Consumer protections for senior citizens are critical for Florida

For decades, Florida has been a famed destination for those seeking to enjoy their golden years. From an extraordinary quality of life to affordability and one of the most favorable tax environments in the nation, Florida’s appeal is unrivaled.

But with threats emerging every day — from digital phishing scams to sophisticated fraud schemes — we must continue to protect seniors, as well as the many veterans and other vulnerable adults of all ages who call Florida home. In today’s litigious environment, predatory public adjuster contracts are a fast-rising threat not just to seniors but to all Floridians. Individuals are often lured into signing unfair and predatory contracts after catastrophic home emergencies or damaging storm events — often during periods of high stress and under high-pressure tactics.

Two bills currently moving through the Florida Legislature — SB 266 and HB 427 — offer a practical safeguard. The bills would allow seniors, veterans, and vulnerable adults to cancel certain public adjuster contracts without penalty if they did not fully understand what they signed. This is a simple, common-sense protection designed for people facing crisis and confusion, not business as usual.

Many older Floridians live independently or rely on caregivers, with family members often far away. When disaster strikes, decisions must be made quickly, and complicated contracts can be overwhelming. In these vulnerable moments, the risk of unfair pressure or misunderstanding increases significantly.

As a practicing attorney with deep experience in elder law, representing fiduciaries, and protecting families from exploitation, I am proud to urge Florida legislators to support common-sense reforms to public adjuster practices in Florida — a smart move that continues Florida’s long history of protecting vulnerable seniors and serving as a model for other states.

By building on a strong portfolio of protections, including expanded homestead exemptions, strong elder abuse laws, protections against fraud, and many other measures, Florida can continue to strengthen its track record as a policy leader and protector.

For the many public adjusters who are doing things the right way, there is nothing to fear. These bills will not affect their practices.

HB 427 and SB 266 offer smart consumer protection measures we can all support — not just for treasured senior citizens, but also for veterans and vulnerable individuals. On their behalf, I respectfully urge support from Florida’s legislators.

___

Max Solomon, Esq., is an elder law attorney and partner at Heuler, Wakeman, Solomon Law Group, PLLC. His work focuses on protecting seniors, individuals with disabilities, and vulnerable adults from exploitation and complex legal challenges.