APCIA Outlines Top Priorities During the 2026 Florida Legislative Session

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) today outlined its top priorities for the 2026 Florida Legislative Session, which center around protecting the strong growth and improving affordability of Florida's property insurance market by ensuring the 2022-2023 legal system abuse reforms remain in place, working with lawmakers on legislation related to the use of AI in the insurance industry, supporting efforts to increase Florida's resiliency against severe weather, and opposing the repeal of Florida's no-fault auto insurance system.

Protecting Florida's Improving Property Insurance Market

Florida's property insurance market is experiencing strong growth and stability, with improved affordability for policyholders, thanks to the legal system abuse reforms that were passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor DeSantis in 2022-2023. Key market improvements include:

• Rates are stabilizing with many companies decreasing rates;
• Seventeen new insurers have entered the market to offer coverage;
• Personal homeowners insurance litigation is down; and
• Citizens' is reducing premiums by an average of 8.7% statewide and its policy count is at its lowest level in 14 years.

"At a time when overall affordability issues remain a concern for Floridians, lawmakers and Governor DeSantis delivered real results with their decisive policies that led to the market's remarkable turnaround," said Chase Mitchell, assistant vice president of state government relations at APCIA. "It is necessary to keep the legal system abuse reforms intact in order for this positive momentum to continue and for Floridians to enjoy the benefits of more competitive pricing and more options for coverage as the market further improves."

Working with Lawmakers on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Insurance Industry

APCIA will continue working with Florida lawmakers as they consider legislation related to the use of artificial intelligence in the insurance industry, particularly as it relates to claims handling.

"AI has the potential to improve accuracy, efficiency, and speed in claims processing, which benefits customers through faster settlements and better service," said Mitchell. "APCIA has had positive conversations with lawmakers who are looking closely at these issues, and we share their goal of ensuring fairness and transparency in claims handling."

APCIA will work with lawmakers to ensure any legislation related to the use of AI in the property casualty insurance industry:

• Protects consumers without stifling innovation;
• Aligns with emerging standards from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners; and
• Recognizes the practical benefits of AI while addressing concerns about oversight and accountability.

Supporting Efforts to Increase the Resiliency of Florida's Homes & Communities Against Severe Weather

APCIA fully supports recent efforts by the Florida Legislature and Governor to make it more cost-effective for Floridians to invest in measures that strengthen their home. We will continue to support efforts by the legislature and Florida's Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia in 2026 to keep moving the needle on making Florida homes and communities more prepared to face the threat of damaging weather events.

"The Florida property insurance market will always be high-risk given the state's exposure to hurricanes and flooding, which is a key factor in the cost of insurance, but strengthening homes and communities against damaging weather events can help mitigate risk and reduce costs long-term," added Mitchell.

Protecting Floridians from Higher Auto Insurance Costs by Opposing the Repeal of Florida's No Fault Auto Insurance Law (PIP Repeal)

APCIA opposes the repeal of Florida's no-fault auto insurance system as it will likely lead to higher auto insurance costs for those who can least afford it and could increase the number of uninsured motorists on Florida's roads.

"Any attempt to reform or eliminate Florida's existing no-fault auto insurance system should reduce consumer costs and minimize opportunities for fraud or legal system abuse," said Mitchell.