A Public Adjuster Wins a Seat in the Florida House of Representatives
Insurance lobbyists are going to be called out by one new member of the Florida House of Representatives. Frank Artilles won his campaign despite the insurance industry making an all-out effort to defeat a Republican candidate. It is difficult enough to win an election. It is nearly a miracle when the insurance industry uses its muscle and money to target a campaign.
Frank Artilles is the first public adjuster to be elected to a position in Florida's government. He told me that he wants to strengthen Florida's insurance industry and make it fair for consumers. That is the way it should be.
Frank is a very independent and strong willed individual. Some of his ideas about insurance are not shared by me. However, I supported Frank Artilles in this blog when many questioned whether he could win a primary.
I would suggest that consumers help Frank Artilles during his battles in Tallahassee. The insurance industry has a legion of lobbyists and its political muscle is extraordinary.
You can count on this consumer group to back anyone with good ideas for helping our insurance market. However, what I expect to see is a deregulation bill. With this Legislature, we will probably see a more extreme bill than the one Crist vetoed earlier this year. Everyone should support moderate Senators that can be a voice of reason in Tallahassee.
Also, look for PIP reform (or repeal) and, hopefully, some strong anti-fraud measures. We need more fraud prosecutors in Tampa and Orlando, and that costs money. I hope those funds can be found.
Salute. I will be subscribing....
Congrats to Frank - Hopefully his voice will be heard in Tallahassee.