That’s A Wrap: Flagler Schools Superintendent Delivers End of Year Message
Our high school graduation ceremonies are on Saturday, and with that our school year will come to an end. I hope everyone has a relaxing and safe summer break. We will be preparing for next year with summer training opportunities for Administrators and teachers with an emphasis on climate and culture on our campuses and across the Flagler Schools district. These last few years have been some of the most challenging for everyone. We know establishing and maintaining the right climate and culture goes a long way in creating the best and safest environment to work and learn.
Flagler Students Show Their Skills at the 2022 Spotlight Talent Show
Congratulations to the Entertainers of the Year!
Junior Division Entertainer of the Year
1st – Ellena Kulik – 5th Grade, Old Kings Elementary
2nd – Mia Muldoon – 5th Grade, Belle Terre Elementary
3rd- Nyla Bush – K, Belle Terre Elementary
Middle Division Winners
1st – Kimani Mccoy 7th Grade, Buddy Taylor Middle School
2nd- Jayise Williams – 6th, Bunnell Elementary
3rd- Madelyn May – 6th, Belle Terre Elementary
High School Division Winners
1st – FPC Dance Company
2nd – Jada Williams – 12th , Flagler Palm Coast High School
3rd – Mackinzie Rogan -10th, Flagler Palm Coast High
Winners/Photo courtesy Flagler Youth Center
A Life Worth Binge Watching: E4: The Tasting Society
A Life Worth Binge Watching
S2: This is 50 E4:The Tasting Society
I’ve never been a big drinker. As a matter of fact, my family has given me the nickname “3 straws” because it takes me longer than anyone to finish my drink. Apparently I need multiple straws to keep up!
In my younger years, I was mostly a sweet wine or wine cooler kind of gal. Back in the day, we drank Boone’s Farm Strawberry Hill, Zima or Bartles & Jaymes, you know, the real cheap stuff. Then when I was a junior in college, I did a semester abroad in Italy where I quickly developed a more mature palette. You see, until I ventured overseas, I was mostly a white zinfandel drinker, and the sweeter the better. In Italy, I am pretty sure they put wine in baby bottles. Everyone drinks wine at room temperature and it’s preferred over soft drinks. This is where I discovered red wines at their finest.
After college, I met an amazing friend who was in the wine business. He introduced me to other amazing grapes and became sort of a brother to me. As far as wine goes, I was pretty knowledgeable. When it came to liquor, I was a vodka drinker, with an occasional tequila here or there. That pretty much summed up my drink of choice for most of my adult life.
When I became an empty nester last year, I decided to expand my horizons.
I think the exact moment of my new lease on alcohol was a result of my love for the Yellowstone series. Beth Dutton captured my attention. She was raw. Badass. And she drank bourbon and whisky. I decided that I needed to step out of my comfort zone, put on my big girl panties and give it a try. At first it was brutal. I started small…Jack and coke or Crown and ginger…but I just felt like a sissy. I wanted to cringe, and I did, for a while. Finally, I started tasting more than just the alcohol. I tasted citrus. I tasted spices. I tasted the finish of the barrels. I tasted the bourbon, and it awoke my senses. I could now decipher between different brands and regions, and I was becoming a connoisseur!
As time went on, my family and friends understood my new infatuation. My parents bought me a few bottles to try, including the Yellowstone Bourbon which is still one of my favorites. It is a bit hard to find, but very flavorful. I even convinced my “Titos Only” friend, Ashley, to try a few, even if she had to suffer a bit at first!
Fast forward to the present time. My newly-found love of bourbon has found a home. A few months ago, I became one of the first members of The Volusia Bourbon Society. I had found a couple other groups on Facebook…the Central Florida and North Florida Bourbon Societies where we attended some awesome events, but it was even better to find one here in our own backyard. The first meeting was in New Smyrna at a comedy club next to Kenny’s liquors. It was a group of about 25 people, all with the goal of learning and networking with others with the same interests in bourbon. The crowd consisted mostly of men, but Ashley and I were not intimidated. I mean, come on, you know I tend to carve my own way, right? I’m not scared.
A few months later, we found ourselves at the latest monthly event, a tasting put on by Michter’s Whiskey at the speak-easy at Rose Villa in Ormond Beach. The membership had grown quite a bit, as the entire bar upstairs was full with bourbon enthusiasts. The Brand Ambassador Pourer shared the specific flavors of each bottle as we tasted a few different varieties. Rose Villa provided not only the beautiful upstairs venue, but also some delicious appetizers.
One of the aspects I love the most about the VBS is that they sell raffle tickets for prizes that are donated, and the proceeds go to a different charity each month. This month we raised $690 for the Giving Beck Fund, a charity in honor of the late Judge Beck, who created the Veterans Court. Check it out. It is really a great cause and timely as we celebrate Memorial Day. Ironically, I won a raffle prize donated by Rose Villa, a bottle of Maker’s Mark. I’m excited to add it to my collection. I was also honored to stand beside the awesome group of guys that make up the board of The Volusia Bourbon Society.
After the tasting, Ashley and I were thrilled to try the smoked old fashioned at the bar. They have the best selection of bourbons that I have seen locally, and I loved the rose ice cube! If you are looking to try out new bourbons, they offer half off on Wednesdays at the upstairs speak-easy! Tell them I sent you!
Melodye Lewis is a Friday columnist for Flagler News Weekly giving you something to talk about over lunch. Follow @ALifeWorthBingeWatching on Facebook.
Historic Marker Program Celebrates Local Suffragist Alice Scott Abbott
Bunnell, Fl. – To celebrate the centennial of the passing of the 19th Amendment, the National Collaborative for Women’s History Sites (NCWHS) and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation have partnered to launch a new historic marker program commemorating the history of women’s suffrage in the United States.
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Flagler County Branch spearheaded efforts to have local Suffragist, Alice Scott Abbott added to the digital map for the National Votes for Women Trail, the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame, and have Ms. Abbott’s final resting place recognized and honored with a commemorative marker by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. AAUW Flagler and the Flagler County Historical Society will host a dedication ceremony to unveil the marker at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at Espanola Cemetery, 3570 CR 205, Bunnell, Florida. A reception beginning at 12:00 pm, will follow the dedication at the Holden House Museum, 204 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell.
In addition to honoring Mrs. Abbott, AAUW Flagler is working with the Flagler County Historical Society to recognize Flagler’s women who qualified and registered to vote for the historic November 1920 General Election by identifying and marking their final resting place at Espanola Cemetery.
Historic markers awarded through the program are highlighting sites on the National Votes for Women Trail (NVWT). Sponsored by the National Collaborative for Women’s History Sites, the National Votes for Women Trail seeks to recognize and celebrate the enormous diversity of people and groups active in the struggle for women’s suffrage. The Trail consists of two parts: 1) a database with digital map and 2) a program of historic markers for about 250 women’s suffrage sites across the country, funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation and the federal Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission.
The Pomeroy Foundation, which is a private, grant-making foundation based in Syracuse, N.Y., is providing grants through its National Women’s Suffrage Marker Grant Program to recognize historically significant people, places or things across the U.S. instrumental to women’s suffrage, which was a national movement involving a diversity of women and men from all walks of life.
About AAUW Flagler County Branch
AAUW Flagler is a branch of the national organization American Association of University
Women. AAUW has been empowering women since 1881. One of more than 1,000 branches, AAUW Flagler began in 1984 when area women recognized a community need to support the goals of higher education and advance issues for women. AAUW Flagler proudly reinforces and sustains educational goals for middle and high school students, continuing education professionals, and undergraduate and graduate university scholars through an array of grants and scholarships.
Visit: flaglercounty-fl.aauw.net/
About the Flagler County Historical Society
The mission of the Flagler County Historical Society is to promote historical and cultural research and education for the benefit of the community. Chartered as a Florida non-profit corporation on October 25, 1983, the organization’s board of directors, along with its members, continue efforts to preserve Flagler County’s history while developing new ways to showcase history, promote tourism across the county, and highlight the many hidden historic gems of Flagler County.
Visit: https://flaglercountyhistoricalsociety.com/
About NCWHS
The National Collaborative for Women’s History Sites is a non-profit organization established to support and promote the preservation and interpretation of sites and locales that bear witness to women’s participation in American history. NCWHS is dedicated to making women’s contributions to history visible so all women’s experiences and potential are fully valued.
Visit: ncwhs.org
About the Pomeroy Foundation
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation is committed to supporting the celebration and preservation of community history; and to raising awareness, supporting research and improving the quality of care for patients and their families who are facing a blood cancer diagnosis. One of its initiatives is helping people to celebrate their community’s history. The Pomeroy Foundation meets this part of its mission by providing grants to obtain signage in the form of historic roadside markers and plaques. Since 2006, they have funded over 1,400 markers and plaques across the United States, all the way to Alaska. Visit: www.wgpfoundation.org
Media Release: AAUW Flagler Chapter
Featured Image: Road to the 19th Amendment marker installed at Alice Scott Abbott’s Final Resting Place, Espanola Cemetery, May 4, 2022. Photo Credit: Ed Siarkowicz.
Back On Track: SJC Tourism & Hospitality Leaders Get Update on State of the Industry
St. Augustine, FL (May 25, 2022) – Two years of pent up demand is paying dividends for an industry hit hard as the pandemic ravaged the globe.
Tourism industry professionals and volunteers gathered for the State of the Tourism Industry in St. Johns County on Wednesday at the World Golf Village. Hosted by the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau, as experts shared their data, the news mirrored that from the state’s official marketing arm Visit Florida, over the past two quarters.
With an aggressive, ‘open for business’ plan in place and nimble messaging, Florida’s tourism industry has rebounded faster than any state in the nation and in St. Johns County, even quicker.
Research shared by Destination Analysts’ David Reichbach on Wednesday showed international travelers like those from China, Canada and Argentina are prioritizing travel in their budget planning, while more travelers are now finding destination inspiration through digital media sources and online influencers, making digital resources even more valuable to the tourism industry.
“The only two sources of destination inspiration that we’ve seen any growth last year were online media and opinions and experiences of digital influencers, which had an 18 percent growth, year over year,” said Reichbach before sharing even more good news.
“We asked a totally open ended question of travelers around the world to write in, give them fill in the blank, we don’t tell them or give them a list or anything. We say anywhere in the world you want to go in the next 3 years, write it down. And the highest written-in destination by 35.9 percent of all likely international travelers is the United States or a destination within the United States,” he said.
Surveying American travelers in April 2022, domestic leisure travelers ranked Florida as the number one destination for those making travel plans over the next 12 months, up from number four, 3 years ago behind New York, Los Vegas and Los Angeles.
However, analysts do agree inflation is making an impact on travel decisions.
“Even though travelers are telling us this is not a good time to spend, when we ask them where they’re going to prioritize travel in their budget, they’re expectations are strong month over month.”
“The impact of inflation on travel is rough,” said Reichbach, noting trip distances are shorter for domestic travelers and about a quarter of American travelers have cancelled a trip as a result of inflation.
But for now, those ready to hit the open road or hop on a plane are still doing so, and the St. Johns County tourism and hospitality industries are reaping the much needed benefits thanks to the VCB’s standout PeterMayer advertising agency ‘Travel INTRAnationally’ campaign.
“I’m sure all of you have noticed hotel and gas prices across the country are up. Travelers are feeling this hurt. The interesting thing, and the data shows this, even though travelers are feeling the pain of that increased spend, they’re not not traveling. They’re still coming. They’re still spending, and it has to do with the fact that we haven’t been able to travel the way we wanted to for the past two years.”
The Good News
The State of the Tourism Industry event takes place annually, and offers an opportunity for the tourism and hospitality industries to connect, share updates and recognize industry leaders.
This year the 2021 Tourism Impact Award was presented to Kanti Patel, CEO and President of Jalaram Hotels and Vista Hospitality Management.
Deemed a visionary with an engineer’s mind and a teacher’s heart, Patel was recognized for his contributions to St. Johns County’s tourism and hospitality industry. As the head of the family-owned and operated corporation, the Patel family started their foray in the lodging industry in 1979. The family has worked diligently to grow their business from a single hotel on Anastasia Boulevard to nearly a dozen across northeast Florida including the dazzling, newly constructed Renaissance Hotel on West Castillo Drive in the heart of St. Augustine.
“Mr. Patel has done so much for this community, and he’s done it with his own hard work,” shared Richard Goldman, President and CEO of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau.
“He has had a vision for our destination and he’s worked over a number of hurdles that not maybe everybody would have had to jump over, but he’s done a great job. Honoring him was very easy for the award selection committee. He was head and shoulders the best honoree for this, so we’re very proud of his accomplishments and to be able to recognize him.”
The morning’s program also recognized the work of the St. Johns Cultural Council, Breeze Airways’ expansion into the Jacksonville market, and the popular Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, with co-founder and owner Sidney Hobbs serving as the keynote speaker, sharing family stories and his love for classic cars.
Wrapping up the show with one more surprise, VCB Chair Kimberly Wilson invited the board of directors to the stage as she announced their submission of nomination for Richard Goldman for consideration into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame. The 2022 inductee will be announced this September at the Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Boca Raton, Florida.
“It was a huge surprise. I’m honored. Our mission is really our best reward for the whole team but to be acknowledged in this way is truly humbling, and as I said, a complete surprise,” said Goldman.
Serving as one of St. Johns County’s biggest cheerleaders, Goldman always is quick to highlight the team effort.
“We passed a record breaking performance as a destination that we set in 2019. We passed that this past year,” said Goldman.
“We recovered before every one of our members of our concept, which is 11 other destinations. We even recovered faster than the state of Florida with all of its many options. But it didn’t happen by chance. It happened because of the great work that was done. We created the inspiration for them to come to our destination. We were given the tools to do that and the trust to perform it,” he said.
Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Bipartisan Property Insurance and Condominium Safety Reforms
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed bipartisan legislation implementing the most significant and comprehensive property insurance reforms Florida has seen in decades to provide short- and long-term relief to Floridians to combat skyrocketing insurance costs. A one pager on the insurance reforms can be found here.
Additionally, Governor DeSantis signed legislation which modifies structural inspection and financial reserve requirements for condominium associations.
“This package represents the most significant reforms to Florida’s homeowners insurance market in a generation,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “These bills will help stabilize a problematic market, help Floridians harden their homes through the My Safe Florida Home Program, and pave the way for more choices for homeowners.”
“I’m grateful that Governor DeSantis called lawmakers to convene this week to pass legislation that will help rein in insurance rates, provide premium savings to Floridians, and aid in hardening homes against storms,” said Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis. “I remain committed to fighting insurance fraud and bolstering our investigative services to further support our efforts to protect consumers.”
Senate Bill 2B, signed by Governor DeSantis today, enacts pro-consumer measures to help alleviate rising insurance costs, increases insurance claim transparency, and cracks down on frivolous lawsuits which drive up costs for all Floridians. Specific provisions to stabilize the market include:
- $2 billion in reinsurance relief through the Reinsurance to Assist Policy (RAP) program to benefit policyholders over the next two years.
- Requires insurance companies to file a supplemental rate filing once enrolled in the program to provide relief to policyholders.
- $150 million for the My Safe Florida Home Program to provide grants to Florida homeowners for hurricane retrofitting, making homes safer and more resistant to hurricane damage, which can result in premium discounts for those who participate in the program.
- Prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage solely based on the age of a roof if the roof is less than 15 years old or if the roof is determined to have at least 5 years of useful life remaining.
- Requiring insurance companies to provide policyholders with a reasonable explanation if they deny or partially deny a claim and provides consumers with greater access to information during the claim adjustment process.
- Creating a new standard for application of attorney fee multipliers which have been liberally applied, resulting in increased costs to consumers.
- Limiting the assignment of attorney’s fees in property insurance cases, disincentivizing frivolous claims.
Senate Bill 4B, also signed today, includes reforms to increase the safety of condominiums.
- Requiring inspections for all condominiums and cooperative buildings that are three stories or higher.
- For buildings within three miles of the coast, Phase 1 inspections must occur 25 years after initial occupancy and every 10 years after.
- For all other buildings, Phase 1 inspections must occur 30 years after initial occupancy and every 10 years after.
- If a Phase 1 inspection reveals substantial structural deterioration, a more intensive Phase 2 inspection is required.
- Requiring condominiums and cooperatives to conduct structural integrity reserve studies for buildings three stories or higher to ensure the funding necessary for future structural repairs is available and prohibits waiver of funding for certain structural reserves.
- Increasing transparency by requiring all structural inspections reports and reserve studies to be part of the associations’ official record and must be provided to potential purchasers of a unit.
Media Release: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
Summer Hobbies: Florida Friendly Angler Course Now Live
Florida Friendly Angler course is now live!
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), UF/IFAS Extension and Florida Sea Grant have teamed up to develop the Florida Friendly Angler course. This free online course is for both new and experienced anglers looking to educate themselves on fisheries management and up their fishing game by learning skills and practices that help ensure fishing opportunities for the future.
The course is comprised of three self-paced modules that cover environmental ethics, best fishing practices and fisheries management. These narrated presentations can be accessed any time after registration. Upon finishing the course, you will receive an electronic certificate of completion and will be mailed a Florida Friendly Angler decal by providing your contact information. Register for the course at ifas-seagrant.catalog.instructure.com/courses/florida-friendly-angler.
For additional information about the course, contact the course administrator, Savanna Barry, savanna.barry@ufl.edu or Mike Sipos, sipos624@ufl.edu.
Are you a for-hire fishing guide? Check out the Florida Friendly Fishing Guide course to gain multiple benefits for your business. Visit flseagrant.org/florida-friendly-fishing-guide-certification to register today!
AmeriCorps CEO Presents President’s Volunteer Service Awards to Veterans Serving Veterans Volunteers
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith presented President’s Volunteer Service Awards to 17 AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in a virtual ceremony. Most of today’s awardees are also military veterans who have chosen to continue to give back. These awards were presented while AmeriCorps, the agency for national service and volunteerism, celebrates Older Americans Month.
Led by AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, the President’s Volunteer Service Award allows organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers based on service over a 12-month period or a lifetime. The awards program began in 2003 and honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires others to act. Award tiers include Bronze (100-174 hours), Silver (175–249 hours), Gold (250+ hours) and Lifetime Achievement (4,000+ hours).
“During Older Americans Month, I am reminded of the tremendous impact that intergenerational service has in local communities, making our nation more just and equitable,” said Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO. “Today, I had the privilege of recognizing AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers and veterans who have dedicated their lives to service. Thank you for committing your time and wisdom to making our communities stronger, more informed and better connected.”
The AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers recognized in today’s ceremony have served between 100 hours this year to more than 7,000 hours over their lifetime. Most recipients previously served in the military or volunteer to assist veterans in their states at AmeriCorps programs.
Today’s Bronze, Silver and Gold recipients include:
- Charles (Lloyd) Van Dever, Augusta and Andover Senior Centers, Honor Flight and RSVP Advisory Council, Kan., Gold, 1,077 hours
- David Ekart, Flint Hills Veterans Coalition and Veterans Day Planning Committee, Kan., Bronze, 107 hours
- Don Durflinger, American Legion Post #189, Kan., Silver, 302 hours
- Gary Rogers, American Legion and Dept. on Aging, Kans., Gold, 238 hours
- Greg Platt, Valor Honey Program, Kan., Gold, 760 hours
- Joe Ott, Manhattan Harvesters Regional Food Bank and Lions Club Adopt a Highway, Kan., Bronze, 100 hours
- Ken Beauchamp Veterans serving other Veterans and Tennessee Redline, Tenn., Bronze, 110 hours
- Randy Ross, VFW, Ala., Bronze, 116 hours
- Sue Gregg, Kansas Honor Flights and Meals on Wheels, Kan., Bronze, 100+ hours
- William Freddy Turner, Tennille Food Pantry, Ala., Gold, 600 hours
Today’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include:
- Billy Adams, AmeriCorps RSVP, Ala., 4,000 hours
- Clarence Ray Thompson, Veterans Day Parade and Fort Riley American Red Cross, Kans., 6,951 hours
- Gary LaGrange, Valor Hone, Kans., 7,376 hours
- John Cox, Veterans service projects, Kans., 4,542 hours
- Robert D. Borden, AmeriCorps RSVP, Ala., 4,000 hours
- Robert Harrell, AmeriCorps RSVP, Ala., 4,000 hours
- Shawn Scalf, AmeriCorps RSVP, Tenn., 4,000 hours
The announcement comes during Older Americans Month, a national observance led by the Administration for Community Living. During this month, AmeriCorps spotlights the contributions of millions of older Americans and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers are making through service each year.
For long-term, short-term, or just one time, volunteer opportunities use the AmeriCorps Volunteer Search, powered by VolunteerMatch. Visit americorps.gov/volunteer to find out more.
To learn more about the President’s Volunteer Service Award, including the award packages based on hours of service, visit: presidentialserviceawards.gov/about. Watch the virtual ceremony.
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AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteerism and national service, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency invests in grants for local nonprofit, community, tribal, and state organizations; places more than 250,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.
SENATE PASSES LEGISLATION TO STABILIZE FLORIDA’S PROPERTY INSURANCE MARKET
The Florida Senate today (May 24, 2022) passed Senate Bills 2D, Property Insurance, and Senate Bill 4D, Building Safety, both sponsored by Senator Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton), Chair of the Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance. The legislation seeks to stabilize Florida’s property insurance market with pro-consumer measures that will improve choice and increase transparency between homeowners and insurance companies, while reducing rates over time. The legislation also includes significant anti-fraud and legal reforms to reduce frivolous litigation that drives up costs for insurance companies and policyholders, and improves condo safety requirements to guard against the devastation that occurred at the Champlain Tower South in Surfside, Florida.
“With this legislation we are addressing the challenges facing Florida’s property insurance market in a comprehensive way, balancing fair costs and protections for consumers while adding reasonable guardrails for insurance companies to help address frivolous litigation and fraudulent claims that drive up rates for everyone,” said Senator Boyd. “One of the most important parts of this legislation is the update to roofing policies, which ensures there is a clear understanding between homeowners and insurance companies about roof repair and replacement coverage and costs. We are protecting homeowners from being canceled when a roof is less than 15 years old, or when an inspection shows an older roof still has plenty of useable life left, and updating the building code to protect against unnecessary and costly roof replacements that, when part of an insurance claim, impact everyone’s premiums.”
“Across the state, Floridians are feeling the burden of skyrocketing property insurance premiums. To provide relief as quickly as possible, this legislation enhances insurer access to reinsurance, and insurers who participate in the program in 2022 are required to pass the savings onto consumers in a rate filing by June 30,” said Senate President Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby). “Additionally, the bill provides 2-to-1 matching grants that will help homeowners harden their homes against storm damage. These updates not only make homes safer for the families who live there, but because they reduce claims, insurance companies provide significant premium discounts for properties with these enhancements.”
Clarifying Options For Roof Repair And Replacement
The legislation allows property insurers to offer homeowner’s policies that include a roof deductible with an actuarially sound premium or credit. Policyholders will have the option to choose the insurance policy that best suits their needs. The bill also includes specific consumer protections that prohibit insurers from refusing to write policies on homes with roofs less than 15 years old.
Provides Homeowners the Option of Roof Deductible Policies
SB 2D allows residential property insurers to require a separate roof deductible that may not exceed the lesser of 2% of the policy dwelling limits or 50% of the roof replacement costs. Policyholders who select a roof deductible must receive a premium credit or discount.
The roof deductible does not apply to: a total loss to the primary structure that is caused by a covered peril; a loss caused by a hurricane; a roof loss resulting from a tree fall or other hazard that damages the roof and punctures the roof deck; or, a roof loss requiring repair of less than 50% of the roof.
Creating More Consumer Choice on Roof Repairs
SB 4D creates a statutory exception to the Florida Building Code so roofs that are more than 25% damaged, but already comply with the 2007 Florida Building Code or a subsequent code, may be repaired instead of being required to be replaced.
Improving Accessibility & Protecting Policyholders From Nonrenewal
Under SB 2D insurers may not refuse to write or renew policies on homes with roofs that are less than 15 years old solely because of the roof age, or for roofs that are at are over 15 years old if an inspection shows that the roof has five years or more of useful life left.
Matching Grants For Home Hardening That Keeps Homes Safe, Reducing Insurance Claims
SB 2D expands the My Safe Florida Home Program to include hurricane mitigation inspections and matching grants for retrofitting of homesteaded single family homes with a value of $500,000 or less, with the goal of making these upgrades financially attainable for more homeowners across Florida. Grants will be awarded on a matching basis with the program providing $2 in grant funds for every $1 provided by the homeowner. Applicants may receive up to $10,000 in program funds.
Enhancing Insurer Access To Reinsurance With Savings Passed On To Consumers
The bill authorizes $2 billion for a new Reinsurance to Assist Policyholders (RAP) program for insurers. This new program allows insurers to obtain reimbursement for hurricane losses below the insurer’s Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund retention. Insurers that participate in RAP for 2022 must reduce their policyholder’s rates in a rate filing by June 30, 2022, to reflect the savings from RAP. Insurers that defer using RAP until 2023 must reduce policyholder rates to reflect savings in a rate filing by May 1, 2023.
Increasing Insurer Transparency
SB 2D requires insurers to notify policyholders that they can request a copy of any detailed estimate of the amount of the loss determined by the adjuster. After receiving the request, the insurer must send the detailed estimate to the policyholder within seven days. Further, the bill requires insurers to provide a reasonable explanation in writing of the basis for the payment, denial, or partial denial of a claim. If the claim payment is less than specified in any insurer’s detailed estimate of the amount of the loss, the insurer must provide a reasonable explanation in writing of the difference.
The bill also directs the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) to make publicly available data detailing the number of policies, amount of premium, number of cancellations, and other data for each property insurer and specifies that this information is not a trade secret.
Holding Insurers Accountable
Several Florida property insurers have failed in the last year alone, resulting in tens of thousands of canceled policies. Timely analysis and reporting are key to understanding how to prevent future failures. SB 2D requires an analysis of why an insurer failed within four months of the Department of Financial Services being appointed as a receiver in liquidation proceedings.
Additionally, the bill strengthens the OIR’s regulatory oversight. SB 2D creates a new property insurer investigations unit to increase regulatory oversight and requires OIR to provide enhanced monitoring whenever the office identifies significant concerns about an insurer’s solvency, rates, proposed contracts, underwriting rules, market practices, claims handling, consumer complaints, litigation practices and outcomes, and other issues related to compliance with the insurance code.
Reducing Frivolous Litigation
SB 2D codifies that attorney fee multipliers only be awarded in rare and exceptional circumstances, clarifies when a bad faith suit may arise, and prohibits the ability to transfer the right to receive attorney fees in property insurance litigation.
To curb unscrupulous roof claims, the bill enhances reforms passed in in SB 76 (2021), prohibiting written contractors’ solicitations that encourage consumers to make a property insurance claim for roof damage unless the solicitation provides certain notices.
Improves Condo Safety Requirements
SB 4 requires condominium and cooperative association buildings that are three or more stories high to have a structural integrity inspection by an architect or engineer when a building reaches 30 years of age and every 10 years thereafter, or 25 years of age and every 10 years thereafter if the building is located within three miles of a coastline. The inspection report results must be provided to local building officials, associations, and unit owners.
Among other requirements, the bill requires condominium and cooperative associations to conduct a “structural integrity reserve study” every 10 years for each building that is three stories or higher. The study must include the roof, load bearing walls, floor, foundation, fireproofing and fire protection systems, plumbing, and any item with a deferred maintenance or replacement cost that exceeds $10,000. Effective July 1, 2024, condominium and cooperative associations are prohibited from using reserves outside of their purposes, waiving the reserves, or reducing the funding of reserves for certain structural components of the property.
Media Release: Florida Senate, Office of the President Wilton Simpson. May 24, 2022
