ICYMI: New Report Shows Florida Property Insurers Denying Nearly Half of Claims Following Industry-Backed Changes
TALLAHASSEE – Last week, Weiss Ratings released a new report highlighting the failure of insurance-industry backed changes in Florida that are harming policyholders while corporate profits skyrocket and the number of lawsuits continue to rise. Following two major hurricanes making landfall in Florida in 2024, insurance corporations have closed almost 47% of claims without payment. […]
NEW POLL: Floridians Unfavorable to ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ Concerned About Taxpayer Cost
TALLAHASSEE – Earlier this month, the state of Florida opened a new immigration detention facility in the Everglades, which officials have named “Alligator Alcatraz.” A new poll commissioned through Blue Rose Research by Progress Florida and Florida Watch, collectively known as the Florida Communications and Research Hub (Hub), finds that a month after it opened, […]
STATEMENTS: Progress Florida & Florida Watch on the End of the 2025 Legislative Session
TALLAHASSEE — Today, the Legislature adjourned the 2025 Legislative Session sine die following an extended session that put Florida on the verge of a shutdown of state government. In response, Progress Florida Executive Director Mark Ferrulo and Florida Watch Executive Director Natasha Sutherland issued the following statements: “Floridians are dealing with an affordability crisis, as the costs of insurance, housing, […]
STATEMENTS: Progress Florida & Florida Watch Call for Real Solutions for Floridians During 2025 Session
TALLAHASSEE – Today, the 2025 Florida Legislative Session will begin in Tallahassee amidst a historic affordability crisis in the state that is top of mind for working families and seniors. In response, Progress Florida Executive Director Mark Ferrulo and Florida Watch Executive Director Josh Weierbach issued the following statements: “This session, Floridians deserve a people-first […]
Local Leaders & Advocates Continue Fight Against Legislative Attacks on Local Freedom
SB 102 and SB 170 to make their final committee stops this week TALLAHASSEE – This week, the Florida Senate will again hear two bills that attack local freedom in Florida. SB 102 will be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee today, February 22, at 3:30 pm, in Room 110 of the Senate Office Building. […]
Floridians Prepared to Defend Local Freedom from the Florida Legislature’s Attacks
This morning, at 9:30am, the Senate Community Affairs Committee will hear two bills which attack local freedom in Florida. A statewide coalition of renters and tenant lawyers, alongside advocates for workers, clean air and water, animal rights, public health, and other critical local issues, are prepared to fight for the right of local communities to […]
Perpetual Tax on Renters Filed Again in Tallahassee, Coalition of Renters & Advocates Prepares to Defeat it Again
TALLAHASSEE — Following its defeat during the 2022 Florida legislative session, Representative Jim Mooney (R-Islamorada) has once again filed legislation, HB 133, to allow landlords to charge tenants perpetual fees in lieu of paying a security deposit. As currently written, the bill is essentially identical to the legislation which passed the Florida House last year […]
Progress Florida & Florida Watch Statements on the Governor’s Budget Proposal
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled his proposed budget for the 2022 Florida legislative session. In response, Progress Florida Executive Director Mark Ferrulo and Florida Watch Executive Director Josh Weierbach issued the following statements: “For the last three years, Governor Ron DeSantis has proven that, to him, the word freedom means the freedom to put wealthy corporate donors ahead of […]
Progress Florida & Florida Watch Statements on the U.S. House Passing the Build Back Better Act
Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act, advancing President Joe Biden’s agenda for working class Americans to the Senate. In response, Progress Florida Executive Director Mark Ferrulo and Florida Watch Executive Director Josh Weierbach issued the following statements: “Today’s action by House Democrats is a historic step forward for the American people,” said Progress […]
Progress Florida & Florida Watch Statements on the Conclusion of Special Session
Today, the Florida Legislature concluded Governor Ron DeSantis’ politically motivated special session on vaccine and testing requirements. In response, Progress Florida Executive Director Mark Ferrulo and Florida Watch Executive Director Josh Weierbach issue the following statements: “Under Governor Ron DeSantis, Floridians are facing a housing crisis with skyrocketing property insurance rates and rising rents, many still haven’t been able […]