Florida bill would protect gun owners from insurance discrimination
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
It's illegal for property and auto insurance companies to discriminate against Floridians who lawfully exercise their constitutional right to own a firearm.
But if it did happen, there's not a whole lot a gun owner could do about it.
Hiring an attorney, picking a fight with a powerful insurance company and hoping for the best is what Florida law allows. Many residents would be hard pressed to spare the time and money.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Even if they did go down that road, the law lacks enforcement authority because gun owners are not protected under Florida's unfair insurance trade laws.
A new bill advancing through the Florida Legislature would change that.
Legislation sponsored by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, offers gun owners the same protections afforded to those who suffer more widely recognized discriminatory abuses.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
If passed, gun owners would have a clear path to sue if they're denied coverage or their premium rates are unfairly raised. Without legal recourse, only the state Office of Insurance Regulation can enforce penalties against insurers.