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Opposition to an insurance reform bill sitting on Governor Rick Scott’s desk is growing. The bill would allow insurance companies to raise rates, deny late filed claims and demand proof repairs were being made before they paid policyholders. As Whitney Ray tells us, insurers say the changes will help cut down on fraud. Opponents say the bill will fatten the pockets of the insurers.

A 60 page bill changing the way Florida does insurance is awaiting action from Governor Rick Scott. It’s the only bill on his desk as hurricane season approaches.

“What I’ve read about so far I like, but I’ve got to look at it a little closer,” said Scott.

The bill is full of reform supported by the industry; a two year deadline to file a claim, 15 percent rate hikes without state approval, the bill even requires claimants to prove their making repairs before the insurer has to make final payments. The Industry calls it fraud prevention.

“We are paying out hundreds of millions of dollars in fraudulent sinkhole claims and hurricane claims that are filed five years after a hurricane and an awful lot of those are fraudulent,” said Sam Miller with the Florida Insurance Council.

Last year Governor Charlie Crist vetoed similar legislation. Calls are already mounting for Scott to follow suit. The group Policyholders of Florida is leading the charge.

“We know that the legislature is willing to sell out to the insurance company. Our hope is that Governor Scott sees that this is an anti-consumer bill, it’s going to raise rates and hurt our economy,” said Kevin Cate with the Policyholders of Florida.

If Scott signs the bill and rates go up Martha Rodeseike will feel the pain. Retired and budgeting her money, a rate increase would have her reworking her budget.

“If I had a flood or something like that I would want the insurance to pay for me, but 15 percent is not good,” said Rodeseike

If Scott signs the bill, the changes will take hold July 1st. The industry says the changes will help insurers better prepare for hurricanes. Governor Scott is attending hurricane preparedness events this week, which could provide a backdrop for a signing ceremony if he choose to sign the legislation.