Marketplace All-in-One Floridians feel the impacts of climate change
Dec 13, 2025
Jessica Meszaros, a climate change reporter at WUSF, discusses Florida's unique relationship with climate change. Despite being hurricane-free in 2025, the aftermath of past storms has left communities grappling with rising insurance costs and steep utility bills. They explore how Floridians are adapting to these financial pressures while navigating political shifts. The conversation also touches on innovative recycling solutions and a light-hearted debate on holiday treats, showcasing Jess's engaging insights on regional issues.
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Rare Hurricane Pause Provides Breathing Room
- Florida experienced its first hurricane-free season in a decade, offering a temporary reprieve for recovery.
- Jessica Meszaros says locals used the break to rebuild after three destructive 2024 storms.
Insurance Costs Escalated Rapidly
- Home insurance premiums in Florida rose nearly 60% between 2015 and 2023, the largest jump nationwide.
- Meszaros reports many homeowners faced dropped policies or unaffordable premiums during recovery.
Elderly Homeowner Lost Coverage Before Storm
- Jessica interviewed an elderly woman who dropped property insurance because she couldn't afford it before Helene hit.
- The woman's uninsured home was then destroyed by the storm surge, leaving her without a payout.