More burdens on Florida taxpayers?

Dear Editor,
The Florida legislature put into effect, Jan. 1, 2009, a law which requires homeowners who are insured with Citizens insurance, live within the wind-borne debris zone, and whose homes have an insured value of $750,000 or more to have window and door opening protection per the Florida Building Code in order to retain their insurance coverage with Citizens. Opening protection under the Florida Building Code may be plywood, shutters or impact-resistant windows/doors.

This law makes sense for Florida taxpayers.
• Citizens insurance is reinsured under the CAT Fund. This means in the event of hurricane losses greater than the reserves of Citizens, the Florida taxpayer picks up the tab.

• A recent independent study by Applied Research Associates (ARA) found that opening protection on windows and doors reduces losses by 39%.