Democratic gubernatorial candidates Jim Davis, current Congressman from Tampa, and state Senator Rod Smith of Alachua were often seen during July offering differing ideas for how to solve the state's worsening insurance problems, while criticizing each other's proposed solutions. They face off in the Sept. 5 primary.

Smith's proposal creates a constant pool of funds to cover debts incurred by Citizens and the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. He also wants to create a new state pool for hurricane losses to cover some portion of the first $50,000 to $100,000 of insured value. Private insurers would handle all the paperwork and be expected to offer policies for greater losses.

Davis was reported as fearing Smith's plan would amount to writing a blank check in the event of widespread disaster. Both support a consumer advocate to deal with insurance companies, but Davis prefers creating a "policyholder advocate general" within the governor's office; Smith wants an independent public counsel office.