TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Lawmakers in Tallahassee are moving at breakneck speed during the current special session, as the Senate on Tuesday passed bills that would address Florida's property insurance crisis, provide tax relief for people whose homes and business were made uninhabitable by Hurricane Ian and give 50% refunds to commuters who pay more 35 highway tolls in a month with a transponder.

Lawmakers passed the bill to shore up the state’s struggling property insurance market with a vote of 27-13.

Senators said they wanted to pass property insurance legislation by the close of business Tuesday so they could move it on to the House for approval before the scheduled end of the special session Friday.

Outnumbered Democrats filed more than a dozen amendments in an attempt to change provisions they do not agree with in the Republican bill. Their proposed changes varied — one would force insurance rate decreases, while another would prompt mandatory mediations for disputed claims.

Data shows that property insurance premiums in Florida are the highest in the nation. 

The bill now headed to the Florida House largely faults excessive litigation for the increased cost and, if passed, it would protect insurers from paying consumers’ attorney fees when lawsuits are brought.

Lawmakers say they believe the change will limit the number of lawsuits filed against insurance companies.

The bill would also bar contractors from negotiating on behalf of consumers seeking services. Experts say that could reduce the number of claims filed from roofing companies, as many have built insurance claims into their business models.

If the legislation is approved by the House and signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, big changes would be coming to Citizens Insurance, too — the taxpayer-funded insurer often offers cheaper rates. Proponents say a main goal of the bill is to reduce the number of Citizens’ policies and would soon mandate flood insurance for policyholders.

Republicans also want to reduce the amount of time insurance companies have to approve or deny a claim from 90 days to 60 days.

Even with the changes, legislative leaders have warned residents not to expect swift reductions in rates from either package of reforms.

Democrats argue the provisions give more power to insurance companies and put the insured in an even weaker position when filing a claim.

Democrats said they were not included in the process of drafting the 100-plus pages of Republican proposals.

On Monday, Democrats reiterated concerns that the market was becoming too expensive for some homeowners and that the GOP proposal did not do enough to immediately lower rates.

“Property insurance in Florida is becoming unaffordable, so much so that some folks are not able to move forward with their American dream of purchasing a home — because while they could afford the home, they couldn’t afford property insurance,” House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) said.

The sponsor of the legislation, Sen. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton), said the changes are needed.

“Seven carriers, insurance carriers in Florida, have gone insolvent and are not doing business,” he said. “Not only does that reduce opportunity in the market, it also creates an additional strain and pressure on Citizens.”

The Senate also sent legislation on commuter toll discounts and tax relief for Hurricane Ian victims to the Florida House for consideration.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.