---------
I think that it is the cities and state fault, they
should be charging the contractors higher taxes on all the over building
they have done and are doing in Florida. If they had to pay a big price for
building and destroying the land and enviornment in Florida, they would
think before building.
We have brand new Condo's in Florida that are
empty and have always been empty, some are being torn down, what a waste of
the Floridians money. We pay for these idiots greed. They have destroyed the
beaches, (the reason people come to Florida). They have destroyed our
enviornment, loss of wild life. Now they have destroyed our economy, people
can't afford to live in Florida.
But.....oh yes, all the crocked politicians and
promoters and contactors lined their pockets, laughting all the way to the
banks as to how they put it over on all the citizens that live in Florida.
Clearwater even manges to do it with a total
vote from the public of don't do it! Makes you wonder what good does it do
to protest or vote? They all take their leads from President Bush, they have
the power, so why not, just do what they want no matter what, they lined
their pockets so they can move away from the mess and leave it to someone
else to solve. They don't care about the legal citizens or the USA they only
care about their bank accounts and how they live while they are here.
Make all the politicans have the same benefits
the citizens have, live off the same incomes, and make them have to stay in
the cities they destroy, maybe then we can get honest people to represent
the majority of citizens. Close the gap!!!!
--------------
Dear Speaker Rubio,
I am so very impressed with you. I have been
impressed by your intelligence and since I saw your first speech a few years
ago.
I want to encourage you to run for President as
soon as you can as I believe you are a real problem solver and I believe
that is what we need in the Presidency.
I realize that there are stepping stones to the
Presidency and age is a factor but I can promise you my support always.
I hope for the year that you run for Govenor to
lead Florida to the highest plateau ever.
My prayers are with you and hope that you can
convince your peers and everyone that votes that your plan for tax remedies
are the soundest ever offered.
I look forward also to your leadership regarding
the terrible insurance dilema that this industry has put the great state of
Florida in. Your great mind and heart will come up with a solution that will
help the people of Florida and not just a private enterprise that would
leave us after we built up their industry after all these years.
Thank you for your leadership and God Bless your
parents for giving birth to such a great man.
Thank you for caring about Floridians.
--------
Quoting the words of the Blessed Mother- with
regards to Marco Rubio "Do what ever He tells you."
Please reduce our property taxes,let the
Floridians that have the "Save our Homes" tax relief keep it when they move,
reduce the total yearly percentage paid and increase Homstead allowance.
Make it imediate not for the future.
Our real Estate market has all but stalled and
more peolpe are loosing thier right to the "pursuit of happieness" because
of Taxes and Insurance.
Please solve the problem that has been created
by the insurance industry, with record profits, threats every year of
cancellation and non-renewal and not paying on claims made by honest people
(myself being one of them).
I believe it has become the "New Mafia".
It is a private industry and has no regard for
for anything but it's profit margin at all cost.
Get rid of the profit margin make it non- profit
in Florida create a fund and the problem goes away.
Just remember Florida has been here longer than
Insurance, and will be long after.
Help Us, Float Florida !!!
-------
We cannot afford to live in the homes we
have had for our entire lifetimes!!!
What are our elected "public servants" doing to protect us???
Elections will come again.....and we will then
NOT vote for the ones who do not protect us.
South Florida has not had a MAJOR hurricane
since Andrew in August of 1992. Katrina hit specific areas, and it was
mainly water damage and wind damage, nothing to completely destroy houses
(it was not a direct hit like Andrew in Country Walk, that it was flattened
due to the shoddy construction mainly -the roofs were stapled, can you
imagine???). In the meantime, the insurance companies had profits for years
and years and years....
Is this a governmental plan to have the low and
middle class people move out of South Florida and have the rich people come
live here (to convert
this like Benidorm or the French Riviera???) Is
that it?
Please ACT on our behalf. We, the silent
majority, are the ones who vote and elect the politicians who later side
with the lobbyists of the large and powerful insurance companies.
Please help us.
E.H.
----------------
Comments: I AM A DISABLED FIRE FIGHTER
WITH NO PENSION OR SOC. SEC. I REALLY NEED A BREAK,AS I AM 67 AND
UNEMPLOYABLE DUE TO MY INJURIES AND AGE.
THEIR ARE MANY OF US OUT HERE PICKING DUMPSTERS AND ALUM. CANS.
GREAT WAY TO END UP CHEATED OUT GOF MY RETIRMENT
BY CROOKED MASSACHUSRTTS.
BEEN HERE 35 YRS. SINCE BEING DISABLED NOW
HANGING ON YO MY HOME BY A THREAD.
HOPE YOU HELP.
THANKS
--------
Comments:
We need TRUE RELIEF! Eliminate the property tax
on homestead property all together and increase the state sales tax. That
way all Floridians share across the board in the states tax base. Renters
may think they are not affected by propety taxes. However, they are
delusional. They pay or help offset the property taxes in their rent.
Please, we are dying here in FL. The home
insurance and property taxes are driving people from FL in droves. If this
continues, FL will be a state for the affluent and wealthy. I expected a
rebate check or some decrease on my home insurance premium. My Citizens
renewal came this month and my discount was $1.00!!!!!!!!!!! Please help us
Floridians!!!!!!!
------
Comments:
I am an out of state, property owner in the
Keys. I represent a large contingent of out of state owners who drive huge
amounts of money into Florida each and every year. We own property, buy
goods in the state, buy food, entertainment etc. We are large drivers of the
economy. PLEASE, do not DRIVE US AWAY, by continuing unfair tax practices
with huge increases which we have no input to. Tax increases need to be
rationalized and the government should be accountable to all, not just
homesteaders, who we recognize to be important as well.
You must do something about tax reform, before
the state becomes unaffordable to so many.
Thanks.
-----------
Comments:I have a 5/4-1/2 home. Due to members of
the family passing away and marriages, my family has ended with only two
persons in this large house. My mother who's 89 and me. We have been trying
to downsize but, when we look at property prices nowadays and the taxes we
would have to pay, we simply can not afford to move. How can we move from a
very comfortable house, in all aspects, to a higher priced house with an
even higher tax?
This is something that really has to be
solved!!!
------
Comments0: you must not prolong the financial
relief which the citizens of florida desperately need. you must not allow
the insurance industry to amend your law!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
----------------
Comments:The issues with tax and insurance rates
are driving many long time members of our community out of our city. People
are selling their homes and moving north. I consider this unfair to all of
us who have established our roots in this city for decades simply because
the cost of living has become unaffordable.
-----
Comments0: It is truly ridiculous that the tax
payers have to endure this from the people we put in office. If some of the
many assistant programs need to be reduced they need to be reduced. The tax
payers pay for them anyway these politicians need to get on the ball and
work for us not for their benefit.
------
Comments:Florida, especially South Florida, is
going to become unafordable to live in. Many families are leaving the
state already for this reason. Our government elected officials need to
listen to the struggles so many families are going through by not being
able to afford to pay their taxes, huge insurance bills, without to
say... high gasoline prices, etc. Let's save our state! We love
Florida and want our children to be able to enjoy the same things we
have until now. Please listen!
-----
Comments:Need to do something quick. I'm very
concern about the So Fl economy. This is killing the R/E market and must do
something about it. It has been going on for toooooo loooong.
Some one is getting very fat at our expense.
----
Comments:The Insurance and Property Taxes issues
need to resolved. People are leaving the state because we cant afford to
live here anymore. I support the increase in the sales tax proposal, except
on grocery items. People Buy things every single day. Why shouldn't we
eliminate property taxes completely? Remember, we wouldn't be the only ones
that pay taxes here. Everyone visiting our state for whatever reason,
Business or pleasure would be adding to our State's purse. Why put the
burden on the ones who live here year after year?
As for the Insurance company's, they need to get
real with how much money they should be charging us for insurance. What they
are charging us is Highway robbery. They make profits beyond comprehension
nationwide and claim they lose money here in Florida. Also, when something
does happen they insult us by undercutting what it really takes to repair
the damages to our homes. Such as they did after Wilma! I still feel like I
was short changed and forced to agree to a settlement because they aggravate
you to the point that you don't want to deal with them any more.
Allowing Insurance companies such as, All State,
Prudential, State Farm, Etc, to stop selling Home policies in Florida was a
big mistake.
They still sell Auto and life here don't they? I
think its fair to demand that if they DON'T sell Home policies, and at a
fair price, then they shouldn't be allowed to sell ANY kinds insurance or do
business in any way here in the sate of Florida Period! Not even through a
subsidiary. I would go as far as preventing them from Advertising at all in
Florida.
------
Comments0:I am disabled and cannot pay my high
property insurance. My last two years of taxes have been sold and I now have
to pay 18% to get them back. Just filed bankruptcy and these ammounts are
placed on my new payment. My original taxes were roughly 8k and now I have
to pay back 12k. And I still have to pay 2007 taxes. Florida is not for the
middle class families if this continues!!!!
-------
Comments0: Floridians need all the help they can
get regarding insurance. It's unbelievable that people are having to
refinance their homes so they can pay their insurance. What has happened to
this country. So much greed
--------
Comments: We need only your attention & priority
on these issues, but, we need a real and substantial tax property reduction
for all floridians.
God Bless you.
-------
Comments0: Please help us. We may have to move
out of Florida because of the property taxes and the homeowners insurance.
We are trying to hang in there, but it is tough.
Thank you.
-------
Comments:Something needs to be done
ASAP....people can not live here anymore. And the salaries are the same as 5
years ago....Taxes and insurance need to be lowered. Or a mandatory cost of
living increase mandated in the state of Florida. It is so bad, I can not
ever afford to contribute anything.....Government officials need to take
action. Just remember you are elected officias, you can be out just as
easily as you get voted in.
------
I am the only one that works in my house. My
wife is disabled and we have three children. We cannot afford to pay these
high taxes.
-------
Comments:
A roll back to 2005-2006 is pure smoke and
mirrors. That was the peak of the boom and woould probably raise taxes.
Nothing less than a rollback to 2002-2003 is acceptable. Both myself, and
MANY of my friends & associates will be watching to see how you vote. Then
we will decide how we vote!
-------
Comments:
by the way is time to start thinking about
electoral reforms to stop the lobbist excesive influence on goverment in
favor of corporations SEPARATE CORPORATE AND GOVERMENT TOO!.
---
Dear Governor,
I love the place where I live but can no longer
afford to live here. I could probably move to a smaller house but it would
cost me the same. What can we do: we can't move,we can't downsize, we can no
longer live the state, no one will buy our house.
From the time you have been in office, I have
seen how hard you have worked for Floridians. I did not vote for you but I
applaud what you are doing and serious you think this issue is. You
understand it better than your predecessor.
Please help us stay here in South Florida. I am
a realtor and there is no business. Nobody wants to come here anymore. The
government needs to make it more affordable.
It has become more affordable to live in Silicon
Valley than in South Florida.
Signed,
A concerned citizen
----
Comments:I am having a hard time since everything has gone up, now my
insurance is cancelled. I was with that company for 20 years and only one
hurricane claim. I can't afford to live here anymore. I can't afford to move
to a cheaper home because then I will be paying a lot more taxes and that
would eat up the savings.
----
Comments:I hope this nightmare gets to an end. You can see in everybody's
face the cries for help, the desesperation. I'm not even going to tell my
situation because after reading people's comments...is to much. Thank you
for put everybody's concerns togehter and making a solid force to break this
situation that is taking Florida to a hecatomb. And for you at the
top...remember...we have the vote in our hands!
-----
Comments: I am basically living on social security and a small pension.
The huge inceases in property taxes and
insurance have been a terrible burden. I am afraid if something isn't done
about it soon, I will have to sell my home of 36 years and move out of the
state of Florida.
I have faithfully paid my taxes, homeowners,
flood and windstorm insurance all these years without one major claim, yet I
and other Florida residents are being penalized by an increase every year.
It is totally unfair.
It seems that our legislators care more about
the insurance companies and big business than they do about the Florida
residents.
-----
We require relief on this matter URGENTLY. It is abusive what politicians
have done to the citizens of all classes in this state regarding Property
taxes. It is SHAMEFULL. We will no longer sit idly by as we have in the
past. The currents of protest will only get stronger. We will become a force
to be reckoned with, because WE ARE THE PEOPLE. !!
-----
Relief from rising insurance rates and property taxes is a must -
particularly considering the unprecedented profits made by the insurance
industry in Florida, and the incredible revenue increase shown in the
central Florida government.
What's needed is more than a cursory financial
nod, but a true, radical change in the way revenue is generated. Without
this reform the real estate industry will continue to be dead-locked, we who
are long time residents will remain unable to upsize or downsize, and home
values will rise at an agonizingly slow rate.
For me and my family to remain in Florida,
something radical must be done - quickly!
Comments:
Here's a
reprint of an E-Mail I recently sent to: Marco Rubio, Ken Pruitt, and Ron
Reagan:
Hello Honorable Public Representatives:
I am writing for my Dad. He is a retired 82 year
old M.D.
His name is Eugenio Silva and he resides at
xxxxxxxxxxxx, Miami, FL.
Home Phone: xxxxxxxxxxxx
Cell Phone: xxxxxxxxxxxx
E-Mail: xxxxxxxxxxxx
My Dad owns and lives in a modest 2 bedroom
Townhouse. When he and my Mom downsized and bought the Townhouse in 2002,
their Homeowners Policy cost them $1,050 per year. That cost has been
steadily rising with an Exponential Profile. Last year the cost was $2,200.
He just received his renewal offer from Federated Assurance Company in the amount of $3,400. Is Federated
not bound to follow the Laws limiting Homeowner’s insurance increases
enacted by the Florida Legislature earlier this year?
He simply cannot afford this new cost, living on
a fixed income of $1,500 per month from his Social Security check.
Please, DO THE RIGHT THING, and stand by your
constituents, the honest hard-working people of the State of Florida.
Stand firm against the Moguls in the Insurance
industry, and tell them: “ENOUGH!! You in the Insurance Industry can make an
honest living charging your customers 40, 50, 60 percent less.”
I thank you for taking your time to listen to
us.
Best Regards,
Hector Lopez - Math Teacher Miami Edison Sr.
High School
Eugenio Silva
-----------------------
The taxes and Insurance prices are
outrageous, the only people that are benefeting from this are the insurance
companies that are doing whatever they want to do and nobody is stoping
them. As a floridian I feel lonely in this problem and our politicians that
are supposed to be checking and fighting for our rights are doing nothing
because this issue is not affecting them as much as it is affecting us, the
working people that do not make a lot of money to cover all these charges
and have families to support. The american dream that once we bragged about
has disappeared in South Florida, and you guys are doing nothing to solve
this problem.
If you would like to
answer me my e-mail is xxxxxxxxxxx
Sincerely,
A very disapointed Floridian.
-----------------------
I strongly believe that everyone should go out
and demonstrate that insurances companies and the raises of taxes should go
lower for everyone no exceptions should be made for the whole state of
Florida why Dade, Broward and Monroe should paid for the whole State of
Florida.
------------------
THANK YOU
FOR THIS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION. HOWEVER, I CANNOT GET TO SWEETWATER, AND
THEREFORE WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY PERSONAL PROTEST TO THIS INSURANCE CHARADE.
JUST ARRIVING HOME FROM A HARD DAY'S WORK, AND ALREADY FEELING EACH DAY MY
CLOSER APPROACH TO LOOSING MY HOME TO FORECLOSURE; HANGING ON AS LONG AS I
CAN TO GET BETTER RESULTS ABOUT HIGH COST OF INSURANCE, FRANKLY I AM VERY
SCARED TO LEAVE MY HOME OF TWENTY-FIVE YEARS FOR UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES! I AM
NOT ALONE WITH THIS UNCANNY EVENT APPROACHING EACH DAY. AND AS IF THIS IS
NOT ENOUGH PUNISHMENT FOR BEING HOMEOWNERS, I CHALLENGE THE STATE OF FLORIDA
TO COME UP WITH A MORE DRASTIC SCENARIO.
I AGREE IT IS BEYOND RIDICULOUS TO PUT A NOOSE
AROUND OUR NECKS; TIE OUR HANDS BEHIND OUR BACKS, AND PUT OUR HANDS TO THE
FIRE TO COME UP WITH MORE MONEY FOR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE! AND WHAT ABOUT A
NIGHTMARE ALTERNATIVE TO SELL OUT TO A LOW-BIDDING MARKET, OR GO INTO
FORECLOSURE?
THE INJUSTICE SERVED ON FAITHFUL HOMEOWNERS, WHO
PAY WITH THEIR LIVES TO KEEP THEIR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION FOR FAMILY IS
NOTHING SHORT OF OUTRAGEOUS.
ALL THIS POSTURING ABOUT WHAT PERCENTAGE IF ANY,
AND JUGGLING HOMEOWNERS AROUND TO FIND NEW INSURANCE, DUE TO THOUSANDS BEING
DROPPED POSES NEW SETS OF PROBLEMS! ADDED TO THIS THE REQUIREMENTS TO ADD
CERTAIN ITEMS TO PROPERTY TO GAIN MEAGER PERCENTAGE FAVORS, CLEARLY SHOWS
INDIFFERENCE TO ASSIST. THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE ANY MEETING OF THE MINDS
TO MEET HOMEOWNER HALFWAY FOR REASONABLE RESOLUTION!
ON THE CONTRARY, THIS SEEMS TO BE A PLOY FOR
INDUCING PANIC SO THAT HOMEOWNERS MUST JUMP SHIP, AND BECOME VAGABONDS
WITHOUT A ROOF OVER THEIR HEADS.
IN A LOUD OUTCRY FROM HOMEOWNERS, WE THE PEOPLE
REQUEST SERIOUS ACTION TO STOP INSURANCE COMPANIES FROM IGNORING OUR RIGHTS
TO LIVE IN OUR HOMES AND CITIES.
WE DEPEND ON OUR GOVERNOR AND ALL THE STATE OF
FLORIDA REPRESENTATIVES TO ACT IN ONE ACCORD TO CORRECT THIS TRAVESTY!
Respectfully submitted
xxx, Ph.D.
-----------------------
Please continue the good fight for
those of us who are really fed-up of the abuses being suffered at the hands
of unscrupulous burocrats and lobbyists who apparently care only for
themselves and are interested in lining their own pockets. They should be
ashamed of themselves. I say we boot them all out of office continuesly
until they start paying attention to those who put them in office in the
first place.
Thank you!
-----------------
It is extremely important that
Florida stop the fiction of Florida-only subsidiary companies to major
insurance companies, wholly owned subsidiaries are a legal fiction that
contributes to the disparity in insurance, allowing such companies to state
their risks in a totally artificial manner, as their profits accrue to the
parent company and their risks should as well, spreading the risk and
underwriting re-insurance across the entire parent company. The state of
Hawaii saw this early on and halted it. Florida simply lacks the fortitude
to do likewise.
On the other hand,
perhaps federal law should govern insurance companies, as few insurance
companies limit their base to a single state and are national corporations
in effect.
regards,
-------------------As a second home owner in Miami
Beach and my main home being in Port Hope, Ontario, Canada I am sick and
tired of how second home owners in particluar are being srewed by this city
of Miami Beach and the state of Florida.
Something drastic needs to happen SOON in order NOT to drive all of us
out of this market.
My taxes almost doubled since I bought less than
3 years ago. Almost $8,000 for a 1,350 sf 1 BR condo.....That's
ridiculous.....
I only spend about 3 months a year down in Miami
but with combined costs of taxes and condo fees exceeding $16,000 I will be
better off selling my condo and adding to the already huge FOR SALE supply
in this shitty real estate market...
I can rent something real nice for the $16,000
in the future for 3 months and have no strings attached and no hassles w/
hurricane damage etc.
The cities and state are sending the WRONG
message to 2nd home buyers/owners all together.
LET'S DO SOMETHING NOW....
Sincerely,
---------------------
Florida needs to adopt the Hawaii model of
"all risk" insurance where companies wanting to write policies to protect
any property for any peril must write the policies to cover all perils.
That includes auto insurance companies that are not allowed to write just
auto but must also offer that same policyholder all-perils home insurance.
Also, no company may write insurance in that state which does not write
insurance in other states, that is, there is no Hawaii-only subsidiary, and
all insurance companies are considered national in scope.
This approach would reduce the apparent
risk to insurance companies by forcing them to cover all perils for both
auto and home and spread the premium income also across all perils risk.
The model will not cause companies to leave the state but to add more
companies to the state than are here now. That was shown in Hawaii.
---------------------
As a victim of the abuse from the
insurance companies and the local governments I endorse this campaign. After
almost 20 years of paying my premiums religiously every month and only having
one claim, Allstate has decided not to renew my policy after next July.
-------------------------
I REFUSE TO VOTE FOR ANY CANDIDATE WHO HAS NOT
ALREADY SHOWN THAT HE/SHE IS SERIOUS ABOUT DOING SOMETHING CONCRETE... AND
QUICKLY... ABOUT THE EXTORTIONATE WINDSTORM INSURANCE RATES IN FLORIDA. THE
PRIVATE COMPANIES ARE GETTING AWAY WITH DAYLIGHT ROBBERY, I.E. FLORIDA
PENINSULA, AS THEY ARE BEING ALLOWED TO CHARGE 140% INCREASES BECAUSE THEY NOW
HAVE THE MONOPOLY IN SOUTH FLORIDA. WHOEVER DOES NOT COME DOWN HARD ON THESE
PRIVATE COMPANIES AND STOP THE EXTORTION... AND FORCED SALE OF ELDERLY PEOPLE'S
HOMES... ABSOLUTELY WILL NEVER GET MY VOTE. WE NEED ACTION AND JUSTICE... AND
NOT JUST TALK OF SAME... AND WE NEED IT RIGHT NOW!
------------------------
I am a civil engineer and my husband is
a computer administrator. We are two working professionals, which SHOULD be able
to afford a normal standard of livig, but here in South Florida is just
impossible. We have had the need to work sencod jobs just because:
-property taxes increased to almost $5,000, and the worst part is, that it'll
keep increasing every year.
-Home insurance increased to almost $4000 and we have to be thankful that
citizen admitted us back with them as a result of the almost $ 7,000 increase
proposed by United.
-Flood Insurance is almost $500
In conclusion the annual expense -not counting mortgage- is almost $10,000 THIS
year.
Don't you think this is kind of high?
What about senior citizens that depend on a pension? What about low income
families? What about a family with 1, 2 or 3 kids? How can they live paying so
much?
That is the reason why I am moving out of Florida and I guess that just like me,
many other families and businesses are also leaving; however, I still think that
this is an unbearable situation and a solution shall be provided to those who
stay in South Florida.
-----------
I am very unhappy
with the raising of the property taxes/insurance. I understand that taxes are
necessary, however when we have the property being assessed by my neighbors
property based on the value of a home that was not appraised accordingly. We do
not have good schools around the area, our avenue is not maintaned propertly and
i can go on. SO WHERE ARE THE TAXES going to?? to a FRIEND OF A FRIEND that is
being oursourced/contracted to get the job done and it never does????
Please re-evaluate the taxes accordingly to be fair to everyone.
--------
I want to insure for whatever amount
I owe to the bank
Be able to take higher deductibles and
have significantly lower rates
Reduce property taxes
Be able to take 50,000 homestead exemption instead of 25,000 as it is now
---------
so happy someone is
looking our for our well being
---------
Very Good Work
-----------
Dear Mr. Crist:
After being in this country for over 46 years, I have strugle to support my
family and to maintain my home ("The American Dream"), which has become ("The
American Nightmare"), due to the high increase on the insurance and taxes.
In 1997, I was diagnosticated with cancer and I have been operated for the same
condition ten times, eventhough I get quimo therapy, I still working like a
horse in order to keep my home monthly payments, I pay about $600.00 per month
in taxes and insurance. It is very sad that at my age I move to another state,
and start all over again becuase of the increases.
I claim to you as a good heart person with decency, to allow me to stay in
Miami, in my home, than more than a home is my santuary.
May the Lord be with you, with your family and with me and allow you to make the
right decision.
God Bless today and always,
Martha.
-----
Gov. Crist & staff, as you are more then
aware the State of Florida has increased its property taxes as well as insurance
coverage the past 5 years at a rate higher then any other state in the Union.
Those of us in South Florida have been affected the worse. Please keep your word
and maintain the cost, I know you are working on it, but keep your promise to
those of us that are your constiguents.
Thanks,
-----------
Something needs to be done regarding the
racing of insurance premiums for houses in South Florida. We spend so much money
in this and when the time comes to put in a claim, most insurance companies
don't want to pay not even for half of the claim. So really then why do we have
insurance in our property and pay the thousands of dollars every year, year
after year so that when we need them to step up to the plate they don't.
We really need to focus all the attention this matter.
Thanks--------
The cost of taxes is making it impossible
to be able to afford a home in South Florida. We need immidiate help in lowering
the tax, and insurance hike in Miami Dade. I am a single parent working by
myself with two children, my mortgage paymnent has risen to $2,200.00 a month
making it impossible to pay with one salary. I am currently been forced to get a
partime job just to make ends meet. We need change and we need it now before
most of us loose the homes we've worked so hard to maintain.
Thank You.
Angela
-------
these property taxes are grossly over
estimated. i feel we are being robbed.
--------
Thank you governor Charlie Crist
for all you help..
-----------
PLEASE LOWER INSURANCE RATES, LOOK AT THE
NUMBERS OF HOMES BEING FORECLUSED, THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE
OF FLORIDIANS BECAUSE OF THE HURRICANES.BUT IF YOU SEE THE NUMBERS THEY MAKE
FORM US YOU KNOW THEY CAN AFFORD 10 HURRICANES IN A SEASON ALONE. THEY ARE
MAKING A WHOLE ALOT OF MONEY, TAKING IT FROM US AND MAKING US LOSE OUR
PROPERTIES FOR OUR CHILDREN AND OURSELVES. HELP FLORIDIANS KEEP THEIR HOMES.
-----
The cost of living in Florida (Taxes,
Insurances, Mortgage/Rent, cars, gas) do not goes with the average income the
Floridians earn as salary. The politics must prepare a plan to help the people
that voted for them.
--------
I own 4 properties in the Dade County Area.
The taxes & insurances are forcing me to sell and invest in other states.
------------
My insurance has increased from $2,400 in
2006 to $5,800 in 2007 that is an enourmous increase and we hae nver had a claim
in the past 9 years.
-------
I believe that taxes and insurance are
abusive. People don't make enough money here to pay the high cost living. If
things continue to go this way, we will be force to leave FL and move up to
another state. This is too much already, we live to pay taxes and insurance
here.
-----------
ITS IMPORTANT TO LOWER OUR INSURANCE AND
TAXES BECAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE LOOSING THEIR HOMES BECAUSE OF THIS
REASON!!!!I THINK ITS OUTRAGIOUS OF HOW PEOPLE WHO HAVE THEIR HOMES PAID OFF ARE
NOW HAVING TO MOVE OUT BECAUSE THEY CANNOT PAY THE INSURANCE AND TAXES
-----------
Politicians in control have made a
mess in this country especially in Florida. We moved to Florida to be able to
afford a better living for our family and now we are thinking of moving again to
somewhere where taxes and insurance bills are normal, and politicians don't take
advantage of the people. Where is that place..I wonder !
--------------
Thank you for helping us.
-----------
Everyone that lives in the U.S. is
contributing in MANUFACTURING these HURRICANES !!!
Therefore EVERYONE that lives in the U.S. should contribute in paying our
Hurricane Insurance !!!
Everyone should write a check directly to the Insurance Company.
For Example: Everyone should write a check for $20.00 dollars to Gulfstream
Insurance Company.
If everyone in the U.S. PAYS $20.00 dollars per person, our Hurricane Insurance
will come out to peanuts.
I DO NOT WANT A CATASTROPHE FUND !!!
Because the U.S. GOVERNTMENT will probably lend you the money under one
condition.
It will be an Adjustable Loan.
That is why I DO NOT WANT A CATASTROPHE FUND.
I DO NOT TRUST THE U.S. GOVERNMENT
AND I NEVER WILL !!!!!
-----
We need to reduced taxes and insurance
,people is moving to other states because they can pay this taxes and insurance
,I did investments and the townhome that I have is not homestated and tha taxes
are getting to hight ,also there is a lot of foreclosures.
------
Floridians need tax break and insurance
break. Residents cannot afford to continue paying such high prices. There are
many people loosing their homes due to such high insurance rates and taxes that
continue to elevate. Now a days young people cannot afford to buy their homes.
The American dream is disappearing. Elderly couples who have worked all their
lives end up living in low income housing because although they paid off their
homes the insurance and taxes don't allow them to make ends meet. This is
un-fair and just wrong. We need immediate changes......
Please help!!!!!!
---------
We need help or we are going to loose
everything, my husband and I are over 50 years old and we can't continue working
more than 10 or 20 hours overtime every week.
Thanks
---------
I do take care of the house and the babies
because we can't afford to pay a day care. My husband spend many hours working
to be able to pay everything.
Thanks
--------
Because the live expenses increase I have
to spend more time working than with my family, including sleeping time.
It is really sad because I have a 3 years old boy and a 6 month old one.
Thanks
----
If we want to keep real people in Florida
and not just the rich snowbirds, something must be done about taxes and
insurance. The average middle class citizen can not afford to live here.
-------
It is incredible what this county has done
with the property taxes...especially those of homes belinging to retirees...It
si shameful!1 It is no wonder people are leaving FLORIDA for 'greener'
pastures!!
-------------
Property taxes are seriously weakening our
economy. Affordability issues have to be addressed. Salaries are not in line
with costs associated with housing. The bottom line is prperty taxes are killing
us. WE NEED HELP!!!!
---------
In the last years, my property insurance
has increased dramatically.
When I bought my house 16, years ago, I was paying 700.00 dollars, now I'm
paying 5000.00 a year. The local government is increasing my property taxes 20%
to 25% per year. If this situation continues, I'm not going to be able to afford
to live in my house and will be forced to sale and relocate in another state.
Additionally, property insurance is another burden. I'm paying $4700.00 a year.
It is getting very expensive to live in Florida.
Sincerely,
----
We are preparing for retirement and these
increases in taxes and insurance have really hurt our plans. We can't even
afford to move to a smaller home.
-----
Miami is becoming a place for the
super/rich.
It is unfair that we have not pass portability and consider a drastic reduction
in insurance and property taxes.
What will people have to do when payments for insurance and taxes are higher
than their retirement income.
PERHAPS DIE!
-----
Ive lived in miami for the greatest part of
my life and Im looking to move out of south florida because taxes have made it
so dificult to follow the american dream of being a home owner, please evaluate
our situation and lower property taxes -------
----
It is getting more and more difficult to
afford living in South Florida because of the insurance cost and the property
taxes. Please help us by lowering these, not only by not raising premiums, but
by lowering these costs.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!
-------
This problem is creating instability in our
homes. We cannot afford these high taxes, high insurance and low salaries. Shame
on those politicians that think that this is going to work, yes for them it will
work, they will become more wealthy.
------
We need to do something about our taxes
inMiami Dade, people are losing what little they have because they cannot afford
to pay the high tax cost, and insurance premium.
Is about time people stand up for their rights.
---------
my house property taxes went up to two time
the amount within two years.
-----
Insurance rates coupled with the high price
of homes and cost of living in Florida make it impossible for people to purchase
homes and live a decent life. Please make reforms to the Homestead Exemption and
cut homeowner's insurance rates. We are draining South Florida of entrepeneurs
and members of the "think tank" who go elsewhere.
-----
Because of the inflation of the taxes and
insurance, my mortgage has escalated $700.00 more monthly and being a single mom
I am not able. Please help us.
-----
A 10% reduction in insurance is not
acceptable.
Homestead should be made $100,000.
----
I bought my home 35 years ago and is paid
for. The property value has gone up, so have the taxes and insurance. My
question is this...HOW DO YOU EXPECT AN 84 YEAR, LIVING ON A FIXED INCOME, TO
PAY FOR ALL THIS??????
---------
Through this petition, I request that the
tax/insurance issue be addressed immediately in order to have said tax increases
lowered. Thank you.
------Our taxes were raised 100 and 200%
and a 10% cut is not acceptable.
With this petition, I request that the
tax/insurance issue be addressed with great importance to our community and that
it immediately be lowered in order for it to be affordable for single parents as
myself. Thanks.
----
I definitely want for our property taxes to
go down. The crisis is growing between Floridians. Everything seems to go up
except our take home paycheck.
--------
I believe that the taxes/insurance
situation in Miami is causing a large expense on Floridians that are unable to
afford due to the daily living expense. People are loosing their homes due to
this serious problem. Everyday there are more and more impedements for people to
live a normal and healthy life due to the stress being caused by our community.
I believe this issue should be seriously reviewed and that all measures are
taken to lower the inflation of taxes/insurance. Thank you.
--------
it is ridiculous!! there is no way we can
continue paying the money that we don't make!! we need to stop this abuse!!
please be fair to us, we already pay taxes throughout the whole year, we file
taxes, I usually get something in return but now?? what I get is to continue
paying??? because my taxes are sooo high?? pelase do something!
--------
I don't even make enough money to keep up
with my mortgage. I have to rent my house so that I can pay for it. This tax
thing has got to end! first, the properties are SUPER HIGH!!! it is impossible
to be a homeowner now days, and on top of that we get taxes this high??? they
are out of their minds!!! how are we going to live ??? we get tired of working
you know?? we need a brake!!
------
It is a great concern the real estate tax
increase in Miami-Dade County. This increase is creating a hardship in making
the mortgage payments together with the escrows to cover all the increases.
Especially at our age!
----------
Our property taxes are inconceivably
outrageous! We are curious to know how we can lower them and join this petition
to assist in any way we can. Please provide further information.
Thank you.
----
SOUTH FLORIDA HAS THE VERY HIGH TAXES, HIGH
INSURANCE, HIGH EVERYTHING, EXCEPT SALARIES. WE HAVE THE LOWEST SALARIES IN THE
COUNTRY AND WE HAVE TO PAY THE MOST FOR INSURANCE, TAXES AND UTILITIES ETC., HOW
LONG BEFORE SOMEONE CORRECTS THESE PROBLEMS????
-----
This is so out of hands that if impacting
negatively the live of every resident in south Florida.
---
I am signing this petition in order to
lower the property tax. As a single woman supporting a house, the property tax
and insurance is killing me. I pay $11,000 for both and only earn $47,000. The
remainder is to pay the mortgage, car, car insurance, food, utilities and other
misc items to support a house. The increase is outrages for a single person.
---------
It is bad enough that home prices have
doubled and tripled in the last few years, the goverment acknowledges we have a
problem by continuosly raising the affordable housing issue, yet they have
benefited by this increase in home costs by colelcting double and triple the
property taxes. I do not see double or triple improvements in our roads, new
schools or higher pay for county workers. Instead you hear about the millions of
dollars in embezzelment and fraud the county is guilty of. People are being
driven from their homes by higher property costs only to have a corrupt official
benefit. Give Miami a break, wages have not increased and people are suffering.
-----
There is a dire need to stop this madness.
Current property taxes are legal avenues for discrimination.
---
Property taxes and winstorm insurance, as
well as homeowners and flood insurance are outrageously expensive. Something
needs to give and I believe it is at this point the goverment put a halt to the
abuses the insurance companies are getting away with, not to mention the
inflated property taxes!
-----
Property taxes are outrigheous, that's the
reason why many homeowners will loose their hard worked and earned property.
Please do soemething about it, before is too late.
------------
My house was a total loss and made
uninhabitable by the county. I still have yet to see the full money to help
build my house. It has mold inside and I have been living in a trailer since
almost two years. I don't kow how many adjustors have gone and mediations and
nothing. Just insurance rising costs and in the end they don't pay. I am a
senior citizen widow and its not right.
-----
Please help us. I pay more than double my
property taxes for my home insurance. when not too long ago I paid 1,600 a year
and now 4,800 a year! Since my house was built in 1958 I do not have an option
of getting competitive rates from other insurance companies since none cover
houses built before 1998, even though nothing happened to my house in any
hurricane---it's made of concrete block! while people I know had more damage in
their new houses!! I don't make alot of money and its very hard to make ends
meet when the pay has stayed the same and this keeps going up and up.I will have
to leave out of Florida if this continues to rise.
-----
---------
Hope that this works for the benefit of all
the residents of the State of Florida.
Florida is becoming a State for the rich only no middlet class or lower income.
Are these the things our Great Country of Great State want for their people.
-----
I would like to say that I have been living
in the good old USA since I was 10 Years of age and I do remember when my
parents regular factory workers and we lived in a nice neighborhood, were able
to afford to save money and go on vacation. I am a single mom and have two
children and I earn a decent income and can't afford to save money or go on
vacation with my family. The American dream is dying. Why are we letting the
little people die? Where are we supposed to go? We want our children's off the
streets and we can't afford to have them in a house. Families with children need
a home to live in and salaries to match.
----
The issue of property taxes and insurance
relief should be an absolute priority. These issues do not only affect seniors
it affects all Floridians. As a native Floridian I have always wanted to stay in
Forida and give back to may community. Unfortunately, the tax and insurance
situation has placed my family and many others in a situation of not being able
to move or purchase a new home in Florida. It's not right when families are
forced to sell their homes because they can no longer afford the homeowners and
the property taxes.
The Legislature needs to take immediate action because Floridians will either
continue to leave the state and those of us that stay will make sure that those
who did nothing will not be re-elected.
---
please help we can't afford this taxes
anymore....
-----
please help ,, taxes are to much to pay..
we need help.. i am a single man trying to pay what i can't afford since it is
to much.....please help prevent foreclosures....thanks
------------
i am a single mother with 3 kids unable to
pay taxes.. please help
----
Please address the property tax increases
or we will be forced to move out of state.
-----
the cost of insurance has raised so much
that it is very difficult for regular working people to pay as it has gone up so
much .. people think about moving because of that.. if something can be done.. I
am sure the economy of fl will be a lot better since we will spend the money
here and not somewhere else.. if we had more money spared from taxes ..
-------------
I am currently paying $5000.00 in property
taxes. The previous owners paid half of that. It is not fair that just because
we got here at a later date that we should be forced to pay more than others who
are in the same neigborhood using the same fire station, police station,
libraries,etc. There are neighbors who own much newer bigger homes and who pay
the same or less in property taxes. How can we plan for our childrens future?
Where will our children be able to buy their 1st home if this continues?
Something must be done.Otherwise Florida will become a ghost town in the future.
---
WE ARE TIRED OF THE BEURACRACY SORROUNDING
OUR DAILY LIVES, ALL OUR COUNTY, AND CITY OFFICIALS SHOULD HAVE THE COMMON
CORTESY OF RESIGNING OFFICE THEY ARE ALL WORTHLESS PROFESIONAL LIERS.
"GET OUT NOW"
---
I am paying $5000.00 in taxes a year and I
can barely afford it.I need my taxes lowered otherwise I will be forced to leave
this state which I have lived in almost all my life and have to leave most of my
family behind.
---
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH WE ARE TIRED OF THE ABUSE,
WE CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE.
---
WHAT IS GOING ON IN OUR COUNTY, THE ANSWER
TO ALL THE MONEY ISSUES IS RAISE TAXES, WE THE PEOPLE OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ARE
FED UP.
WE ARE NOT MAKING ENOUGH THE AMERICAN DREAM IS LOST, SALARIES ARE THE SAME TAXES
AND INSURANCE NOT TO MENTION OTHER THINGS ARE ALL GOING UP.
" LETS GET IT TOGETHER IF OUR COMMISIONERS, MAYOR, STRONG MAYOR, COUNTY
ACCOUNTANTS, DONT KNOW HOW TO DO IT, GET OUT NOW"
----
Taxes Are getting to high and ruining our economy please realize whats happening
to your American People.
-------
I object to the price rate increases that
have occurred in the past and refuse to continue having these outrageous hikes.
------
Home ownership is not affordable.
-----
Presently paying $6,700.00 in property
taxes which seems absolutely outrageous for middle to lower class citizens.
With the taxes, insurance and extreme deductilbes the american dream is no
longer possible in south florida.
-----
FLORIDA PROPERTY TAXES ARE UNBEARABLE IN MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD COUNTIES. PLEASE
DO THE RIGHT THING AND MAKE THIS A PRIORITY IN YOUR NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
Comments:
"...Frankly, the pressure needs to continue, and the %
reductions are far from making a real and significant
difference for the most desperate homeowners..."
Comments: This kind
of problems are not resolve by metting at Versalles. The
public need's to get educated about what is going on on this
County.
I don't feell good about
the Cubans in Dade County that represent us. I feel that
everyone of them should be investigated buy the Federal
Govertment. Money disapears here more than you know.
I think my option is to
leave this State.
Don't get me wrong, I'm
Cuban also, but I can not stand what has been going on for
years. I prefeer to sit and listen to a buch of criminals in
jail, that for me to listen to a sigle politician.
Comments: To me, I knew
that this was going to be just a game. Just like placing a half
an inch bandage on a 12 inch injury. I'm retired, my house is
pay for, no mortage.
What you are offering is a
disgrace to the people.
At the same time you see all
those citicens that still have the chance of staying with a
private company with a house similar to mine, paying aproxiamte
$1,700 a year. I was paying $2,700 a year and it took me over a
year to get the insuarnce company to pay my damages. Now I do
not have Insurance since the 17th of this month.
My agency ask me for me to
send pictures of my house and to fill up some applications.
Before I did that, acctually I
have not done that, I ask them to give me an idea of what my
Insurance will cost. The answer was almost $6000 dollars a year.
I decided to get no insurance and decided not to send the
paperwork. I know of people moving out of this County paying
less taxes and insurance, just by moving less than 100 miles
away.
I'm just disgusted with our
govertment, nothing good ever comes out of the people that
suposse to represent us.
Most of all, I'm sure no one
important will read this, and most of all no boby importantan
will reply.
What realy hurt's is that
politician can robe the tax payers all the time and nothing is
done.
I got more respect for
convicts the the system that I do for politicians.
You people are a
disgrace.................
Comments: I am outraged with insurance renewal
prices. I own 10 properties mainly rental properties that my
tenants cannot afford higher rents because of there income. I am
being forced to raise there rents because of higher insurance
premiums and taxes. Miami-Dade county is pushing or forcing the
working class to move elsewhere because of un-affordable rents.
If we keep this up soon we will have a lot of homeless people on
the streets like what is happening in Oahu Hawaii.
Comments:
The homeowners insurance crisis is a
direct result of our elected officials not fulfilling their
duties by taking action on this issue.
The insurance issue puts in jeopardy
our entire state economy and deprives the lower income class the
ability to own a house and create wealth thus continuing the
cycle of dependency on goverment programs.
To add insult to injury our real
estate taxes have increased 130.37% in the last 5 years giving
the state and county a windfall in revenues What have we gained?
The only thing I see is more goverment waste, mismanagement and
incompetence.
Perfect examples are the Miami
airport, over 1 billion over budget and more than 4 years behind
schedule, the Miami Art center, over 100 million over budget and
more than 2 years behind schedule.
Comments: NOT ONLY DO OUR INSURANCE
RATES NEED TO BE LOWERED, BUT CREDIT MUST BE GIVEN FOR CONCRETE
ROOFS. I HAVE ONE BUT TRAVELERS CANCELLED ME BECAUSE IT IS FLAT.
THAT WAS OUT OF THE BOX FOR THEM. AND HOW ABOUT PUTTING A CAP ON
INVESTMENT AND 2ND HOME PROPERTY TAXES???? WE CANT AFFORD THOSE
EITHER. IN VOLUSIA THEY NEVER LOWERED THE VALUE ON THE HURRICANE
DAMAGED PROPERTIES. AND NO ONE WINS AN APPEAL ACCORDING TO THE
LOCAL PROFESSIONALS. WHAT IS GOING ON IN VOLUSIA'S PROPERTY
APPRAISER OFFICE? PLEASE PASS THIS ALONG. WE NEED DRASTIC
CHANGES IN FLORIDA.
Comments: The American dream
has always been to own your home. Unfortunately recently
this is slowly becoming a nightmare. My mother who came here at
the age of 23 from Cuba, widowed at 28 and never married again,
took my fathers life insurance money which was 10k,and invested
it in a duplex in 1975 which we grew up in all our lives, and
still lives in till this day. She is now considering selling her
home due to Liberty Mutual advising her that even though she has
paid them thousands over the years, and filed one claim in 1992,
(which believe me she did not get much from that claim compared
to some of the lottery like claims that were paid out at that
time), she has been advised that her insurance will not be
renewed as of March 29, 2007. It is not only sad, but borderline
CRIMINAL! I called her agent, and all she could tell me was that
we're not the only family that Liberty Mutual is dropping which
I guess is there way of making us feel better. My mother makes
14k at Sears yearly so how the hell is she supposed to eat, when
the best insurance quote that she has recieved so far is for
6,500.00.
I realize that we're not the only
family affected, but I do feel that we all have to fight this
together until this issue is addressed and corrected, or Miami
will turn into a land of absentee owners which have no
investment in South Florida other then property. I hope you
noticed that I didn't bring up taxes which when you combine them
it forces me to ask how is any family with a average income
between 20 - 30k per adult in Dade County supposed to ever think
for a split second that the American Dream is about them, and
not billionaire investors like Trump. Don't get me wrong I have
nothing against him personally I just feel that everyone has the
same right to dream as he has, after all that's what this
country is based on, or we all might as well start looking to
move to Idaho. I don't think they have any investors eye on them
yet, but hey atleast they can dream.
Comments: I am new to the work
force, and a new homeowner. This year i paid $7500 in insurance
to Citizens... need I say more? No, but I will anyways...From
what I hear from others who also have Citizens, not a penny is
returned for any claim. And if one is to take a plane and fly
over Florida, its hard not to notice the thousands of blue tarps
over the roofs, and we all know this is not because noboday
wants to make money fixing roofs.
Comments: We will be "forced"
to carry no insurance at all since a retirement pension could
not permit us to pay for this outrageous increase in property
insurance. We are paying off the small balance owed and will
certainly NOT PURCHASE INSURANCE COVERAGE!!!!!!!!!!
AND....for what?....insurance
companies pay squat!!!!
Comments: Please make it possible
that the legislators allow homeowners without mortgages to buy
Homeowner’s Insurance that doesn’t include Windstorm Coverage.
We have lived in this same
house, in South Florida, for 34 years and it is paid for.
We would like to purchase
fire and theft coverage ONLY on our Homeowner’s Insurance. We
have managed to make it through the hurricanes and storms
through our 34 years here because we feel our home was well
built in 1970 and we have our Hurricane Plan in effect every
year. So, we would like to be able to go without the very
expensive Windstorm Coverage. We’ve never had a claim for
Hurricane damage. We hope we can continue to say that. We’ve had
inconveniences from past storms, but we never sustained damage
to our home. To our trees, yes. But, trees aren’t covered by a
Windstorm Policy, anyway.
Please help us. Allstate
Floridian has cancelled our policy, which means they won’t renew
us in March 2007. I don’t know how we will be able to afford to
live in our home when we get what we assume will be a hefty rate
hike from a new insurance company that our Insurance Agent has
suggested - Royal Palm Insurance Company.
We would like to have
Homeowner’s Insurance for fire and theft ONLY. I think we can
deal with Mother Nature and her hurricanes as we have had for
over 34 years.
Comments: Since it was the
Florida politicians who got us into this insurance nightmare by
lining their pockets with lobbyists’ graft and bribes, let’s see
them get off their dead "behinds" and onto their dying feet and
pass some meaningful legislation and damn the lobbyists being
sent in by the insurance industry and other special interests.
Shame on Tallahassee and
their self-serving politicians.
Comments: I am a single mom
with my daughter in College. I work as an LPN, and do not make
sufficient money.
I have a mortgage to pay,
and I support my daughter who is a studing full time, and has a
part time job.
I buy her books, and with
the part time job that she has, she helps me paying for her own
things, gasoline to go to school, and some of her expenses.
I am attending part time
College as well to be a RN.
The Insurance Crisis is
making me work overtime, and it is been a burden even to further
my education.
Insurance prices can not escalate as
it has been.
I am in favor of big deductibles,
and zero coverage for contents.
If I could, I would not have any
insurance, but my mortage requires it.
It is a shame that my home that cost
me 2 years ago $119,000.00, it is evaluated as 160,000.00 for
insurance purposes, but if I want to sell it, perhaps I could
not get $130.000.00.
Something should be done soon, or
our State will suffer devastating losses. Our seniors, who are
no longer in the work force are already suffering, and our
children will suffer the consequences as well.
Comments: As a senior citizen it is
getting harder and harder to pay high insurance rates. Many are
just not paying insurance meaning that when a bad storm hits
people will have to depend on Fema or Government housing for
Shelter.
Our shelter is becoming
unaffordable.
Comments: To Our Legislators: I can
imagine how overwhelming it must be to be in your position in
Tallahassee. but please do not loose touch with the real reasons
why you are there. We are counting on you to keep our homes.
thank you.
Comments: The increase in insurance
had impacted us so much that we have thinking in putting our
house in the market. We paid more in insurance that what we pay
for morgage we have children and we can not see paying this and
not having enough money to feed our children. I will need to get
a second job and spend less time with my family to pay for
insurance is just not right!!!
Comments: It's shameful that
homeowners have to pay so much more for insurance now only
because one year of big payouts by the insurers. What happened
to the years of not paying out, what happened to that money? U-sually,
it ends in big wigs' pockets or on investments by the huge
profits they make either way. How about them (the insurers)
selling some of the properties they have invested in in order to
come up with the additional monies for payments to the
homeowners that put in claims but only 10% of the claim is
paid???
Greed has become a very big part of
the any big industry such as insurance.
Comments: My home insurance premium
with State Farem went up more than 100%, the insurance companies
are finding all kinds of ways to deny claims and all kinds of
ways to raise premiums, it is a rip-off.
Comments: The treatment of South
Florida is absurd.The whole stae is at risk yet there are only
800,000 policies written. Spread the risk, lower the cost, opt
out provisions, etc.
Comments: I have lived and
owned my home for 31 years have have paid insurance premiums the
entire time. For the past two years I have received 100%
increases in my nsurance premiums. I live in 1200 sq ft.
townhouse attached on both sides and my homeowner's insurance
was increased to $6,200.00 per year. This is rediculouse. Two
years ago my premiun was $1,781.00. I cannot afford the higher
premium so I reduced my coverage to get the premium down to
$3,100.00 Still too high but far more manageable than $6,200.
Why should I get less coverage for a higher premium. This must
stop and our Legislatures have got to get us back to more
reasonable rates and better coverage. I can't believe the
insurance companies are losing money!!!! People have been paying
premiums for years without filling claims. STOP it soon or no
one will be ables to live in Florida
Comments: The issues of property
taxes, homestead excemptions and INSURANCE NEED to be addressed
immediately. FL homeowners are going to lose their homes if the
government fails to act.
Comments: The thing that is so
overwhelming to me, is that the insurance companies are getting
away with this.
We have been giving them money for
years, and when we need it, it's no longer there.
I have been to several meetings and
was told by the panel at Coral Gables High School that there is
no rhyme or reason as to why these insurance rates are as high
as they are, and that a (quote) "Ouiji board" was how they came
up with these quotes.
This is a BLATANT scam, and I am a
State Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser with a very
large and well established bank, and I know values and I know
houses. This is/will cause a meltdown of grand proportions.
Big banks will step in and kick some
behinds as there will be too many foreclosures.
How dare they charge me an extra 20%
because I live in a house that is 70 years old? How dare they
say that homes built in the 1980's are better than mine?
What a joke.
Comments: I am a registered
voter who owns property in Florida. I urge to do what you can to
make home owner's insurance affordable.
Comments: TAXES ARE AN UNFAIR
BURDEN. WE NEED GUANTEES AND CONTROLS TO PROTECT HOME OWNERS
Comments: with the rising cost
of insurance and taxes people are finding it very difficult to
remain in Miami-Dade County and even Florida. I know many people
who have moved, are moving or are planning to move away from
South Florida, because they cannot afford to live here.
Comments: The Poperty
Insurence burden is driving many hard working , middle class
neighbors out of Miami . These are good people who have spent
the best part of their lives paying off the morgage on a house
they planned to retire in , only to find that the cost of
Insurence can not be met.
Comments: Please help us, my mom is
having alot of trouble paying the bills because the house
payment keeps going up. I can not help her too much since I am
still in school. but we dont want to lose our house, where will
we live? She is worring all the time.
Comments: I believe that insurance
companies are guilty of "cherry picking", ie. acquiring and only
retaining policies that are deemed low or no risk, thereby
giving Citizens only higher risk policies. The whole idea of
insurance is to spread risk over a large pool of policies to
offer some degree of protection to all. By allowing private
insurers to continue this practice, they inherently drive
actuarial rates of Citizens much higher than they would be if
the risk were shared among all policy holders (meaning both low
and high risk situations). What's the solution? That's the
$64,000 question. You could perhaps kick private insurers out of
Florida and come up with a Florida catastrophe Fire and
Windstorm fund, but we all know how government can muck up a
good idea. Perhaps some genius can come up with a formula to
force private companies to take on a fair amount of high risk if
they want to do business in Florida. A National Catastrophe fund
would be great, but unlikely to be ratified in time to provide
Floridians with immediate relief.
Another idea: Give folks on a fixed
income an additional break on insurance rates. What these
insurance rates are doing to elderly folks on fixed incomes is
unconscionable. (We are not on a fixed income. I am concerned
about my elderly neighbors.)
We also need to repeal the law that
says Citizens has to have the highest insurance rates. That is
utter nonsense! Base the rates on a fair actuarial premises.
Insurance companies do it this way, and so should the state.
Finally, I am not an actuary, but it
seems to me that homes above a certain value shouldn't have the
same coverage or rates as homes that are ordinary. (Thinking
about mansions on the coast owned by the very wealthy.) Perhaps
there should be a subgroup within Citizens for these kinds of
homes with their own higher rates. Maybe it would help lower
rates for the average home. Thanks for listening. Good luck.
Comments: Hello: I'm 54 years
old, I'm a single mother I'm working as a Mortgage Processor and
I have a Real Estate Lic. The situation with the insurance
coverage increased is affecting both sides of my life,
personnally and with my job also. The Real Estate Market, is not
doing well, one of the reasons is the high cost of Homeowners
Insurance and Taxes. Insurance companies are becoming richer,
please try to do something about it. This Is real Terrible.
Comments: I purchased my home
after Andrew I was insured with Citizen. In the 10 years I have
never had a claim. Last year I received a renewal from First
Home Insurance Company. I had an increase of $1500.00 and as if
that was not bad enough I just got my renewal and it was raised
another $2300.00 I am not sure what I am going to do because
$6295.00 for home insurance is crazy. Insurance, taxes and
mortgage takes over 40% of my salary.
Comments: Please help The
People of Florida or we will sink. I thank you ahead of time for
keeping our heads above water.
Comments: I am terrorized by the
Insurance Industry. I am going to have to sell my home and move.
Comments: I am a registered
voter who owns property in Florida. I urge to do what you can to
make home owner's insurance affordable.
Comments: Thanks for providing an
opportunity to express my displeasure in the way the insurance
industry is treating Floridians.
A Federal Wind Insurance should be
set up much like the Flood Insurance program.
If an insurance can sell auto
insurance then they should also be required sell home owners
insurance.
Comments: Homeowners are in crisis
because of property insurance costs. The cost of property
insurance is driving residents out of our state because they can
no longer afford their homes. Is this what you want?
Comments: Propert insurance should
be one of the top priorities. For all the lame excuses there has
ever been to have a 1 cent sales tax increase, this should be
the best reason to create a catastrophe fund only usable for
natural disaters hurricanes, wildfires flooding etc. or in the
case of calling out national guard for domestic violence/terroism.
Comments: Some of my
family and friends are in the Real Estate Business. Never have I
heard them as well as myself, complain and worry for ourselves
and children about where we are going to live next due to the
fact of the price increase in the property taxes. People who
lived in their homes for years and now being driven out of their
homes, and shattering the dreams of others to those who do want
to purchase a home, afraid to do so, because of the property
taxes and even the outrages prices of any home in a
neighborhood, where there is still a chance to raise your child
right. I am appauled. I've been to California, the prices are
definitely out this World, but, it is another World and gorgeous
and worth every penny. I stay here for personal reasons, family
most of all, otherwise, I would be somewhere else.
MIAMI, your not the same anymore.
Too Bad....
Comments: All Florida
Residents needs a discount in our home owners insurance policy
premiums. We can not longer afforded the high increase in our
policies and this need to be evaluate as soon as possible. The
property taxes also went up as well the insurance and all
utilities. But the salaries remain the same amount.
We trust in the power that our Vote
have.
Comments: I am a Realtor in
the Miami- dade area as well as a homeowner, the increases in
our rates has been a deterrent to Real Estate Sales as well as a
hardship to existing homeowners.
Comments on the Insurance Crises:
HELP, what is a person to do???
No one will cover my home except Citizens and my premium went
from $960 to $3100, with less coverage and high deductible. I
am a single mom with 3 childrena and already work 2 jobs. Wish
I could cancel my insurance but still have a mortgage, wish I
could move OUT of Florida, but can't due to divorce. Maybe I
should just quit and get on Welfare and Section 8??? I am
getting further and further in debt. Afraid to open mail, my
renewal is in May. How much will it go up this year???
HElp, sinking fast
Comments: Please do something about
this grave situation; I am a homeowner for over 30 years and in
grave danger of not being able to afford homeowner's insurance,
in order to be able to cover my expenses.
Comments: The cost of owning a house
in South Florida is adding many burdens to families already
maxed out by the cost of living here. Many families we know are
looking to leave the area because they can not afford the
increases in their morgages due to the increase in taxes and
insurance.
This is a priorty issue for us.
Comments: I am a teacher and a
single parent. Please have mercy, I cannot feed my children and
pay for homeowner's insurance at the same time. God bless you!
Comments: I feel that it is very
unfair that homeowners who are not offered private homeowners
insurance and must resort to the state's insurance policy must
also pay higher rates.
I have not been delinquent in any
payments but pay the rate of a delinquent homeowner.
There are no private policies being
written in South Florida so I have no alternative than to
continue to be penalized with the higher rates.
Comments: Please help us with this
very, very serious problem.
This is completly getting out of
control Insurance and taxes are killign us. We are working only
to pay them. The American dream is at jeopardy because of this.
Comments: No insurance company
should have the right to raise homeowners insurance premium 242%
over previous year's premium.
Comments: Property taxes have
skyrocketted also!!!
Comments: Please LOWER SIGNIFICANTLY the price
of PROPERTY INSURANCE! It is OUTRAGEOUS!
Sincerely,
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, M.D.
Comments: Please change legislature
or insurance laws. It is not to mention an outrage, but an abuse
on society to raise the premiums of our home owner's insurance.
We pay and pay and pay, then, yes by some freak of mother
nature, we got slammed by hurricanes; but that should not give
the insurance companies the right to raise the premiums.
Instead, have better control when it comes to paying for
damages, make sure that there are real damages, train your
adjustors to be fair and honest.
Comments: I was cancelled by my
insurance carrier and the state doubled my insurance. It is
outrageous to be paying this amount in homeowners insurance. We
cannot afford to protect our biggest investment.
Comments: HELP!!!!!!
Property tax & insurance rate
increases in Miami-Dade County have reach an abusive and
unjustified limit.
Tax collector in Miami-Dade county
and the insurance commission must be elected by the people they
are destroying economically.
Comments: There is no reason
to keep rasing rates when insurance companies have made so much
money from premiums collected over a period of 30 years that I
have been a resident in Miami Dade County.
What they want is simply out of
their minds.
I would not be able to pay my new
homeowners insurance, therefore will have to face loosing my
home, as well as my wife, mother and uncle since we all reside
at the same home.
Comments: You need to do something about
regulating the insurance industry in the state of Florida. A lot
of homeowners can not afford any more increases and I am one of
them.
Comments:
My family and I
moved to Florida in hopes of a beneficial life change. We sold our
property in New Jersey, and are now appalled by the news on
Homeowner's insurance increases.
Comments:
The estate of the insurance
industry is deplorable in Florida. Even when one has never ever
claimed against them, and could have, due to constant flooding,
they cancell us. Property taxes and insurance are killing most
of us. Now add to that IRS, State sales tax, gas... you get the
picture!!!!!
PLEASE HELP!!!!!!
Comments: The Special session is the
opportunity for the Legislature to avert a Florida economic
disaster. There is no alternative but to take some of the
proposed actions leading to dramatic reductions in premiums.
Failure to accomplish this at this special session will lead to
economic disaster especially in South Florida which will impact
all of Florida.
Comments:
I am a single mother of and am very worried because I may be at
risk of losing my home. This is my home with my 3 children.
After many years of raising my children in this home, when I
should be breathing a little bit easier, I am risk of losing my
home because I cannot afford the homeowners insurance.
Any assistance would be greatly
appreciated.
Thank you.
It is imperative that the government
do something NOW before more individuals loose their homes for
not being able to afford the insurance premiums.
Since this year we have been lucky
and not had any hurricanes, ? what is the insurance companies
doing with the excess premiums collected?
We sincerely hope that something be
done quickly.
Thanks,
Marta & Oscar
Comments:
Keep your promise and look after
your Florida residents.
Dear
Mr. Rubio,
Allow me to introduce myself. My name
is Elizabeth xxxx and I reside at XXXXX
XXXXXX Miami, FL. My husband and I both work and own our
home. We have
watched in horror as yearly our property taxes and homeowner
insurance have
sailed to ever new and unimaginable heights.
This year, we received the most outlandish bill ever. Today I
opened our
Renewal from Gulfstream Property and Casualty Insurance Company.
To say that
I'm in shock would be a grave understatement. Last year (2006)
our bill was
$4700 approximately, which is up from $2800 the year prior
(2005). This year
(2007) it is a staggering $10,239. Quite frankly, my husband and
I cannot pay
this bill. We simply do not have the money to absorb that kind
of increase in
homeowner insurance.
My husband and I are having to make a very heartbreaking
decision.... Whether
we try to stay in Miami-Dade County with his children from his
previous
marriage, or move out of the area all together. That, of course,
assumes that
can we somehow come up with the ransom being demanded by the
insurance
company. If we cannot find the money, we will be forced to sell
a house that
we have taken pride in up-grading. A house that is close to my
step-children's
school. A house that accommodates all of us. A house that allows
us to have
my step children 50% of the time.
I realize that I am but one of the citizens in Florida faced
with these types
of increases, but perhaps this email will reach you and prompt
you to swiftly
get this situation under control.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth, Your Constituent
Dear Mr. Rubio
I trust that you can help revert
insurance rates back to where they were at least through 2005 and
that you can achieve this in a timely manner. This issue is having a
significant impact on our lives and if it continues we may have to
leave our beloved Miami....our adopted home.
Many thanks and may God guide you.
Comments: As a retired person, I am now
spending 25% of my income on insurance alone.My bill went up 60%
over last year,if this continues to increase I will be left with no
alternative but to move to another state like thousands of south
floridians are doing where I won't be forced to make a decision as
to what I will have to do without in order to pay for insurance and
make ends meets.
I understand that this was the result of
a legislative action (more like a back stab)that left a huge loop
hole that caused the chaos we now suffer. Can the legislation be
reverted back to cover the loop hole,(i,e:put a cap on how much can
be raised each year and mandate a state authorization for each
increase).
Also Mr. Rubio you should pioneer
legislation that forbids 'special interests" to be represented in
the legislature in the form of elected officials.
Comments: As U.S.citizen I feel shame to
reside in Fla.State I reside-own a townhouse at Chateaubleu Villas
Condominium.We complain to The Dept.of Business and Professional
Regulation, Bureau of Compliance ph. 954-202-3990 in State of
Florida because the insurance did not pay us yet for Huracan's
Katrina and Wilma damages. This State entity office had enforced the
Condominium Association to collect money from owners to repair the
above mentioned damages. Why the State of Florida do not enforce and
obligate the insurance to pay the damages. Instead of enforce us as
owners to pay for the Huracan's damages. I will to write this
situation to the new State Florida Governor Mr. Crist
Comments: I am very concerned about
insurance rates in our state. I just had to sell a home in the Keys
because I could not keep up with raising rates. I don't want this to
happen to my home in Miami or anyone else's home anywhere.
I am at the point where I would just as
soon pay off my home and send the insurance companies right out of
the state.
In the near future if this is not
corrected aggressively we will see a total collapse of our real
estate values in Florida. If this were to happen, find anyone that
would be willing live here no less move here. If no one moves heren
or stays here who will pay the taxes that are becoming the next
issue.
Comments: Am tired of getting increases
65%, 80% per year. My income does not increase like that and will
force me to have to sell my house in next 3 or so years if keeps
going at this house. If I cannot afford it any longer I will leave
the state.
The insurance companies are just more
powerful and adept at manipulating the legislature to hear their
issues. The legislature needs to listen to the people!
Besides the fact that overall the
insurance companies make money nationwide tells you that despite the
payoffs they are not in any kind of financial trouble or facing
solvency. That should be the only reason to listen to them abou
their rates when the industry as a whole is on the verge of collapse
due to losses suffered. Selective bargaining as they are doing is
ridiculous. And to be willing to be in the state to do car
insurance, medical etc.. but not home should not be allowed. Either
you are in business in the state or you are not --- make it all or
nothing.
Comments:1) Why do we have to pay
insurance for the land? Florida is a seismic zone 0 .
Why they don't consider in the price of
the insurances the claim history, in order to give some benefits to
the ones that had not rebuild their houses with fraudulent claims.
Why do we have higher prices on the
south were the construction codes are safer than in the north of
Florida, and there they pay lower insurances tha us?
Why ther is any customer protection in
order to do not allow the insurances companies to cancel without any
excuse, for example in my case I had been customer of Allstate since
1987, I NEVER HAD CLAIMED A PENNIE THIS COMPANY AND TWO MONTHS AGO
THEY CANCELED MY INSURANCE?.
THE INCREASE OF THE INSURANCES IS A
CONSEQUENCE OF WHAT HAPPENED IN 2005 SEASON, WHY THEY DO NOT GIVE
CREDITS FOR THE SEVERAL YEARS LIKE 2006 THAT THEY ONLY HAVE HAD
WONDERFULL INCOMES
Comments: Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to express my interest in
working with your organization. I am a Florida attorney with a
practice focusing on real estate transactions. I have seen what
damage the rising insurance rates have caused to both the real
estate market and to homeowners statewide.
Please contact me for further
information about myself and my interest in assisting your
cause.
Very truly yours,
Comments: I am single mother of 2 boys
one 18 and one 15 who is autistic. As well as my father who is 85
and has parkinson, dimensia, alheimer and cannot walk and a 72 year
old mother who has diabetes and what not, all of these people depend
on me. And i as a daughter bought a home so I can take care of them,
and now I have been forced by the Insurance Comapnies as well as the
Property Taxes to put my house for sale. That will then cost the
satte more money since I will have to place my parents in a home, my
18 year old will not be able to go to college and my 15 year old
well...he is a victim just the same. So I encourage you to Please do
something to these outrages rates. At this rate Florida will be like
any other latin country only the rich or poor may live here, because
the middle class is dying off more each day.
Sincerely,
Comments: My neighbors and friends have
currently sold their homes or are trying to sell because of the
steep increases in insurance costs that they can no longer afford.
They recognize the insurmountable insurance crisis that is effecting
us all. Something needs to be done like yesterday! Not at a
legislative snails pace.
Comments: It is ridiculous, impossible
and unreliable if we need to pay more money for home insurances, we
are a regular workers and we can’t nor effort to pay more monay, it
is unrealistic who is pretending to do this.
Thanks in advance
Comments: It is not fare that while
insurance companies offer car insurance, and make big money, they
are not abligated to offer home insurance.
All companies offering car insurance
must offer home insuranc also!
This will reduce the home insurance
costs due to more competition.
Comments: I moved from Georgia to
Florida, not realizing that I would have to pay these exhorbitant
insurance premiums. I need to put my house on the market as I can no
longer afford to pay these premiums.
STOP LISTENING TO THE INSURANCE
LOBBYISTS AND ACCEPTING THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO YOUR CAMPAIGNS.
Comments:
I am a teacher who barely survived the
housing bubble. I cannot live on my net wages as a single woman
ANYWHERE in this toewn excpet hte most crime ridden areas.
Whewre would you like a veteran teacher
to go next??? HELP US not worry each and every single day!
Comments:
I MOVED FROM NEW YORK WITH MY FAMILY TWO
YEARS AND HALF EGO TO AVOID HIGH TAXES AND INSURANCE to find out
that in two years the insurance in our house has increase from $
750.00 dollars to 1850.00 this year I AM RETIRED AND CAN NOT EFORD
TO CONTINUE PAYING THIS . i want to sale the house and move out from
this state; buth no body is buying it knowing wat to spect. so
somebody ought to something.
Comments:
I purchased my home in December 2003.
For the first year my insurance permium was $1200. I was dropped by
my insurer Allstate Floridian after just two years. This is after
insuring my previous home in another state with Allstate for over 34
yers without a claim I was picked up by Styate Farm for an increased
premium of $2,200 for 2005-06. My renewal for 2006-07 came in at
over $7000 excluding discounts. The discounted premium quoted was
$5500. Since my house meets the 2002 building codes by original
construction it receives all the allowable discounts no matter what
I might do to further "harden" my house and still the premiums
continue to double every year. I can't sell my home because the
market is down and taxes and insurance continue to rise unchecked,
so I am stuck. I am forced by law to accept the "packaged' coverage.
I can't even leave the state, The cost
of living in Paradise has gotten too expensive after just three
years. As a retiree on a fixed income, how do you budget for monthly
increases of 100+ percent each year over the previous year, then
doubled again for the following years escrow amounts.
Mr Christ campaigned on the promise that
he would agressivelly go after those who gouged Floridians as a
result of hurricanes. My expectation is that he should go after the
insurance industry and the legislators for gouging. Those
legislators who voted to legalize gouging and the insurance
companies that worked in collusion to rape Floirdians should be
criminally prosecuted.
Anything short of a governmentally
sponsored national or regional (coastal) not profit catastrophic
insurance program is merely a contuation of same old window
dressing. A national catastrophic insurance program that responds to
any natural disaster (floods, hurricanes,mud slides, earthquakes,
sink holes, forest fires, volcanic eruptions, tsunamies,avalanches,
etc.) would be included. Basic fire,theif,liability, etc would
continue to be underwritten by the private sector. If it works for
The Natioinal Flood Insurance Program, why would it not work for
other natural disasters? And at very affordable prices I might add.
Comments:
We should also be dealing with the
current tax issue on homes. That number is much higher than
insurance and is hurting homeowners alot more. Keep up the good
work!!!!
Comments: We bought our second home in
Brevard county in Satellite beach last year in November. The Wind
and Fire Insurance is up for renewal this month and The quote for
the wind policy is more than 50% from last year. We are looking for
a lower rate but no matter how many insurance agents I called the
only insurance company I get a quote is the same company 'Citizen'
and the price in the same ball part numbers or the answers are:
1.-Metropolitan: "We no longer sell insurance policies in Florida"
or ASI: "We no longer insured homes built after 2003. How is it
that homes that have survived 40 years and probably more than one
Hurricane can not get insurance?
Comments:
I am a realtor.I have seen the plight
of the people,they just cant afford the
cost of insurance. People are running from south Florida in
droves,to Atlanta.Can you imagine the mass forecloser, and the
effect on the economy? Right now homes are not selling,and nobody is
buying, because of the high cost of insurance.
Please do something about it.
Yours Truly
Comments: Thanks for your stellar
efforts.
Comments: THANKS W JEB AND DICK.
Comments: I Had Citizen up to 2004. I
was transferred to First Ins.
My deductible went up $1000.00and
premiums up as well.
I Had Damage with Wilma. No payment yet.
The Ins did not want to send an inspector Did phone conversation and
from that decided my deductibe was higher than my damages which they
never surveyed.
Now my insurance doubled up to over
$6,000.00 and I received a letter from First Ins that if I did not
show proof that my damages were corrected they would cancel my
Insurance.
I can bearly make ends meet. I had to
get two loans due to Wilma and hurricane prepareness.
No one in The local government seems to
care. I do not think the State cares either. Higher deductibles is
not the answer.
Why was my Ins doubled? No hurricanes
this year and no claim was ever paid.
Thank you. God Bless
Comments: My homeowners insurance with
State Farm went from $1788.00 to $6500.00. I have never submitted a
claim in the 30 years I have had State Farm. I was able to lower the
premium by raising my deductibles to the maximum and eliminating
what coverage I could. I basically have a policy now that I can
never use but because I have a mortgage I have to have insurance. My
property taxes also keep going up, so where is this extra money
going to come from? I would like to retire but I will just have to
keep working to afford to stay in my home. This is a disaster ! I
have many friends who are on fixed incomes and are desperate as to
what to do..very sad. Is anyone listening and realizing that we are
in a crisis?
Comments: Taxes and insurance costs have
increased dramatically of the last few years. It is truly deplorable
that the insurance industry has been given the latitude to increase
rates beyond what is just and resonable. A retired person can not
afford the rates and must move or bear the risk of being
underinsured. I am employed and find that my increases in salary can
not keep up with the hikes being imposed on me. My father has
decided to sell his home of 40 years because he is retired and n a
fixed income. His rate went from $1800 annually to almost $6000 in
one year! He is moving out of state and not looking back. I also
have over twenty close friends that have moved for the same reason.
I will follow suite if nothing is
accomplished in the legislative session, only after taking the time
to vote AGAINST any and all elected officials that vote against the
people of Florida.
Comments: I am retiring in January
and currently live in a four bedroom house that is too big for me.
However, I cannot afford to downsize because of the extraordinary
increase in taxes that I would have to face. This State and Miami,
in particular, are quickly belonging to the rich only. It is
important that the policy makers and politicians have the vision to
remember that the middle class is the core of a successful
capitalistic-democratic society. I trust that you take the necessary
action.
Marta A. Hernandez, Ed. D.
Comments: I am so glad that something is
being done about this because, if this continues, people in Florida
will not be able to retire. Your source of income will go towards
paying for property insurance and this is clearly not how it was
meant to be. Life is stressful enough without having to wonder
whether or not you will be able to live in your home that you have
worked so hard for. This is supposed to be the American Dream but if
it continues, it will turn out to be the American nightmare.
Comments: I live east of I-95 and my
insurance rates have doubled and are expected to triple next year.
Some state government intervention is necessary to keep homeowners
from absorbing the brunt of the burden. Please do contact me if you
require an area homeowner to testify as to my experience with
Citizens Poperty Insurance as a Florida resident and homeowner over
the past few years.
Comments: The insurance crisis must be
rectified as soon as possible. My homeowners insurance is almost as
much as my mortgage. That's absurd. People are leaving Florida
everyday because of how expensive the insurance is.
Comments: Mr. Rubio: Read your "We get
it" piece in today's Miami Herald. I applaude your bipartisan
efforts and urge you, along with your fellow lawmakers, to now
follow through on that which you already understand is an urgent
necessity. Thank you.
Comments: This situation in Southeastern
Florida, along with property taxes, is totally out of control.
Something needs to be done, and it needs to be done now, to give
relief to home and condo owners. There are condo and townhouse
associations comprised of middle/lower-middle income residents in
the west side of Miami-Dade (and I'm sure all over)with major
problems, due to the fact that they are only able to insure their
property through Citizens, and these premiums are increasing their
monthly maintenance payments to the point that it's almost another
mortgage to pay. And I know of places where they are still trying to
get their last hurricane damage fixed, because Citizens is refusing
to pay reasonable amounts for some of the more basic damages. This
place is indeed beginning to look like a third world country,
evidenced by all the blue tarps still on the roofs, and sidewalk,
fence and landscape damage still evident over one year after the
last hurricane. If this is now, even when the last damage occurred
before a lot of people were forced to cancel insurance coverage due
to the exorbitant premiums, imagine what this city will look like
after another hurricane, minor or major, hits, since there's going
to be thousands with no insurance coverage due to their inability to
pay the premiums. I find it terrible that large local insurers, such
as State Farm and Allstate, who for some 30 years greedily collected
premiums from Florida residents while there were no hurricanes, now
cancel policies or triple/quadruple our premiums, and then to boot,
greatly reduce the hurricane coverages and forcibly raise the
deductibles when you are "fortunate" enough to still be able to
obtain coverage through them. And then they are still allowed to
cherry-pick for whom and what they are willing to cover, nowadays
mostly just auto insurance, which carries less risk. And let's not
even talk about all the little hidden clauses in the policies (this
at Citizens as well) which grab on to anything they can so as not to
have to pay when you
Comments: florida has been a place where
people from all over would love to live and work.
today we are faced with a crisis of
unbeleivable rasing costs in insurance.
we have always had statistics that would tell us how many people and
business were moving into our sunshine state, and now with the
soaring rate increaseS in insurance and taxes, those very statistics
are all those moving out of the state because homeowners and
business cannot afford to have insurance.
ft. lauderdale is rated number 2 and
miami number 4 on forclosures . why,INSURANCE AND TAXES. ITS TIME
THAT THE PEOPLE OF FLORIDA MAKE SURE THAT OUR LAWMAKERS REALIZE THAT
THEY NEED TO HELP BRING DOWN THE COSTS AND GET RID OF CITIZENS AND
MAKE CHANGES SO OTHER INSURANCE COMPANIES CAN COME BACK INTO FLORIDA
AND MAKE INSURANCE MORE COMPEDITIVE. HAVING ONLY CITIZENS GIVES THEM
THE POWER ALOWING THEM TO RAISE THIER PRICE TO WHAT EVER THEY WANT.
MY COMMUNITY ALONE AS MANY OTHERS
WENT FROM $279,000 TO OVER $ 700,000
PER YEAR, AND WE WERE TOLD IT WILL GO
HIGHER THIS YEAR. WHY, WE THANK GOODNESS DID NOT HAVE ANY HURRICANES
IN 2006.
SENIOR CITIZENS ARE HIT THE HARDEST. ON
FIXED INCOMES SOME ARE FORGOING HAVING INSURANCE. LIKE THE
PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN, THEY HAVE TO MAKE CHOICES LIKE MEDICATION OR
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