In the wake of Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty’s decision to step down from his post, consumer advocates in the state are pushing for a likeminded successor.
An editorial column in the Palm Beach Post called McCarty “arguably the best advocate Florida insurance consumers could hope for” in a market dominated by uncertainty. The writers are less convinced that Governor Rick Scott is committed to ensuring McCarty’s replacement holds similar values.
“For the past year, Scott has made no secret that he’s wanted new blood in that job,” the editorial reads. “Even after McCarty helped him steer automobile insurance reform through the Florida Legislature in 2012, Scott called for the Cabinet to begin possibly removing McCarty.”
Writers go on to say that “any resident who owns a car or home may be all the worse for McCarty’s decision” to step down, unless Scott “intends to break type and put consumers ahead of insurers.”
McCarty announced his decision to resign January 5 after more than a decade in the position. While he has not disclosed any future plans, it is widely speculated he will be elected as head of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
While he was criticized for increased property rates charged to Floridians in the wake of the historic 2004 and 2005 storm seasons, McCarty was praised for his efforts to reform auto, medical malpractice, health and workers’ compensation insurance during his time in office.
In 2013, he ensured that Florida Blue executives and board members did not unduly profit from a controversial reorganization, and earlier, he aggressively pursued Bankers Insurance Co. of St. Petersburg, which had tapped his phone and investigated his personal life.
“Commissioner McCarty not only stood up for the consumer, he had an incredible grasp of the complexity of insurance in all its form,” said Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano, who worked on insurance issues during his tenure as state lawmaker.
“He understood the grave impact a single word change in statute could have for or against the consumer. His voice of warning or support could change the tide for a piece of legislation.”
The Palm Beach Post concludes that those in charge of finding McCarty’s replacement “must hold the line on replacing [him] with a regulator who would be a strong champion for the consumer.”
