice and the promise of protection all are within reach, but could easily slip from our hands: Governor Crist (pictured at left) has suggested he may not allow this pro-consumer legislation to become law. The time to act is now. If you agree that Floridians deserve greater insurance choices, please click here and contact the Governor immediately and tell him you support the Consumer Choice bill (HB 1171).
More information on this important bill:
Choice
- This bill is all about choice.
o Prior to this legislation, consumers were often forced to find coverage through state-run Citizens or smaller, unknown start-up companies.
o Under the bill, consumers would have the option to choose financially strong insurance companies as they compete for the business.
Protection:
- The bill does NOT force a single consumer to pay more for insurance. Consumers will continue to have access to lower-cost alternatives.
- After a storm, the ability to pay claims is critical. With news of the Cat Fund and Citizens potentially being unable to meet obligations, this bill is welcome news because it potentially allows well-funded insurance companies to expand available coverage to Floridians facing the next storm.
- The policies offered under this legislation are NOT unregulated. Key state requirements for claims paying ability and fair customer treatment continue to apply.
Education:
- Consumers will be educated on their options.
o Lower-cost alternatives policies will be offered through a comparison shopping requirement contained in the bill.
o Consumers will be asked to acknowledge they are purchasing a “Consumer Choice” policy through a signed disclosure.
Bill Summary:
HB 1171 was proposed in response to the thousands of consumers who found themselves without property insurance from a large, well-known company and were forced to obtain coverage through Citizens or an unknown provider. This legislation is designed to give consumers greater insurance choices.
The bill allows qualified insurance companies to offer policies with market-based rates to customers wanting greater insurance options. Companies qualify to participate by meeting financial requirements, ensuring that only strong companies better-able to meet their claims obligations offer these products.
Consumers will continue to have access to Citizens and other lower-cost options through companies offering policies subject to state price controls.
| See other posts filed in: General Announcements, Perspective, Political Scene
Posted: April 21, 2009: 2:12 pm
PERSPECTIVE FROM OUR COMMUNITY COLLEGE LEADERS …
Don’t Slam Shut Our Open Door
As commencement season approaches, a sense of accomplishment and celebration prevails on college campuses across the country. We, as community college educators, experience enormous pride and satisfaction as our students graduate. The degree or certificate awarded represents great achievement for our students, particularly in this current economic climate. Many have overcome numerous obstacles while on the path to higher education. With unemployment hovering at nearly nine percent nationally and more than almost 10 percent locally, the challenges for our students – many of whom work at least part time and balance family responsibilities – are getting even tougher.
The Florida Community College System, now called the Florida College System, was founded and continues to embrace the Open Door policy – providing quality higher education to everyone motivated to working toward that goal. Our system has been hailed, both nationally and internationally, as the model for a successful higher education system that delivers high quality education at an affordable price — with maximum return on investment for both students and taxpayers. Our secret to success is no secret at all: we go the extra mile to support students, all students, and the results have been immeasurably positive for our communities and our residents.
Often called Florida’s “best kept secret,” our community colleges are also touted as the “best budgetary bang for their buck” for students and Florida taxpayers. The citizens of our state have benefited by our cost-effective ability to meet community demand for professionals in virtually every field. Think of the nurses, paramedics, and law enforcement officers in Florida who got their start at a Community College. All of this has been accomplished at a fraction of the cost to educate students at a university.
The Florida College System is unique in its efforts to embrace those who come to us with enormously diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities by providing a unique and supportive learning experience. Recent high school graduates, professionals seeking career-change training, former drop-outs who now recognize that education is the answer — thrive in our dynamic classrooms. Now, adding to the mix are the thousands of recently unemployed, seeking to upgrade job skills and credentials. New students are flooding our Open Doors, leading to unprecedented growth in our districts and unprecedented strain on our resources. The logic of the unemployed investing in education is admirably forward-thinking. These people are not waiting for the phone to ring with job offers that simply might not exist. When the economy rebounds and opportunity knocks, our graduates will be the ones called upon to answer the door. Or will they? With the budget cuts currently proposed for our system, we are now being forced to ask this question of our legislators.
In the past, our passion for the community college mission compensated, in part, for what we lacked in funding. Today, however, we struggle to meet enormous public demand with increasingly strained resources. If education and training are so vital to sustain our economy; if our legislators understand that an educated and skilled workforce is vital for communities to flourish, why then is the state funding for community colleges the most threatened in higher education?
As college presidents, it is imperative that we inform the citizens of our communities about the impact of this budget crisis on our operations. In fact, it is our responsibility to represent our Boards of Trustees, faculty, staff and students as we battle this fiscal threat to our mission. The citizens that we serve depend upon our colleges to provide relevant programs of study, customized training and lifelong learning opportunities. And today, our much-admired Open Door may soon slam shut on the people who need us most, at the worst possible time. (PCC President Eileen Holden, Ed.D. pictured (R)
Governor Charlie Crist recently said “Florida’s community colleges enjoy a unique and much-needed role in our state by providing affordable education to students of all ages, including returning students who want to grow, refine and change their careers, because of their ability to respond to local labor market needs,” he continued, “Our community colleges are uniquely positioned to prepare workers for high-demand occupations that are critical to our economy.”
This statement underscores our rationale for establishing a multitude of new programs at the request of business and industry leaders seeking skilled employees in high demand fields. Yet after two years of successive funding reductions, we have been advised by the Governor’s budget office to anticipate an additional four to ten percent cut from our base funding for the 2009-10 budget year – this at a time where we have watched our enrollments swell by over 14% in the last year, bringing our combined enrollment to over 76,000 students this year.
To offset these unprecedented financial losses we have been forced to make tough choices. We are now faced with making the decision to offer fewer sections of classes, reducing the number of workforce training programs, reducing support services to our students, limiting supply and equipment purchases, and, regrettably, increasing tuition paid by our students at a time when their need for financial aid has never been greater.
So what is the solution? If community colleges are the key to economic recovery, what message are state leaders sending to our citizens? The consistency with which the state legislature continues to cut our funding perpetuates the paradox — without training and education, individuals will be unable to find new jobs or afford to pay the taxes that fuel the economy – directly affecting the economic climate of Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando and Polk counties.
The idea that our colleges and the Florida College System as a whole is a discretionary part of higher education funding must change. With our state budget in crisis, our goal is to convince legislators of the value of funding our state colleges. We must also enlist the support of business and industry and the citizens of our communities to bring a voice of reason to this funding process. We ask that our legislators fund enrollment growth, assess the lowest percentage of budget cuts possible, minimize tuition increases and allow our local boards of trustees the maximum flexibility to administer those cuts.
As we prepare to congratulate our graduates receiving degrees and certificates this spring, we are proud to be an integral component of the local economy and workforce. Faculty, staff, administrators and our trustees attend our commencement ceremonies with great pride. Unfortunately, our sense of accomplishment is tempered by concern for future students. How many will we be forced to turn away? With the help of our legislators and the support from the communities we serve, we hope that the answer will be “none.”
Eileen Holden, Ed.D.
President – Polk Community College
Katherine M. Johnson, Ed.D.
President – Pasco-Hernando Community College
Gwendolyn W. Stephenson, Ph.D.
President – Hillsborough Community College
| See other posts filed in: Education, Perspective
Posted: April 9, 2009: 3:30 pm
The Florida Legislature is making progress in working toward solutions to Florida’s home owners insurance mess. Two promising bills are moving forward that would help return the free market to homeowner insurance. The following information is worthy of your consideration and, if you are so inclined, a note of encouragement to our legislative delegation would be most appropriate. We have included a link at the end of this post that allows easy email options to your legislators. (And thanks to all those who took the time to write last week. Senate Bill 2036 passed out of committee on a 6-2 vote.)
This bill has already passed out of the House Insurance, Business and Financial Affairs Committee with a unanimous vote. The companion bill in the Senate, SB 2036, also passed out of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee last week on a 6-2 vote. Both bills have suddenly gained momentum and it is important that we continue to advocate for their passage.
This bill creates and defines classes of “non-assessable” and “assessable” residential property insurance policies. Non-assessable residential property insurance policies are exempted from state rate regulation except to make sure that insurers are charging enough to avoid insolvency. Non-assessable residential property insurance policies are from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (CPIC) assessments.
Insurers would be allowed to offer assessable or non-assessable policies and consumers could choose which they prefer. Such policies would be required to contain a specific disclaimer describing the assessable and non-assessable characteristics of the policy, as well as the limited rate regulation to which the policy would be subjected. If passed, the legislation would take effect July 1, 2009. House Bill 1171 is a companion bill to Senate Bill 2036 Sponsored by Senator Bennett.
Florida’s current homeowner’s insurance system is broken. One major hurricane could bankrupt several private insurance companies, CPIC and the CAT Fund – devastating Florida’s already weakened economy.
In addition to the real possibility that claims could go unpaid, the resulting threat every Florida family faces today is that we could be assessed as much as $1,400 a year – for several years – in “hidden hurricane taxes” to pay for the state’s hurricane losses that cannot be met through Citizens or the FHCF.
To contact your legislators, use this convenient link.
| See other posts filed in: General Announcements, Perspective, Political Scene
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