David Sampson, president and CEO for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), said Florida’s 2022–2023 legal reforms helped stabilize the property insurance market and expand consumer options.
“Florida has long been a national leader in many areas — and today it stands out for its remarkable progress in repairing a property insurance market that had been spiraling under the weight of excessive litigation and legal system abuse,” said Sampson. “By taking decisive action to curb unnecessary lawsuits and restore fairness to its legal system, Florida stabilized its property insurance market and delivered real benefits to consumers. The 2022–2023 reforms enacted by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Legislature are driving down rates, providing premium relief, and expanding coverage options while preserving consumer protections. More than a dozen companies had gone insolvent or stopped writing new policies, insurance rates were skyrocketing, and the state-run insurer of last resort, Citizens, had ballooned to more than 1.4 million policies.”
Florida lawmakers enacted a series of property and civil-justice measures during 2022–2023, aiming to reduce litigation incentives, tighten claims timelines, and improve market stability. Governor Ron DeSantis signed key bills into law. According to Florida’s Chief Financial Officer’s office, these changes include the 2022 special-session property package and 2023 legislation affecting litigation and claims practices.
Citizens Property Insurance Corp., which serves as Florida’s insurer of last resort, has publicly reported its “policies in force” over time. The data indicates that Citizens reached more than 1.4 million policies in force in 2023 before declining below 1 million by the end of 2024 and continuing to decrease in 2025, reflecting rapid depopulation.
An Associated Press analysis of Florida’s insurance market noted that insurers collectively posted net income in 2023 after experiencing years of losses. The report attributed improving results to legislative efforts aimed at reducing litigation costs and strengthening the market while acknowledging ongoing risks from storms and claims severity.
Sampson leads APCIA, a national trade association representing home, auto, and business insurers. The association describes itself as the primary national trade association for property-casualty insurers with a focus on promoting private-market competition for consumers.
