As the 2017 Florida Legislative Session has ended, we once again find the state without a solution to the Assignment of Benefits crisis, which is raising home insurance costs and threatening to make home ownership unattainable for many.

Insurance is meant to make homeowners whole when they experience a covered loss, not line the pockets of a small group of self-serving attorneys and vendors who use policyholders’ special attorney fee rights to game the system, and all too often collect fees far in excess of the homeowner’s own claim payment. It is a shame that the interests of a few have taken precedence over what is best for Florida’s homeowners and would-be homeowners.

Sadly, Floridians will have to wait another year for a chance at reform. Meanwhile, the manipulative and fraudulent activities of a select few will continue to cost time and money, driving rates higher for the majority of policyholders who simply want good coverage and customer service at a fair price.

The Florida Property & Casualty Association applauds Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier, the Office of Insurance Regulation, and the Consumer Protection Coalition as well as those in the Legislature who made responsible efforts to bring factual intellectual dialogue and attention to this issue in order to protect consumers and keep home ownership affordable.