About this episode
In episode 210 of America Adapts, Dr. Carolyn Kousky, Associate Vice President for Economics and Policy at the Environmental Defense Fund, returns to discuss the climate challenges in Florida's property insurance market. She outlines how Florida faces significant economic risks due to hurricanes and other disasters, with 36 presidential disaster declarations since 2000. The episode delves into the complexities of the state's insurance system, focusing on three key programs: Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, and the Florida Insurance Guarantee Association. Dr. Kousky addresses the reliance on smaller insurance companies; the critical role of reinsurance; and the impact of climate change on insurance pricing and availability. Doug and Carolyn have a broader conversation about the insanity of the Florida system of the existing property insurance market and how it could lead to price gouging for Florida citizens living in less at risk areas of the state. Also, the 'hot take' for this episode! https://www.americaadapts.org/episodes/house-of-cards-florida-and-property-insurance-in-the-age-of-climate-change Topics covered: Evolution of Florida's Property Insurance Approach State Programs Providing Insurance in Florida The Role of Reinsurers and Insurance Companies Transparency in Catastrophe Modeling in Florida Impact of Sea Level Rise on Florida's Insurance Market Cross-subsidies and Assessments in Florida's Insurance Market Climate Equity and Fair Pricing in Florida's Insurance Market Balancing Risk Reduction and Insurance Access Price gouging inland communities to subsidize coastal communities' insurance rates Guest Recommendation: Jessica Dandridge, Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans Transcript of episode available here. Quotes from the episode: Dr. Carolyn Kousky: Politically, there's often an appetite to just