Make Me Smart Floridians feel the impacts of climate change
7 snips
Dec 13, 2025 
Jessica Meszaros, a Florida climate change reporter at WUSF, joins to discuss how the state is coping with the impacts of climate change. She shares insights on the welcome break from hurricanes this year, yet highlights the continuing challenges of skyrocketing home insurance premiums and rising utility bills. Jessica dives into the pressures facing Tampa residents and the political ramifications of these climate costs on local policies. The conversation wraps up with a fun segment, blending serious issues with light-hearted banter.
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Insurance Rate Rises Are Easing
- Florida's home insurance premium increases have recently moderated after years of big hikes.
- Regulators reported premiums are stabilizing, shifting from massive to modest rate increases.
Homes Without Insurance After Storms
- Jessica Meszaros interviewed homeowners who faced dropped policies or threats over roof repairs.
- One elderly woman in a hard-hit Hispanic neighborhood had dropped insurance before her home was destroyed by Helene.
Electric Bills Hit Hard In Tampa
- Tampa Bay residents faced among the highest electricity bills in Florida and nearly the highest nationwide.
- Jessica Meszaros reported petitions accusing Tampa Electric of price gouging and thousands of public complaints.