Former House Speaker Renner on Florida auto‑insurance reform: 'Rates are finally declining in Florida'

Paul Renner, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, said that Florida's 2023 legal reforms have reversed over a decade of auto-insurance increases, resulting in real premium declines. However, he cautioned that these gains are not guaranteed.

"Auto insurance rates always seem to go up," said Renner. "rates are finally declining in Florida. Florida accounted for just 8% of all U.S. homeowners insurance claims, but an astounding 76% of all homeowners insurance litigation in the nation. It's working. Let's not let politics get in the way of continued progress."

According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FLOIR) and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), in 2019, Florida accounted for only 8% of all U.S. homeowners insurance claims but was responsible for 76% of all homeowners insurance lawsuits. This disparity, driven by aggressive litigation practices, significantly increased costs for insurers and policyholders. Lawmakers cited these statistics as a primary reason for pursuing sweeping reforms in 2023.

Recent public rate filings reviewed by FLOIR indicate that several major insurers in Florida have implemented reductions in personal auto premiums, with some decreases exceeding 10%. Officials attribute these declines directly to litigation reform measures enacted in 2023, which removed incentives for excessive lawsuits and created a more predictable claims environment, enabling carriers to pass savings to consumers.

FLOIR data shows that Florida’s personal auto incurred loss ratio dropped to 57.5% in 2024, compared with 73.2% in 2023 and 89.7% in 2022. Auto liability alone fell to 53.3% in 2024 from 80.5% in 2022. A lower loss ratio indicates that insurers are paying out a smaller share of premium income in claims, suggesting improved profitability and stability, which regulators say is translating into lower premiums for drivers.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that motor vehicle insurance costs increased nationally by 6.1% between July 2024 and July 2025, making it one of the largest contributors to core inflation. This rise underscores how Florida’s declining rates buck the national trend, with the state being one of the few jurisdictions to post overall decreases during the same period due to targeted legal reforms.

Renner served as Speaker of the Florida House from 2022 to 2024, representing Palm Coast as a Republican legislator. During his tenure, he championed significant legal reforms aimed at stabilizing Florida’s insurance markets.