A bill filed for the 2026 legislative session would impose new limits on property insurance rate increases in Florida while expanding the authority of the state’s insurance consumer advocate to challenge and investigate rate filings.
Filed by Sen. Barbara Sharief last month, Senate Bill 30 would bar the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) from approving property insurance rate filings that exceed 10 percent above the highest rate approved in the previous 12 months. If multiple rate filings are made within that period, total cumulative increases could not surpass 15 percent. The restriction would apply to filings submitted on or after July 1, 2026.
The proposal also grants the state’s consumer advocate new powers to intervene in the rate-setting process. Under the bill, the advocate could request administrative hearings to challenge OIR’s decisions on proposed rate filings and obtain subpoenas to compel testimony or production of documents from insurers and other parties. Circuit courts could enforce those subpoenas, hold noncompliant individuals in contempt, and require them to pay the advocate’s legal costs.
Sharief’s measure comes as Florida continues to face some of the highest property insurance premiums in the nation, with annual double-digit rate hikes straining homeowners and drawing scrutiny from lawmakers.
“Florida families are being crushed by rising insurance premiums, and we need stronger safeguards,” said Senator Sharief. “SB 30 makes the system fairer, more transparent, and ensures that homeowners are not blindsided by unreasonable increases while giving consumers a real voice at the highest level.”
In addition to capping rate increases, the bill would require expedited administrative hearings and appeals when disputes arise over rate filings. Both insurers and the consumer advocate could seek accelerated review before the Division of Administrative Hearings, with cases to be heard within 30 days and final orders issued within 30 days of a recommendation. Either party could then request an expedited appeal before the First District Court of Appeal.
The measure has been referred to the Senate Committees on Banking and Insurance; Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government; and Fiscal Policy.
