This week, the weather outside started turning ever so slightly cooler! A wonderful reprieve from the hot, hot summer all of us endured.
Hurricane Season officially ended on November 30th, but the nightmares and memories of Hurricanes Ian and Nicole still linger. Many are still without homes, or are waiting on their insurance adjusters, contractors or permitting approvals. Debris still remains - yet to be picked up. From past experience, I know it will take years before Southwest Florida has completely recovered from this year's storm season. But, I also know the resiliency and determination of Floridians. We will build back bigger, better and stronger!
December has been jam packed with important events and meetings, two of which will be discussed in further detail below.
Representative Bob Rommel
District 81
SPECIAL SESSION PROPERTY INSURANCE, DISASTER RELIEF & TOLL RELIEF
The Florida House today passed landmark legislation aimed at stabilizing the property insurance market and providing relief for Florida commuters and victims of Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. Chair Leek, Chair Rommel, Chair McClain, and Chair Busatta Cabrera provided statements on their respective legislation.
“This Special Session was all about relief,” said Speaker of the House Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast). “I am proud of the work the House did striking a difficult but careful balance to stabilize Florida’s property insurance market and the growth of Citizens Insurance. We have created more competition in the marketplace and have taken significant measures to reduce frivolous lawsuits, all while holding insurers accountable to consumers. The House also took important steps to provide disaster relief to Florida families recovering from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole and designed a toll relief program that saves Florida commuters money.”
“I am proud of the reforms we enacted during this special session,” said Representative Tom Leek (R- Ormond Beach). “The carefully considered provisions in this legislation will expand capacity in the property insurance market, increase accessibility for consumers, and hold insurers accountable.”
"We have a tremendous amount of consumer protections in the property insurance legislation," said Representative Bob Rommel (R-NAPLES). "I appreciate Speaker Renner for supporting bringing forward a robust legislative package which is a great start toward stabilizing Florida's property insurance market."
“The Governor and First Lady have worked tirelessly on behalf of Floridians affected by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole,” said Representative Stan McClain (R- Ocala). “Speaker Renner and our Senate partners have been dedicated to meaningfully adding to those disaster relief efforts. I look forward to working with our local partners across the state to understand their needs and assist in recovery.”
“Florida workers and commuters fuel our economy,” said Representative Busatta Cabrera (R- Coral Gables). “I appreciate the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Lieutenant Governor Nuñez, and Speaker Renner for fighting to establish a 12-month toll relief program that will keep money in the pockets of hardworking Floridians.”
This has been a long time problem and the solutions will not happen overnight. I will continue to fight for my constituents and homeowners.
COLLIER COUNTY's 2022 LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION DAY
Every year, Florida counties hold Legislative Delegation days, which allow the public to present budget requests, legislative requests, concerns, and needs to Collier County's State Legislators. Collier County is represented in Tallahassee by four (4) legislators: Senator Kathleen Passidomo (SD 28), Representatives Adam Botana (HD 80), Bob Rommel (HD 81) and Lauren Melo (HD 82).
This year, there were 42 speakers on the Official Agenda, each of whom were allotted three (3) minutes to present their topic. In some instances, additional time was granted due to the nature of the request and questions from the Legislators. Thereafter, 14 individuals public commenters stepped up to comment.
Of primary importance to our constituents are issues concerning:
* growth management and how the county/state will afford additional infrastructure and services;
* affordable housing to encourage and motivate teachers, nurses, first responders to move, live and work in Collier;
* availability of affordable health care, including mental health care; and
* freedom from mandated medical protocols, such as vaccines and masks.
If you are interested, click HERE to review the presentations of the speakers from this year's Legislative Delegation Day.
If you are interested in speaking at next year's Legislative Delegation Day, please email priscilla.grannis@myfloridahouse.gov and she will add you to the distribution list for next year's notice. The Delegation Meetings are usually in December.
District 81 24/7 Call Center
Our office has set up a 24/7 call center hotline. It's the same office number 239-417-6200, but we will get back to you faster and with greater efficiency.
Florida has no income tax and a balanced budget.
Let’s keep it that way!
