Anyone living in Southwest Florida over the last five years understands first hand what a huge issue property insurance rates and coverage has become.

The solutions proposed by the Florida House of Representatives and Senate are absolutely essential to reestablish the state as a viable option for retirees and second home buyers who have more choices than ever in terms of deciding where to retire our spend vacation time.

There are no perfect solutions and I understand the reticence to quickly pass legislation that might prove to be a quick fix. That being said, the mere prospects of reform have improved the sentiment in the real estate market and our elected officials must seize the momentum at hand and stop the bleeding in order to create the time to develop a long term solution that will be attractive to taxpayers and insurance companies.