On January 12, 2026, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference in Davie, focusing on recent developments in Florida’s homeowners and auto insurance markets, especially changes in insurance premiums that many Florida residents are watching closely.
As an insurance agency, we, at Just Insurance Brokers, want to break down what was discussed, and what it might mean for you, in a clear and practical way.
What the Governor Announced
At the press conference, the governor highlighted several key points about insurance in Florida:
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Homeowners insurance rates are decreasing in many areas of the state, especially for policyholders with Citizens Property Insurance, which is the state-run insurer of last resort.
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On average, Citizens policyholders are expected to see an 8.7% rate reduction statewide, with larger decreases in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
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Auto insurance costs are also trending downward, with major carriers like Progressive, GEICO, and State Farm filing for rate cuts in Florida.
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The governor pointed to litigation reform and market competition as factors helping insurance companies lower costs, leading to more companies entering the Florida market.
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He noted that the Florida market is unique because of hurricane risk and past litigation patterns, which have historically driven up insurance costs.
In simple terms: insurers are filing for lower rates, more companies are writing policies in Florida, and recent policy changes may be helping slow the growth of premiums.
You may ask yourselves, “What are the pros of this for us policyholders?” Here’s a breakdown of the potential benefits from the governor’s announcements:
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Lower Premiums for Many Policyholders: Some homeowners are seeing meaningful rate decreases, especially those with Citizens Property Insurance and reduced costs with major auto insurers could also mean lower car insurance bills for many Floridians.
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More Insurance Options: New companies entering Florida’s insurance market can mean more competition, which often leads to more choices and better pricing for consumers.
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Reduced Litigation Costs: The governor said litigation reforms are helping insurers keep costs down, which may mean lower premiums for some policyholders.
Yet others may ask, “Are There Cons to Consider?” While the announcements bring good news, there are also important realities to keep in mind:
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Premiums Still High Compared to National Averages: Even with recent decreases, Florida’s insurance premiums remain high overall due to risk factors like hurricanes and past increases, which means lower rates are relative and may not feel like a major relief for every homeowner or driver.
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Not All Policies Will See Decreases: Rate changes depend on your insurer and policy type, and some companies may still raise or hold steady on premiums for now.
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Market Shifts Take Time: Insurance rate decreases announced in January may not show up until your renewal period later in the year, so immediate savings aren’t guaranteed.
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Underlying Market Risks Still Exist: Florida’s exposure to severe weather and the overall cost of claims remain significant factors that can influence premiums long-term.
What does this mean for you, the policyholder? Here are the important points to consider:
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If you’re a policyholder in Florida, you might see lower rates on home or auto insurance, but the exact impact depends on your insurer and when your policy renews.
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Market competition and reforms are reshaping the insurance landscape, which could benefit consumers over time.
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High weather risk and cost pressures haven’t disappeared, so the idea behind the lower premiums is nice to think about, but it is not a longstanding solution to market challenges given the other factors used in determining premiums.
The January 12th press conference emphasized decreases in some insurance premiums and ongoing changes in Florida’s insurance market and for some policyholders, this could mean a welcome relief, but it doesn’t erase the broader complexities of the insurance environment.
At Just Insurance Brokers, we will you understand these changes, from your renewal options to finding competitive coverage that fits your needs.
