Florida Senate Advances Joe Gruters Plan to Shrink Citizens Property Insurance
In a major step toward reforming Floridas turbulent property insurance landscape, the state Senate has approved Sarasota Sen. Joe Gruters proposal to push more commercial properties out of the state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corporation and into the private market. The measure now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis for final approval, marking a significant milestone in a multiyear effort to reduce Floridas exposure to financial risk during major storms.
The House voted 88-19 in favor of SB 1028, which broadens the insurance clearinghouse system and directs certain commercial policyholders toward private insurers when comparable coverage is available. Rep. Mike Redondo, who sponsored the House companion HB 943, emphasized that the bill restores Citizens to its original purpose as an insurer of last resort.
A Push Years in the Making
Florida lawmakers have been working to reduce Citizens size and financial exposure since at least 2014. Created to provide coverage when private insurers would not, Citizens has ballooned in enrollment due to rising premiums, insurer withdrawals, and market instability.
Gruters bill tackles the issue by tightening eligibility rules. Citizens would be prohibited from issuing new coverage for commercial residential and commercial nonresidential risks if a surplus lines clearinghouse insurer offers comparable coverage within 15 percent of the Citizens rate. That threshold is stricter than the current 20 percent benchmark used for personal policies.
How the New Clearinghouse System Will Work
A key component of the legislation is the creation of two separate commercial clearinghouses: one for authorized insurers and another for surplus lines carriers. Commercial applications must first go through the authorized clearinghouse. If no suitable offer appears within five days, only then can the application move to the surplus lines clearinghouse.
Redondo described the bill as a keep-out mechanism rather than a take-out process. This means policies are prevented from entering Citizens when private-market coverage exists rather than being removed midterm. The measure affects commercial policies like condominium association master policies, not individual condo owners.
Billions in Risk Could Shift to the Private Market
Roughly 3,000 commercial Citizens policies, representing about 25 billion dollars in exposure, may become eligible for the clearinghouse system. Supporters argue that shifting these risks to private carriers reduces potential taxpayer liability after catastrophic storms.
Opponents voiced concern about pushing policyholders into the surplus lines market, where rates and coverage forms are less regulated. Redondo responded that coverage must be equal or better than Citizens and emphasized that the Office of Insurance Regulation will oversee the programs approval and operation.
What Happens Next
The bill outlines new rules for insurer and agent interaction with the clearinghouse, updates commission standards, and requires risk information sharing. Citizens must select clearinghouse administrators within 90 days of the laws effective date, and regulators must approve the program within three months of passage.
Because the House approved the Senate version without amendments, the bill now goes directly to Gov. DeSantis. If signed, it will take effect immediately.
Why This Matters for Real Estate Professionals
Staying informed about insurance reform is becoming a powerful advantage for real estate professionals who want to guide clients with confidence and strengthen their expertise.
Changes to Citizens Property Insurance impact more than insurers and lawmakers. They shape market stability, condo association budgets, and commercial development decisions statewide. For real estate professionals, staying informed about insurance shifts is essential to guiding clients, evaluating deals, and anticipating risks.
At Cameron Academy, we make it a priority to keep our students ahead of industry changes like this. Our Florida real estate licensing and continuing education programs emphasize practical knowledge that prepares professionals for real-world challenges, including navigating Floridas evolving insurance market.
Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!
The Phoenix housing market continues to outperform the rest of the country, posting stronger sales, rising equity, and an influx of qualified buyers. With closed sales, pending sales, new listings, and median prices all trending upward, the Valley is outpacing national growth by a wide margin. City‑level data shows impressive strength across Scottsdale, Goodyear, Gilbert, Phoenix, and more—making 2025 a powerful year for agents, investors, and professionals watching the Arizona market.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th birthday celebrations on the horizon, the U.S. job market is gearing up for a surge across multiple industries. Seasonal, flexible, and part‑time roles are expected to rise—especially for workers 50+ who have struggled in a cooling labor market. From accounting and HR leadership to event staffing and delivery driving, major cities are preparing for increased hiring tied to tourism, infrastructure, and yearlong national celebrations. Many of these fast‑growing roles connect directly to licensing and certification pathways, giving professionals new chances to pivot or upskill through programs offered by Cameron Academy.
Florida is rolling out a new wave of laws on January 1, 2026 that will impact professionals in real estate, insurance, healthcare, education, and other regulated industries. From new insurance rules and healthcare billing requirements to condo association deadlines and statewide databases, these updates reshape compliance expectations across the state. Whether you work in property, finance, or public‑facing services, understanding these changes is essential for staying aligned with Florida’s evolving regulations.
Nearly every commercial real estate professional is expecting a stronger year ahead, with 97% predicting increased or stable activity in 2026, according to Avison Young’s latest outlook. Confidence has surged dramatically since mid‑2025 as strong sales, anticipated rate cuts, and improving fundamentals across key sectors signal that CRE recovery and growth may finally be taking hold.
Dallas‑Fort Worth is finishing 2025 as the nation’s top real estate and business powerhouse, fueled by corporate relocations, a dominant industrial sector, infrastructure megaprojects, and a rapidly evolving workforce landscape. From data center expansion to the launch of the DART Silver Line, the region continues to outpace national trends—while also confronting a growing demand for skilled professionals and licensed talent across construction, real estate, and technical fields.
FEMA and the NJDEP have released revised preliminary flood maps for Morris County, reshaping how homeowners, real estate agents, insurers, and mortgage professionals assess flood risk. The updated FIRMs may shift properties into or out of higher‑risk zones, affecting insurance requirements, closing processes, and long‑term property values. With public review and appeals ahead, industry professionals are urged to study the changes now and prepare clients for potential impacts.
