Florida Realtors has endorsed Sen. Rick Scott for re-election, citing his focus on flood insurance legislation and rising property insurance costs. 

Florida Realtors, the state’s largest professional trade association, endorsed Sen. Rick Scott on Friday in his bid for re-election.

In issuing the endorsement, Florida Realtors cited Scott’s advocacy of the Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which intends to make flood insurance more cost-effective. The organization also pointed to Scott’s focus on rising property insurance rates.

“Today, our state is an economic powerhouse because of the policies he fought for during his eight years in Tallahassee, and we appreciate all he now does in Washington to ensure prosperity in Florida, said Gia Arvin, President of Florida Realtors. “Our organization and our members have a long history of working with Senator Scott … and we are so grateful for his strong commitment to housing, private property rights, and the Realtor profession. Florida Realtors proudly endorse Senator Scott for re-election.”

In response, Scott expressed gratitude, referencing his history of collaborating with the association.

“I can always count on this important organization to fight alongside me to champion critical policies like cutting taxes and reducing burdensome regulations so more people can own a home or business in Florida,” Scott said. “Together, we want to make the dream of owning a home a reality for every Florida family.”

Florida Realtors’ endorsement adds to Scott’s existing support from various business and trade groups across the state, including the Florida Retail Federation and Associated Industries of Florida, who both pledged support in October.

The endorsements highlighted Scott’s pro-business stances in Florida and long-term collaborations between his office and both organizations.

“Throughout his time in office, Scott has been a champion for Florida’s business community,” said AIF President and CEO Brewster Bevis.

Scott, a two-term Florida governor, narrowly defeated Democrat incumbent Bill Nelson in the 2018 Senate election, receiving approximately 10,000 more votes than the former astronaut, marking the first time since the Reconstruction era that Republicans held both Senate seats in Florida.

In August, former Democratic Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell declared her intention to challenge Scott for his Senate seat. Before her formal announcement, top Democratic figures, including U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee officials, had already expressed support, urging her to enter the race, as reported by Politico in July.