Georgia State Senator Greg Dolezal highlighted Florida’s tort reform as a key factor in achieving the lowest insurance rate increase in the United States this year. He made this statement during a Senate floor debate on February 21.
“Three years after the Florida tort reform bill passed, Geico has filed for a 10% rate decrease; Progressive Auto has filed for an 8.1% rate decrease; State Farm has filed for a 6% decrease,” said Dolezal. “Why? Because 11 new insurance companies have entered the market in the State of Florida. Florida had the lowest insurance rate increase in the entire country this year.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, in a press release issued on February 5, emphasized improvements in the state’s insurance market. Major auto insurers such as GEICO, Progressive, and State Farm have filed for rate reductions of 10.5%, 8.1%, and 6%, respectively. Additionally, Citizens Property Insurance is reducing premiums by an average of 5.6% statewide, benefiting approximately 75% of homeowners in Miami-Dade County. Over the past two years, eleven new insurance companies have entered the Florida market, contributing to increased competition and stability.
Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) released a poll on February 7, indicating that 72% of Georgia voters believe lawsuit abuse contributes to rising costs of goods and services. The survey was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies from February 2-5, 2025, and showed bipartisan consensus across Republicans (88%), Independents (64%), and Democrats (62%). It also found that 85% of voters consider it crucial for the Legislature to address lawsuit abuse to eliminate hidden taxes on consumers. Furthermore, 82% of individuals who have used personal injury lawyers support reforms to the current system.
A study released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform on January 24 found that rising tort costs in Georgia are creating a growing financial burden on households, affecting insurance premiums and overall cost of living. In 2022, Georgia’s tort costs reached nearly $20 billion, averaging over $2,000 per household. These expenses arise from civil litigation, claim compensation, and administrative costs impacting both businesses and consumers.
According to a February 18 post on InsuranceRateReporter.com, a survey by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) and Munich Re US found that plaintiff lawyer tactics contribute significantly to rising insurance costs with an estimated $529 billion impact on the U.S. economy. The survey reveals that 69% of Americans believe these practices increase insurance premiums while 86% support legal reforms to address these issues. However, many remain unaware of these tactics; with 75% unfamiliar with jury anchoring and 70% not recognizing third-party litigation funding (TPLF).
Dolezal is recognized as a business owner and entrepreneur known for his results-driven approach before entering politics. He served as Creative Director for “7:22,” a Bible study at North Point Community Church, and later spent eleven years as Tour Manager for musician Chris Tomlin.
