We are fast approaching Springtime in Tallahassee and the annual pilgrimage of politicians, lobbyists, media pundits, and various interest groups to our unassuming state capital. Our man in Tallahassee, Gary Fineout, will be reporting on all the legislative happenings with a cover story in our March issue and feature articles in April and May. In anticipation of the March 2 opening day, I offer some thoughts on what we might expect Gary to be covering for us.

The elephant in the room will, once again, be property insurance. Sen. Michael Bennett (R-Bradenton) and Rep. Bill Proctor (R-St. Augustine) have introduced companion bills SB 876/HB 447 to their respective chambers that would allow Florida residential property insurers to charge rates in excess of the rates approved by the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR). Widely referred to as the "Consumer Choice" bill, the legislation has strong proponents and opponents, as did similar legislation from Bennett and Proctor in 2009. Already lined up on the nay side are Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate Sean Shaw, the Florida Public Interest Research Group, and the Florida Consumer Action Network, among others. Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed the 2009 version of the bill; a change of heart is not expected. The bill would become effective January 1.

SB 352 by Sen. Charlie Dean (R-Inverness) holds the OIR's feet to the fire, requiring the office to provide policyholders with written notice when their coverages are about to expire. It also requires OIR to provide written instructions on how policyholders can contact brokers, agents, or counselors to help them select and obtain new coverage or change their existing plans. The bill would become effective July 1.