After insurance commissioner steps down, Florida Democrats question timing

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — It’s been an eventful week for Florida’s property insurance market.

Lawmakers held a particular session to handle the disaster. Those sweeping reforms at the moment are the regulation of the land.

As 8 On Your Side reported Thursday, the state’s high insurance chief is stepping down in a matter of days. David Altmaier has been Florida’s high insurance chief for six years. But he’s been with the company for for much longer than that, since 2008.

In his resignation letter, Altmaier doesn’t clarify why he’s leaving – or the place he’s heading.

Now, some Democrats and business insiders are questioning the timing.

At the tip of the particular session Wednesday, Florida lawmakers handed sweeping property insurance reforms.
It’s their second try this yr to stabilize the imploding market.

Twenty-four hours later, on Thursday, Florida’s high insurance chief submitted his resignation to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

In a letter, Altmaier referenced the most recent reforms saying they’ve “safeguarded Florida’s insurance consumers while keeping our insurance markets viable.”

Instantly, Twitter reacted.

CFO Jimmy Patronis tweeted Altmaier “has been a steady hand .. during challenging times.”

But some Democrats instantly criticized his departure.

Jackson Peel, the Communications Director for the Florida House reps tweeted: “What do you think will be announced first: the next insurance company leaves Florida’s collapsing market or his new high-paying job in the insurance industry?”

Off Twitter, some business insiders declare Altmaier could also be stepping down earlier than a brand new lobbying regulation takes impact.

8 On Your Side emailed and referred to as Altmaier’s workplace to get his aspect.

As of Friday night, we haven’t heard again. Altmaier’s final day is December twenty eighth.

Notably, that’s 4 days earlier than the state extends a lobbying ban that might apply to him.

Under present regulation, former company heads are banned from lobbying for 2 years.

The new regulation, which takes impact Jan. 1, extends that ban to 6 years.

Altmaier will not be the one official to go away earlier than this new lobbying regulation. The Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary Dane Eagle can also be leaving his submit.