An internal watchdog for the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp., to be selected by Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet, is heading to the floor in both chambers.
On Tuesday, the House Regulatory Affairs Committee, without debate, backed a measure (HB 433) that would create an inspector general position within Citizens as has been recommended by Scott and supported by the leadership at Citizens. The next stop for the bill is the House floor.
“There have been a number of media reports since the summer about some of the problems with Citizens, I think everyone realizes the need for this inspector general,” said Rep. David Richardson, D-Miami Beach, the sponsor of the bill.
The position was recommended as part of a report by Scott’s chief inspector general earlier this year that detailed the travel spending habits of Citizens board members and employees.
Citizens President and CEO Barry Gilway recently imposed new travel guidelines for employees that are in line with state standards.
Meanwhile, the Senate effort to create the inspector general position is included in a Citizens omnibus package (SB 1770) that is to be on the floor Wednesday.
The Senate proposal is part of a package that includes provisions to ensure that Citizens’ rates are actuarially sound and not competitive with private insurers. Also, the bill would take steps to gradually reduce the value of homes that Citizens would insure. The new inspector general would be selected by the Financial Services Commission, which is made up of Scott and state Cabinet members.
