TITLE
RESOLUTION URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO PASS LEGISLATION REQUIRING INSURANCE COMPANIES THAT ISSUE AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE AND OTHER TYPES OF INSURANCE POLICIES IN FLORIDA TO ALSO ISSUE HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE POLICIES IN FLORIDA

BODY
WHEREAS, the cost of homeowner's property insurance recently has skyrocketed; and
WHEREAS, insurance companies continue to substantially increase rates, while at the same time reducing the number of policies they issue in the State of Florida; and
WHEREAS, the state-run property insurance of last resort, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, has now become the largest insurer of property in Florida; and
WHEREAS, the State of Florida is now facing an insurance crisis that has the potential not only to negatively impact Florida's economy, but also to have a substantial burden on every homeowner in Florida; and
WHEREAS, insurance companies continue to enjoy record profits; and
WHEREAS, the State of Florida should not allow insurance companies to issue policies on only those types of insurance that are the most profitable in the Florida insurance market, while leaving the highest risk property insurance to Citizens, the state subsidized insurer,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that this Board:
Section 1. Urges the Florida Legislature to pass legislation requiring insurance companies that issue automobile or other types of insurance policies in the State of Florida to also issue homeowners insurance policies in Florida.
Section 2. Urges the Florida Department of Insurance Regulation to promulgate rules requiring insurance companies that issue automobile and other types of insurance policies in Florida to also issue homeowners insurance policies in Florida and requiring insurance companies that issue homeowners insurance policies in other states to also issue homeowners insurance policies in Florida during the 2007 legislation session.
Section 3. Directs the Clerk of the Board to transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Governor, Senate President, House Speaker, the Chair and Members of the Miami-Dade County State Legislative Delegation, and the Commissioner of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.
Section 4. Directs the County's state lobbyists to advocate for the passage of the legislation set forth in Sections 1 and 2 above, and directs the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs to include this item in the 2007 State Legislative Package.