Similar bills introduced in both houses of the FloridaLegislature would shift coverage for hurricanes from privateinsurers to the state–a move that two industry organizations findobjectionable.

The legislation, HB 1157 and SB 2384, introduced by Senator MikeFasano, R-New Port Richey; and Reps. Ellyn Setnor Bogdanoff, R-FortLauderdale; John Wood, R-Winter Haven; and Priscilla Taylor, D-WestPalm Beach, would create a Florida Hurricane Protection Programwithin the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. According to thebill, “The purpose of the program is to provide residentialhurricane insurance coverage for properties throughout thestate.”

Insurers that write residential property insurance in Floridawould enter into a contract with the program where the insurerwould provide property coverage but the program would issue apolicy for hurricane coverage, the bill states. Hurricane coverageis defined by the bill as “coverage for loss or damage caused bythe peril of windstorm during a hurricane.”