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%.

• The homes affected by this law are the costliest and riskiest homes in the state. By protecting their openings their insurance premiums are reduced and the Florida taxpayer is not holding the safety net in the event of a disaster.

Just this week Sen. Mike Bennett, who finds himself within the requirements of this new law, decided to tack a reversal of this law onto SB2100.

We oppose this reversal for several reasons. It could be said we stand to gain because of this law, and in some instances this is true. However, we do not gain anything with purchases of plywood or shutters. As a manufacturer in the state of Florida, we employ almost 1,000 people who are Florida taxpayers. Our customers are small to medium business owners in Florida who are also taxpayers. We are the taxpayers who make up the safety net.

Let's not continue to suffer from hurricane amnesia. There will be another hurricane to make landfall in Florida. Protecting the costliest homes in the riskiest parts of Florida helps protect all the taxpayers of Florida.

Rod Hershberger, CEO
PGT Industries
North Venice