A proposed constitutional amendment could safeguard Florida policyholders who comply with their contracts from unexpected policy cancellations and premium hikes.  

A citizen-led initiative, the Florida Constitutional Amendment Network, is working to place property insurance protections on the 2026 ballot, giving voters the power to lower insurance premiums.  

“People who have lived here for decades are exhausted,” said Chris Wills, Chair of the Florida Constitutional Amendment Network. “They can’t keep up with these massive rate increases year after year.”  

The proposed measure seeks to prevent insurance providers from canceling or increasing rates on policies—including home and auto—if the policyholder follows the contract terms. Under the amendment, policyholders who don’t file any claims within a year would be protected from rate increases and would also receive a minimum 4% annual deduction.  

Wills calls the proposal a “commonsense solution” to an urgent crisis.  

“This is about solving a real problem—people are being priced out of their homes,” he said.  

However, legal experts anticipate resistance from insurance companies.  

St. Petersburg attorney Charles Gallagher argues the proposal could conflict with insurers’ contractual rights.  

“Insurance policies are typically renewed on a year-to-year basis,” Gallagher explained to WTSP Tampa Bay. “Forcing insurers to cover someone indefinitely goes beyond what the law allows. This could extend coverage to 10, 20, or even 30 years—far beyond the original risk assessment and underwriting.”  

Before the measure reaches voters, supporters must collect approximately 1 million signatures by year’s end. If it makes it to the ballot, it would require a 60% supermajority to pass.

Read the petition here: https://initiativepetitions.elections.myflorida.com/InitiativeForms/Fulltext/Fulltext_2503_EN.pdf 

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(Image credit: Florida Constitutional Amendment Network)

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