Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Major Insurance Rate Relief as Florida’s Reforms Deliver Results
DAVIE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced significant statewide insurance rate relief for Florida homeowners, as Citizens Property Insurance policyholders across the state will see meaningful premium reductions beginning in Spring 2026 at policy renewal. The reductions reflect continued stabilization of Florida’s insurance market following comprehensive insurance and tort reforms enacted under Governor DeSantis’ leadership.
“Floridians are seeing rate reductions in both auto and homeowners insurance across the state, with additional relief coming soon,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The reductions in Citizens Insurance rates are the most significant in recent memory. Premiums are lowering because we’ve enacted real reforms and withstood the pressure to reverse course. We will hold firm in our commitment not to go back to the broken insurance market of the past.”
“Four years ago, our insurance market was near collapse, which is why I stood alongside our Governor to create historic lawsuit reform, cut out the waste, fraud and abuse, and strengthen our insurance market,” said Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia. “Those reforms are working, and Florida homeowners are seeing the benefits. No other state and no other Governor is doing more to deliver on his promises and tackle housing affordability than Governor DeSantis. Florida continues to lead the nation on all fronts.”
“We are seeing nothing but good news across all data points for Florida’s auto and home insurance markets. These positive results are entirely related to our historic tort reforms, driven largely by Governor DeSantis’ leadership,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky. ”I am hopeful that these reforms will not be repealed and that we will continue to be dogged in our efforts to improve the everyday conditions for Floridians.”
Under the approved rates, the vast majority of Citizens policyholders statewide will receive a premium decrease, with a statewide average reduction of 8.7%. Over 330,000 policyholders across all 67 counties will see rate decreases, and more than 150,000 policyholders will receive reductions of 10% or greater
South Florida, which experienced some of the highest litigation-driven insurance costs in the state, will see the largest reductions.
- Broward County: Approximately 27,000 homes with an average reduction of 14.1%
- Miami-Dade County: Approximately 42,000 homes with an average reduction of 14.0%
- Palm Beach County: Approximately 26,000 homes with an average reduction of 11.9%
- Monroe County: More than 1,000 homeowners will see an average reduction of 11.3%, and over 8,000 wind-only policies will experience a reduction or no increase.
The premium reductions are driven by lasting improvements in Florida’s insurance market, including a sharp decline in litigation following the elimination of one-way attorney fees and abusive assignment-of-benefits practices. Actual losses have trended below prior projections, reinsurance costs have declined, and Citizens’ overall exposure has decreased as policyholders return to the private market. Underwriting conditions across personal insurance lines have also improved significantly.
As of January 2025, Citizens policies in force declined to 395,144, representing a 50% reduction from the prior year and the lowest level in 14 years. This reflects the largest transition of policies back to the private market in a decade and underscores the improved health of Florida’s insurance market.
Florida’s reforms are also producing savings across the broader insurance market. Since the enactment of these reforms, 17 new insurance companies have entered Florida, increasing competition. Dozens of homeowners and auto insurers have filed for rate decreases, and workers’ compensation rates declined by 6.9% in 2025, marking the ninth consecutive year of rate reductions for employers.
A few examples of recent reductions where homeowners are saving money include:
- An 8.2% reduction for Florida Peninsula customers
- An 8% reduction for Security First customers
- A 5.1% reduction for Universal Property & Casualty customers
Auto insurance companies operating in Florida continue to file for premium rate decreases for hundreds of thousands for drivers:
- USAA: average decrease of -7%.
- Florida Farm Bureau: average decrease of -8.7%.
- Progressive: average rate decrease of -8%. This is in addition to their recent announcement to refund policyholders over $1 billion.
- State Farm: average decrease of -10.1%, which when combined with recent filings brings the cumulative reduction to -20%
- AAA: Three rate reductions over the year, lowering premiums by -15%.
- Allstate: 13.1k drivers average decrease of -4%.
Surplus lines customers are also paying lower premiums, with recent reports from the Florida Surplus Lines Association which found reductions in costs for Commercial Business by -10% and Commercial Windstorm and Hail by -47%.
Governor DeSantis also noted an announcement from earlier today by Uber highlighting the broader economic impact of Florida’s legal reforms. Uber reported that since March 2025, Florida riders have saved tens of millions of dollars due to lower insurance-related costs, with year-over-year fare changes in Florida running up to six percentage points lower than in other states. Uber reinforced the importance of Florida’s reforms working, “Florida’s reforms are working: Riders are seeing lower trip fares and drivers are completing more trips. Let’s protect these wins.”
Florida Lawmaker Proposes Abolishing HOAs – What It Means for Miami Communities
- 20 hours ago
In a surprising move, a Florida lawmaker has proposed a bill to abolish homeowners’ associations (HOAs) as they currently exist. For decades, HOAs have played a central role in shaping residential life in communities throughout Miami and South Florida. They maintain common areas, enforce neighborhood rules, and collect dues for shared services.
But critics argue that HOAs have grown too powerful, often operating like “mini-governments” that impose excessive fees and restrict homeowners’ freedoms. The proposed legislation aims to dismantle this system, transferring authority back to individual property owners or local municipalities.
If passed, the change would transform how communities function, affecting property values, local governance, and neighborhood maintenance. This blog examines the proposal, its potential impact on Miami homeowners, and how a Miami HOA lawyer can help residents prepare for shifts in Florida property law in decades.
Image by Gian / Adobestock
Understanding the Proposal
The proposed bill seeks to phase out existing HOAs within five years. During that period, associations would be required to:
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Transfer ownership of common areas (parks, clubhouses, pools, etc.) to municipalities or newly formed cooperatives.
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Settle outstanding debts and dissolve legal entities.
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End enforcement of private covenants and fines after a transition period.
Supporters of the bill argue that HOAs have become notorious for unfair practices. They believe local governments can manage shared spaces more transparently.
Recent controversies have fueled public frustration with HOA boards. Investigations in several Florida counties revealed cases of financial mismanagement, inflated fines, and a lack of accountability. In Miami-Dade alone, residents have filed dozens of lawsuits against their HOAs over the past three years.
The lawmaker behind the bill described the goal as “restoring property rights” to homeowners who feel trapped by restrictive rules and escalating fees. However, HOA advocates warn that abolishing associations could leave neighborhoods without maintenance funding or regulatory stability.
How Miami Communities Could Change
Many Miami neighborhoods rely on HOAs to maintain roads, lakes, and landscaping. If these associations are abolished, city or county governments would have to assume those responsibilities – or homeowners would need to form voluntary cooperatives.
Potential outcomes include:
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Municipal management: The city might take control of certain amenities, but taxes could rise to cover costs.
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Private contracts: Homeowners could hire maintenance companies independently, leading to uneven service quality.
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Cooperative ownership: Residents could form limited cooperatives for shared areas, though participation might vary.
Without a governing HOA structure, maintaining consistent standards could become a challenge, especially in upscale Miami developments that rely on uniform upkeep to preserve property values.
Property Values and Market Perception
HOAs often help maintain property aesthetics through architectural guidelines and maintenance rules. Without these controls, neighborhoods could lose visual consistency, which might concern buyers seeking orderly communities.
On the other hand, some buyers view HOA fees and restrictions as unnecessary burdens. These individuals might see the change as a positive shift that increases housing affordability and personal freedom.
Real estate professionals are divided – some predict short-term market uncertainty, while others believe the long-term effect could balance out as new management models emerge.
Financial and Legal Implications
Image by NanSan / Adobestock
Before dissolving, each HOA would need to resolve its financial obligations, including outstanding loans, contracts, and homeowner dues. For properties under liens due to unpaid assessments, questions remain about how those debts would be collected or forgiven.
If a lien remains unresolved during the dissolution process, it could prevent homeowners from selling or refinancing. Working with a Miami HOA lawyer would be critical to clear titles and ensure compliance with transitional rules.
Insurance and Liability Issues
Currently, HOAs carry liability insurance that covers common areas and protects board members. Without that structure, homeowners could face increased personal liability for accidents occurring in shared spaces unless municipalities assume control.
Communities would also need to renegotiate insurance coverage for previously HOA-owned amenities, such as pools or recreation centers.
Changes to Deed Restrictions and Covenants
The proposal also addresses property covenants – rules that regulate home color schemes, fence heights, or landscaping. These restrictions would expire when the HOA dissolves unless homeowners vote to retain them voluntarily.
While many residents welcome this newfound flexibility, others fear it could lead to disputes over noise, rentals, or short-term leases.
Local Government Response
Miami-Dade officials have expressed cautious optimism mixed with concern. While city leaders appreciate the potential reduction in resident complaints about HOA misconduct, they also acknowledge the strain of inheriting new responsibilities.
Municipal budgets are already tight, and absorbing maintenance for hundreds of formerly private communities would require significant funding. Some officials have suggested partial adoption – where only problematic HOAs are dissolved, while well-managed ones continue to operate under stricter oversight.
The bill’s success may depend on whether lawmakers can strike a balance between homeowner freedom and community structure.
Final Note
The proposal to abolish HOAs in Florida marks a defining moment for Miami communities. Supporters see it as liberation from overregulation, while critics warn it could disrupt neighborhood order and stability. Regardless of the outcome, the conversation underscores growing frustration with how some associations operate.
For homeowners, preparation is key. Consulting a Miami HOA lawyer ensures that property rights, liens, and community responsibilities are handled correctly if the legislation moves forward.
Whether this proposal becomes law or evolves into reform, it has already sparked an important discussion about accountability, transparency, and the future of neighborhood governance in Miami – and across Florida.