With all the excitement of the Special Session in January, we were told to expect major price rollbacks for homeowner's insurance polities. In addition, cancellations would be slowed or even stopped. Every politician praised the work of the special session saying it was a success. What a snow job we got!
Now only two months later, the truth be told. Policies are once again being cancelled by the thousands and the price rollbacks of 25 percent to 50 percent are actually in the area 4 percent to 14 percent. So what happened? That is a question that remains to be answered. But here is a thought.
Our amateurish and part time Legislature was overwhelmed and bought off by the well financed and professional Insurance Lobbyists. It is really that simple. Why else would the politicians of Florida put the economic health of the State of Florida in such a dangerous and fragile position? MONEY! Let's hope they don't cave in to special interests on real estate tax reform. As a property owner you need to invest in a long distance phone call and/or e-mail to your state representative and state senator. Keep the pressure on for real reform or else they will repeat their mistakes as they have with insurance reform.
If you don't contact then, then don't complain about the insurance or tax bill you will receive next year.
It is that SIMPLE!
Ric Cornelius is the Broker/Manager of Sand Key Realty Sales and Rentals, Inc. Sand Key Realty has three offices with 40 agents. One office is at 740 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, 727-443-0032; the second office is at 2701 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, 727-595-5441; and the third office is at 309 Belleview Blvd., Belleair, 727-461-4200.