Review of the Week: August 29, 2025, Issue No. 227

District 82 Updates

Labor Day is a time to honor the hard work, dedication, and contributions of workers who help build and strengthen our communities every day.

As we enjoy this holiday, let’s pause to be thankful for the opportunities we have, the people who make our lives better through their work, and the value of perseverance and service.

To read more about the history of Labor Day, click here!

We’re excited to welcome Jorge to our team!

He brings strong organizational skills and a passion for service. We’re thankful to have Jorge on board and look forward to the significant contributions ahead!

He can be reached at Jorge.Rodriguez@FLHouse.gov

Florida’s property insurance landscape continues to evolve positively with the introduction of Viceroy Preferred Insurance Company. This marks the 15th new homeowner’s insurance carrier to enter the market since legislative reforms were implemented in 2022.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky highlighted this significant development, emphasizing that the state’s insurance market is thriving and competitive.

Viceroy Preferred Insurance Company, now officially approved to offer homeowner’s policies in Florida, aims to cater specifically to high-value homes, initially focusing its services on the east coast region. This expansion not only reflects the ongoing commitment to enhancing insurance options for Florida residents but also underscores the effectiveness of recent legislative changes in fostering a more competitive and robust insurance environment.

The legislation enacted in 2022 aimed to address frivolous lawsuits and fraudulent claims against insurance companies while simultaneously enhancing protections for policyholders. In subsequent years, specifically 2023 and 2024, and continuing into this year, a series of additional amendments have been introduced to further strengthen these objectives.

As of May, the average annual cost of a homeowner’s insurance policy in Florida, which includes wind damage coverage, stands at $3,815, while the average cost for condominium insurance is approximately $1,815 per year, as reported by state authorities.

Florida homeowners still face among the highest premiums in the nation, at an average of $3,815 per year.

Florida home insurers collected more premiums than claims and expenses paid in 2024 — a rare occurrence, even more so after three hurricanes struck the state that year.

The challenges faced by the Sunshine State regarding its susceptibility to storms have led to significant financial losses for insurance companies, which inevitably are transferred to consumers in the form of increased premiums. This has culminated in a troubling insurance market characterized by soaring rates, frequent company bankruptcies, and a heavy dependence on the state-run insurer, Citizens Property Insurance Corp.

In an effort to address these issues, the Florida Legislature implemented reforms in 2022 designed to foster a more favorable environment for insurance providers. However, these measures did not translate into immediate relief for consumers at that time. Nevertheless, recent developments indicate potential signs of improvement in the market, albeit modest, suggesting a gradual shift toward a more stable insurance landscape for residents.

According to a recent analysis conducted by S&P Global, Florida experienced the least significant rise in insurance premiums nationwide in 2024, with an increase of approximately 1%.

This modest growth positions Florida in a favorable light, ranking it ninth overall in terms of average home insurance costs for that year. This data highlights the state's relative stability in insurance pricing compared to other regions, suggesting a more manageable financial landscape for homeowners in Florida amidst broader national trends.

In recent developments within the insurance sector, a significant influx of new insurers has emerged, contributing to a more competitive marketplace. Concurrently, the state-run insurer, which has been characterized by inefficiencies and excessive operational costs, has strategically divested tens of thousands of policies to private companies. This transition has resulted in a positive outcome for some consumers, who are now experiencing reduced premium costs. The shift reflects a broader trend towards privatization and market diversification, ultimately benefiting policyholders through increased choice and potentially lower rates.

To read the article from Axios Communicators, click here!

To read the Property Insurance Stability Report from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, click here!

I am grateful for your endorsement to represent Florida Senate District 28.

To read the article from Florida Politics, click here!

The future of the Everglades, a vital ecosystem and a crucial water source for millions of Floridians, is currently embroiled in a significant legal dispute that raises essential environmental and developmental considerations.

Critics of the Southland Water Resource Project assert that the proposed limestone mining operations could severely undermine ongoing restoration efforts to preserve the Everglades' integrity. In contrast, the developers advocate for the project, arguing that it presents an opportunity to create additional water storage capacity, which is increasingly necessary given the region’s water management challenges. Central to the restoration initiative is the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir, a large-scale undertaking designed to enhance water storage and purification capabilities. The juxtaposition of these competing interests highlights the complex balance between environmental conservation and the pressing need for sustainable water resource management in Florida.

Opponents of the proposed limestone mining project have raised concerns, particularly regarding the potential negative impact of rock blasting on the ongoing restoration efforts of the Everglades.

Following the limestone excavation, the developer intends to repurpose the site into a reservoir designed to accommodate more than 39 billion gallons of water. This ambitious project will include the construction of essential infrastructure such as pump stations and seepage canals to facilitate efficient water management. The resolution of the ongoing legal disputes surrounding this development is poised to have profound implications for the ecological health of the Everglades and the overall water supply in Florida, underscoring the critical intersection of environmental stewardship and infrastructural advancement in the region.

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Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns regarding the Southland Rock Mine project. Although this project is outside our district and in Broward County, we appreciate hearing directly from the community on issues of such importance.

We are still gathering information and monitoring developments closely. While we don’t have a definitive response yet, please know your input is noted. 

On Monday, I toured the Davis Lawrence Center, an experience that provided valuable insights into the essential efforts being made to tackle mental health and substance use challenges in Florida.

This tour was designed to showcase innovative programs and evidence-based practices that aim to enhance behavioral health outcomes.

We witnessed directly how legislative support strengthened Florida's behavioral health 

system and increased access to care.

For more information about the David Lawrence Center, click here!

On Tuesday, the Collier County Board of Commissioners voted to display the Ten Commandments as part of a larger exhibit depicting the foundations of American law and government at the Collier County courthouse, Heritage Hall, and the Orange Blossom government center.

On Wednesday, Lauren Layman, the project manager, gave an update on the Corkscrew Watershed Initiative. The biggest challenge remains land acquisition.

For more information, go to SFWMD.gov/Corkscrew

The next meeting will be in the fall of 2026.

Open season: March 1 – April 30 and September 1 – November 30. 

Closed season: December 1 – end of February and May 1 – September 30.

Bag limit: One fish per person per day. 

Slot limit: 28–33 inches total length. 

Boundaries: The northern boundary is at 26°15.227’ north latitude, near Vanderbilt Beach Road in Collier County. The region extends through the Florida Keys to the Monroe/Miami-Dade county line. It includes all inland waters of the area, and all waters of Everglades National Park.

During their August 26 meeting, the Hendry County Board of County Commissioners recognized the LaBelle Little League 12U All Stars for their fantastic accomplishment of winning the Little League Sectional tournament earlier this year and successfully going further than any other All Star team from LaBelle!

Congratulations to Coaches Bryce Hall, Daniel Moss, and Brad Smith and players Jenson Moss, Bryce Lynch, Brayden Palladino, Drayton Van Houten, Marcelino DeLeon, Aaiden Meyer, Fisher Kingman, Tyson Callaway, Cooper Smith, Colt Morrison, Jacob Jones, and Charles Julian!

Veterans'

Corner

Mission #29, the Welcome Home Celebration, is scheduled for October 18, 2025, at 8:30 PM.

at the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW).

This event promises to be one of the most patriotic celebrations you will ever experience, as we come together to honor and welcome our brave heroes home.

Past events have drawn over 2,500 community members who have gathered to show their support and appreciation. Your presence at this celebration will contribute to the spirit of camaraderie and reinforce our collective commitment to recognizing the sacrifices made by our military personnel.

To learn more about Collier - Lee Honor Flight, click here! 

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It is an honor to serve as your State Representative. My team and I will continue to listen, work, and legislate on your behalf as we look to the future. God bless you all, and God bless the great state of Florida!

Representative Lauren Melo

Florida House District 82

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