State lawmakers are being called into a special session to stabilize Florida’s property insurance market. The governor cited frivolous lawsuits and homeowners left with limited options for coverage as reasons for the call.

Hartell Johnson wants her senior mother to feel safe in the home she’s lived in for over 30 years, but every time it rains, she worries. Johnson says the roof of her mother’s Palm Bay home was damaged by weather, and she’s still fighting a 2019 insurance claim to get it repaired. In the meantime, she relies on tarps to keep the rain out. 

“It’s unbearable, because we have to get towels, and keep wiping it up when the rain falls,” Johnson said.

Johnson says she traveled to Florida from Massachusetts in January just to stay with her mom, and try to get the issues resolved. She says her mother's insurance jumped from $550 to $1100 a year.

“I understand that people have been fraudulent in many cases, however, there should be some format to people who do pay and assess what’s been paid over the years, and look at what claim has been adjusted or not,” Johnson explained.

The Insurance Information Institute says 80% of all property claim lawsuits are filed in Florida. A spokesperson reports Florida’s property insurance market is heading towards collapse, blaming rampant roof replacement schemes and runaway litigation as factors.

Johnson wants to see things change so homeowners like her mom don’t end up paying the price. 

The special session begins Monday May 23.