Living in a coastal paradise like Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, can be a dream come true for many residents. The sun, sand, and surf create a picturesque backdrop for retirees like Tom Baker, who envisioned spending his golden years enjoying the beach lifestyle. However, the reality of living in a coastal community comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to property insurance.
In the fall of 2022, hurricanes Ian and Nicole wreaked havoc on the Daytona Beach Shores coastline, causing significant damage to properties like the Marbella Condominiums. Tom Baker, a condo owner at Marbella, experienced firsthand the devastating effects of these storms when the entire back deck of the condominium was torn apart. To make matters worse, Baker and his fellow condo owners were shocked to find out that their insurance did not cover the damage, as it was attributed to problems with the seawall.
The financial burden of repairing the damage fell squarely on the shoulders of the condo owners, who were already reeling from the aftermath of the storms. To add insult to injury, Baker revealed that shortly after the hurricanes, the cost of their property insurance with Citizens Property Insurance skyrocketed by nearly 300%. This meant that each condo owner at Marbella was now facing an annual insurance bill of around $6,000, a significant increase from their previous rates.
Frustrated by the lack of coverage and the exorbitant insurance costs, Baker, who also serves on Marbella’s condo association board, is advocating for a change in Florida’s condo insurance requirements. Under current law, condo HOAs are mandated to have a master insurance coverage plan for the building, common areas, and shared amenities. Baker believes that allowing condo boards to make their own insurance decisions would be more beneficial, as it would give them the flexibility to self-insure and potentially save money for future repairs.
As a retired marine and army veteran, Baker is no stranger to fighting for what he believes in. He has taken his battle to Florida lawmakers, urging them to repeal the condo insurance requirement law and reduce litigation in damage claims that contribute to inflated insurance costs. Despite facing pushback and generic responses from lawmakers, Baker remains determined to seek relief for himself and his fellow condo owners.
In his quest for change, Baker is willing to support and vote for local candidates who prioritize addressing the issues faced by condo owners in coastal communities. He recognizes the financial strain that many residents are experiencing due to rising insurance costs and believes that action must be taken to prevent them from being priced out of the market. With a rallying cry to his neighbors, Baker is prepared to take his fight to the streets of Tallahassee if necessary, to ensure that their beachside retirement dreams are preserved.
In conclusion, the story of Tom Baker and the challenges faced by condo owners in Daytona Beach Shores sheds light on the complex issues surrounding property insurance in coastal communities. As Florida voters head to the ballot box in the upcoming election, the cost of insurance is a critical issue that must be addressed to protect the livelihoods of residents like Baker. By sharing his story and advocating for change, Baker serves as a voice for many who are struggling to maintain their homes in the face of mounting financial pressures.