House committee restores policyholder choice for Citizens Property Insurance disputes

The Florida House Commerce Committee on Jan. 29 reported HB 863 favorably after brief debate and no amendments. Representative Ben Arroche, sponsor of the bill, told the committee the measure "restores choice" by allowing policyholders to decide at issuance or renewal whether to resolve disputes with Citizens Property Insurance through binding arbitration or to retain their right to go to court. "This bill restores choice," he said.

Arroche said arbitration would remain available but that policyholders should not be placed "into a separate system of justice simply because they're insured by a state-created company." The committee received a single public comment—Michael Wickersom of Citizens Property Insurance waived in opposition on the record but did not speak further.

The clerk called the roll and the chair announced the bill "was reported favorably." The record does not include a roll-call tally of yes/no votes beyond members answering in the affirmative during the call. The committee did not consider amendments and the sponsor waived closing debate.

The measure now moves toward further committee stops and possible floor consideration; the sponsor and chair noted the topic could be revisited if additional stakeholder concerns arise.