October 21, 2025, Spectrum News 13, Orlando and Spectrum Bay News 9, Tampa Bay – “Rates are down, premiums might be slightly flat or up a little bit, because the cost to rebuild a home, the inflation drivers, we can’t do much about that. None of us can,” former Florida Deputy Insurance Commissioner Lisa Miller said. (Original story location, including video version: https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/political-connections/2025/10/21/politically-motivated-violence–property-insurance)
TALLAHASSEE – A new Florida lawmaker sponsors a proposal to enhance penalties for politically motivated violence, and Democrats and Republicans differ on how to handle property insurance in Florida.
New Florida lawmaker proposes increasing punishments on politically-motivated violence
Freshman Democratic state Rep. Debra Tendrich has filed legislation for the upcoming session, which could expand the state’s hate crime statute to include political ideology.
Tendrich, who represents part of Palm Beach County, filed HB 143, which would include “political ideology of the victim” to the list of factors that can be used to prove a crime was committed with prejudice, and can trigger tougher penalties.
Under current statute, those factors include, race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, as well as national origin, homeless status, or advanced age of the victim.
Tendrich said in a statement posted on Facebook Tuesday that Florida must take a stand on the issue.
“Florida must send a clear message: We will not tolerate intimidation or violence against anyone for their beliefs,” Tendrich wrote. “In our state, we protect freedom, not fear.”
The move comes amid a recent focus on politically motivated violence across the country.
On Monday, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that a Texas man was arrested and would be extradited to Florida to face charges after officials say he made death threats to Jewish conservative media members who live in Florida.
Uthmeier said Nicholas Ray faces charges including extortion, written threats to kill, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
Conservative activist Laura Loomer said in a statement posted on X Monday that she was one of the individuals targeted. In her statement, she said the suspect was “radicalized by the false accusations that I am a foreign agent.”
Florida lawmakers differ on whether or not to tackle property insurance this session
Florida Republicans appear to be taking a slower approach to addressing property insurance reform. The forewarning comes just a little over two months before the next legislative session.
Over the last few years, Florida lawmakers have ushered in a series of reforms designed to stabilize the property insurance market in the state. However, this time around, it seems they’re feeling confident enough to wait to see how the current changes impact the market.
“Some people are still paying a lot for their homeowners insurance — me being one of them as a homeowner,” Senate President Designate Jim Boyd said. “But I think the reforms we made are starting to work and we’ll see evidence of those in the next year or so.”
Those reforms included a 2022 crackdown on what state leaders called frivolous litigation.
Lawsuits are down about 30%, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
“Legal system abuse was the primary driver of the Florida risk crisis. It wasn’t hurricanes. It wasn’t other storm losses or catastrophes. It was legal system abuse, which is a man-made factor,” Insurance Information Institute Senior Director of Media Relations Mark Friedlander said.
Still, many homeowners are feeling the pinch.
“No one is seeing that. Not my mother. Not my aunt. And not the next-door neighbor. Nor are the individuals across the state of Florida,” State Sen. Shevrin Jones said. “So the question now becomes: Will this be the session that we deal with affordability within this state? And I hope the answer is yes.”
That’s why Florida Democrats want further action. They’re proposing several bills — including one that would cap rate hikes greater than 10-15%.
“At its core, SB 30 is about accountability, transparency, and protecting Floridians from being priced out of their homes by unchecked insurance costs,” State Sen. Barbara Sharief said.
One major problem is still inflation. According to Home Depot, lumber alone is up 14% year over year. That’s a factor no doubt floating premiums.
“Rates are down, premiums might be slightly flat or up a little bit, because the cost to rebuild a home, the inflation drivers, we can’t do much about that. No one can,” former Florida Deputy Insurance Commissioner Lisa Miller said.
The 2025 legislative session kicks off in January. Florida Republicans did say they were open to minor changes, but only if they become necessary.
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