Home, Auto Insurance Rates to Drop

Lower home and auto insurance prices are coming to Florida after years of increases, with Gov. Ron DeSantis crediting the state’s tort reforms and greater success in attracting insurers.

Citizens Property Insurance, the largest holder of policies in the state, will enact rate cuts averaging 5.6% this year, DeSantis said at a stop in Miami on Wednesday.

The biggest beneficiaries of the insurer’s cuts will be property owners in Miami-Dade, nearly 75% of whom will see a rate decrease.

The governor also highlighted cheaper auto insurance rates, noting State Farm, Progressive, and GEICO are lowering prices by an average of 6% to 10.5% this year.

Push Begins for Property Tax Relief

Gov. Ron DeSantis called for “tripling the homestead exemption” to further limit property tax increases in the wake of robust home value gains over the past decade.

DeSantis said he may request a ballot question for next year’s midterm elections. The homestead exemption requires statewide voter approval of a constitutional amendment.

“Some of these local governments … do a pretty good job, but some of them waste your money, and I’d rather protect you and limit their ability to tax your (property),” DeSantis said.

Currently, homeowners can qualify for up to a $50,000 reduction in a home’s assessed value, resulting in lower property taxes owed to local governments and schools.

Top Historic Attractions Listed

Florida’s history stretches from the Stone Age to the Space Age and Love Exploring recently ranked the state’s top 30 most historic attractions. You can see the full list here.

From the ancient Seminole tribes at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum in Clewiston (No. 1 on the list) to Tallahassee’s John G Riley Center and Museum (No. 3), which is focused on African-American heritage and the Reconstruction era, the list reflects the state’s rich history.

The oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in North America, St. Augustine, has the most attractions on the list, including the Lightner Museum (No. 9).

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➤ Orlando: The 85-year-old wife of a local pastor died after a brutal beating during a home invasion. (More)

➤ Port Charlotte: Sheriff’s offices and community groups visited a 50-person homeless encampment set for redevelopment, offering help with housing. (See Video)

➤ Tallahassee: A bill “decoupling” live horse racing from casino operations passed a state House subcommittee vote Wednesday. (More)

➤ Fort Lauderdale: The city commission selected Rickelle Williams, an assistant city manager in Miami Beach, as city manager following a national search. (More)

➤ Hialeah: Mayor Esteban “Steve” Bovo will resign to accept a job with a Washington D.C. lobbying firm. (See Details)

➤ Titusville: City Manager Scott Larese will retire after 10 years in the position. (More)

➤ The Miami Heat traded star forward Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors ahead of the NBA trade deadline. (More)

➤ The Jacksonville Jaguars hired Minnesota Vikings offensive assistant Grant Udinski as offensive coordinator. (More)

➤ Florida Panthers’ Paul Maurice ranked No. 2 in a players poll on coaches they would like to play for other than their own. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: PGA | LPGA | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

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➤ Ball Corp. acquired Winter Haven-based Florida Can Manufacturing for $160 million to meet growing customer demand for sustainable beverage packaging. (More)

➤ Saks Fifth Avenue’s longtime store on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach will close in April. (More)

➤ A family bought the distinctive, 12-sided Ritter’s Frozen Custard building in Port Orange with plans to open a Big Mike’s Burgers and a Frozen Gold Ice Cream. (See Details)

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➤ Shaquille O’Neal will design the paint scheme for Jimmie Johnson’s Daytona 500 car after winning a free throw competition. (See Video)

➤ This year marks the 100th anniversary of southwest Florida hosting Major League Baseball spring training games. (See Photos)

➤ A safety team rescued an unconscious man from an out-of-control boat on Lake Dias in DeLeon Springs. (See Video)

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Have you visited the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum in Clewiston?

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2. No

Thursday’s Results:

Are you betting on the Super Bowl?

1. Yes: 22%
2. No: 78%

What National Historic Landmark built in 1914 sits on the Biscayne Bay in Miami?

Show me the answer