Legislature passes property insurance reforms to address hobbled system

Florida legislators passed an insurance reform bill Wednesday that eliminates a controversial fee payment system for attorneys and speeds up the time insurers need to respond to claims, but, critics say, the changes do not do enough to lower rates for homeowners.

The reform legislation, written by State Sen. Jim Boyd. R-Bradenton, passed the Senate by a 27-13 vote on Tuesday and the House by a 84-33 vote on Wednesday. Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign it quickly.