Legislation that would extend the statutory authority of the Florida Tourism Marketing Association, also known as VISIT FLORIDA, cleared the House this week. SB 434 had previously passed the Senate but an amendment on the House Floor means the bill must return to the Senate for a final vote. The amendment extends VISIT FLORIDA through 2028, instead of 2031 as in the Senate bill. It is expected that the Senate will accept this amendment and this bill will be headed to the Governor’s desk for approval. VISIT FLORIDA would otherwise expire on October 1, 2023 without this legislation. Tourism is a key driver of Florida’s $1.23 trillion economy and the mission of VISIT FLORIDA is even more important as our state continues its economic momentum out of the pandemic. Still at issue is VISIT FLORIDA’s funding, with both sides allocating $50 million in the budget but the Senate wanting to use recurring funding.

The Senate passed their property insurance relief package Thursday off the Senate Floor with bipartisan support. SB 1728, by Senator Jim Boyd, continues the work the Legislature did last year with the passage of SB 76 and addresses the rapid growth of Citizens Property Insurance, the state’s insurer of last resort. The bill would allow the private market to take a policy from Citizens Property Insurance if at renewal the premium is within 20 percent of the amount charged by Citizens. With 99 percent of Citizens homeowners’ policies priced at less than what they would pay in the private market, this change is important to encourage new capital or existing insurers to take on these risks that otherwise are subsidized by all Floridians. The bill would also uncap rates for Citizens policies that are on secondary homes. Finally, the bill addresses a significant cost driver in the property insurance market- roofing fraud. SB 1728 allows insurers to write insurance policies that contain up to a two percent deductible if there is a full roof replacement that doesn’t result from a fire or hurricane. Of late, some bad actors have treated homeowners’ insurance policies as a warranty policy. Not only has this increased litigation, but it’s increased insurance rates for everyone. At this time, the House has been hesitant to address roofing fraud and has watered down Citizens Property Insurance reform language. You can help our efforts to improve the Florida property insurance market by contacting your lawmaker HERE>.

Despite heavy opposition from the Florida Chamber and the rest of the business community, the House passed HB 9, related to consumer data privacy, with an overwhelming majority. The three biggest concerns are the scope of the current bill, the cost of compliance, and the use of a private right of action as an enforcement mechanism. The bill also doesn’t allow companies the ability to cure an infraction before a lawsuit is filed and requires the payment of attorney fees to the consumer if a company has over $500 million in revenue and the consumer prevails. The bill also is not limited to companies that buy or sell data. A priority of House Speaker Chris Sprowls, HB 9 was referenced to the Senate Judiciary Committee once it was received by the Senate. It is not expected that the Senate Judiciary Committee will meet again, however that can change in the final days of session as negotiations take place to get the Governor, Speaker and Senate President’s priorities across the finish line. Now is the time to urge the Senate and the Governor to not pass HB 9 in its current scope and with a private right of action. If you are concerned with how this bill will impact your business and want to join our efforts to stop this bad bill, please contact Carolyn Johnson at cjohnson@flchamber.com.

Conference Agenda:

5:30pm - 7:30pm

Keynote Address: Safety Third | Mike Rowe, Dirty Jobs, Mike Rowe Foundation

Florida Chamber Members can still register at the Early Bird Rate of $475

(regular $599).