Brandes asks colleagues to back special session on insurance
April 11, 2022 - St. Petersburg Sen. Jeff Brandes, a longtime vocal proponent of property insurance reform, formally asked fellow lawmakers Friday to support his call for a special legislative session regarding the issue. Brandes distributed a template letter for his colleagues to send to the Department of State as the first step in a process that could force a special session. Per Florida law, Brandes first needs 20% of the Legislature to file support with the Department of State. If the Legislature reaches that level of support, the department then has seven days to poll lawmakers. Three-fifths of both chambers would then have to vote in support of the measure. Brandes hopes to address soaring property insurance rates and cancellations before the June 1 start of hurricane season. State leadership failed to agree on an insurance bill during the regular session that ended March 14.