Florida lawmakers focus on affordability ahead of 2026 session

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) - Last year was supposed to be the year of affordability, but the same concerns still linger as lawmakers head into the 2026 session.

"Affordability is the number one issue for Floridians, and I speak for everyone here when I say that addressing it is our number one priority for the upcoming session," said Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman, (D-Boca Raton).

In the first wave of proposals for 2026, Senate democrats are taking aim at a steep rise in property insurance rates, unveiling an affordability bill package.

All eleven Senate Democrats have filed or will file legislation to address the affordability crisis.

The bills tackle issues anywhere from financial assistance to tax cuts, and consumer protection.

SB 30 by Senator Barbara Sharief: Prohibits property insurance rate increases of more than 10% to 15%, empowers the Consumer Advocate to request administrative hearings, administer oaths, and issue subpoenas.

SB 78 by Senator Rosalind Osgood: Permanently eliminates taxes on impact-resistant doors, garage doors, and windows.

SB 84 by Leader Lori Berman: Creates the Insurance Solutions Advisory Council, which will analyze and compile data on Florida's property and auto insurance market and submit an annual report with recommendations to the Legislature and the Governor.

SB 108 by Senator Tina Polsky: Helps Floridians avoid costly litigation by requiring mediation for disputed property insurance claims.

SB 128 by Senator LaVon Bracy Davis: Requires an insurance company to notify a homeowner of the right to an inspection before nonrenewing due to the age of the home's roof; requires an insurer to reimburse the homeowner if such inspection shows that the roof has 5 years or more of life left.

SB 140 by Senator Darryl Rouson: Gives increased whistleblower protections for employees and contractors of insurance companies who disclose unethical or illegal conduct.

While there are some bills making a return, one of them is brand new, coming off the heels of an insurance investigation lawmakers led last session that centered around insurance companies claiming losses while their affiliates were making billions as premiums soared.

"We heard a lot of big talk about holding insurance companies accountable for what they've been doing to policyholders, it's time for action," said State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, (D-Orlando).

Senator Smith's new bill now looks to strengthen oversight of property insurers through the office of insurance regulation.

Across the chamber in the House, instead of property insurance, members have property taxes front and center, introducing eight new options for the senate to now consider.

"We're now going to be presenting those proposals, debating them as they appear before the committee and moving forward," said Property Tax committee chair, State Rep. Toby Overdorf, (R-Palm City).

"It's been a big conversation here at the statehouse on whether to prioritize property taxes or insurance next session, But with Governor DeSantis in his final term in office, he's determined to make property tax reform top of mind.