U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis[1] is warning that the ongoing impasse over federal appropriations will have consequences for Floridians who might need to file flood insurance claims via FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program[2].
And that’s particularly true as two tropical masses[3] threaten to bring wind and rain to the east side of the state.
He argues that Senate Democrats and Leader Chuck Schumer[4] are to blame for not acquiescing to the continuing funding resolution already passed by the House, which requires a simple majority to move spending bills.
“If you look at the National Hurricane Center’s latest map, we’ve got a current tropical disturbance in the Atlantic. It’s about to become, if it hasn’t already become, a cyclone. During the ‘Schumer shutdown,’ NFIP cannot write new policies or renew existing ones,” Patronis told reporters on Friday.
The lapse in federal appropriations has specific effects on this program.
For starters, Floridians can’t get flood insurance policies ahead of the storm’s potential impacts due to the shutdown.
“This is a big deal for Florida’s economy. The Sunshine State accounts for 20% of all NFIP policies. Florida has 1.8 million policyholders,” said Patronis. “I fear property transactions are going to be delayed.”
Policy renewals are also on hold, which Patronis finds “terrifying,” especially in light of the upcoming third anniversary of the destructive Hurricane Ian[5] and the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Michael[6], which ravaged the Gulf Coast and the Panhandle, respectively.
“The idea that families in Florida could go without coverage because of D.C. politics is frankly gross,” Patronis said.
Patronis says the shutdown means that if a “major storm” hits Florida, “the Democrats will be directly responsible for flood insurance claims being delayed when people are at their most vulnerable,” which is “downright dangerous” for Florida families.
A “clean” Continuing Resolution, such as that passed by the House but not yet by the Senate, would have protected coverage, says Patronis.
However, in light of the uncertainty, he’s introducing standalone legislation to extend the NFIP program through Nov. 21, 2025, which would help Floridians and others navigate the tropical weather this year.
Patronis’ concerns come as a group of state Insurance Commissioners[7], including those from Florida, were in Washington, D.C., this week to argue in favor of a long-term extension of the NFIP.
References
- ^ Jimmy Patronis (patronis.house.gov)
- ^ National Flood Insurance Program (www.fema.gov)
- ^ two tropical masses (www.nhc.noaa.gov)
- ^ Chuck Schumer (Schumer.senate.gov)
- ^ Hurricane Ian (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ Hurricane Michael (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ state Insurance Commissioners (www.insurancebusinessmag.com)