Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that despite rising costs in the insurance industry, Florida has experienced the lowest average homeowners’ premium increases in the nation. This development is attributed to recent tort reform and increased market stability. DeSantis made this statement in a press release on February 5.
“Pleased to announce significant reductions in auto insurance rates in Florida,” said DeSantis, Governor of Florida. “11 new companies having entered the market over the past two years.”
According to the press release, Florida’s tort reform has stabilized the insurance market by reducing litigation abuse, lowering costs, and attracting new insurers. Since 2022, more than 477,000 policies have returned to the private market, marking a significant increase from just 16,408 that year. This shift has fostered greater competition and better options for consumers. Additionally, auto insurance rates are decreasing, with major providers such as GEICO (-10.5%), Progressive (-8.1%), and State Farm (-6%) reducing premiums. Auto glass repair lawsuits have also decreased by nearly 90% over the past year.
In 2018, the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) ranked Florida as the nation’s top “Judicial Hellhole” due to rampant lawsuit abuse, excessive litigation, and rising legal costs. This reputation led to a surge in frivolous lawsuits, driving up insurance premiums and discouraging business investments. However, after implementing significant tort reforms, Florida was removed from the list in 2023. ATRA now recognizes the state as a “Point of Light” for its improved legal climate.
According to ATRA’s website, Georgia was designated as a “Judicial Hellhole” in 2019 due to excessive litigation and substantial legal costs. This environment resulted in higher insurance premiums and deterred business investments. In response, Governor Brian Kemp unveiled a comprehensive tort reform package in January 2025 aimed at addressing these issues and stabilizing Georgia’s legal climate.
DeSantis’s website provides further background on his career: he is a Dunedin native who captained Yale’s baseball team, earned honors at Harvard Law School, and served as a Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in Iraq. Elected governor in 2018, he has overseen Florida’s strong economy, record-low crime rates, and expanded school choice.
