Florida House Speaker Perez of Miami: No rubber-stamp legislation, focus on insurance | Opinion

Daniel Perez, Miami HeraldMiami Herald

Now that the 2025 legislative session is under way, Floridians deserve to know what their elected representatives are focusing on and how the work we do in Tallahassee will impact their lives. My approach as speaker has been clear from Day One: This session is not about a personal agenda, but about delivering meaningful, lasting reforms that make a difference for our state.

We are living in an age of disruption — where old political norms are shifting and new challenges demand bold solutions. This moment calls for decisive action, and that’s why the Florida House is taking a hard look at the biggest issues affecting everyday Floridians, from property insurance rates to the need for stronger oversight of government spending.

Insurance answers

One of the first focuses will be holding the insurance industry accountable. Floridians were told that without major reforms, insurance companies couldn’t survive here. The Legislature stepped up, made difficult choices and took action.

Now we are learning that some companies may have misrepresented their financial situation, using accounting tricks to hide profits while claiming they were in crisis. That’s unacceptable. We will hold hearings, issue subpoenas if necessary and ensure that the people of Florida get the answers they deserve.

Beyond insurance, we are looking at real solutions in housing, health care, public education, and public safety. Floridians want and deserve policies that improve their everyday lives — not just political talking points. This session, we are going to focus on substance over symbolism, ensuring that every bill we pass is well-crafted, effective and results-driven.

Debate improves bills

That means our legislative process needs to work the way it was intended. In the Florida House, we don’t just rubber-stamp legislation. We debate, we challenge and we improve bills before they reach the floor. I have asked committee chairs to bring forward bold and sometimes difficult ideas. We won’t shy away from tough discussions. That’s how we get the best possible results for the people we serve.

Another major focus will be government accountability. Too often, insiders and special interests use the system to their advantage, leaving the average Floridian behind. That must stop. The Florida House will not hesitate to shine a light on government waste, eliminate ineffective programs and hold officials accountable when they abuse their power. If there is waste, we will cut it. If there is fraud, we will expose it. And if there is injustice, we will demand accountability.

Fiscal discipline

At the same time, we must be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. Over the years, the House has pushed back against local governments for allowing property tax increases to fuel unchecked spending. But we must hold ourselves to the same standard. Instead of spending every new dollar of revenue that comes in, we should be looking for real savings.

This session is not about any single piece of legislation. It is about making government work for the people. It is about focusing on what truly matters and ensuring that Florida remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

Over the next 60 days, here’s what you can expect: bold action on issues that affect your daily life, a commitment to transparency and accountability, and a Florida House that is laser-focused on making a real impact. The work ahead won’t be easy, but together, we can build a stronger Florida for generations to come.

Daniel Perez, a Miami Republican, is speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. He was first elected to the House in 2017 and was sworn in as House speaker in November 2024 for a two-year term.