Don Brown is a recognized voice and authority in Florida’s property insurance market debate. A former Florida state legislator and chairman of the House insurance committee and transition advisor to Governor Rick Scott, Brown will speak at the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon on Feb. 22 and again on Feb. 23 at 7 a.mm. at the Lehigh Kiwanis Club. The Chamber luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Majestic Golf Club. The Kiwanis program is at Microtel Inn & Suites at 7 p.m.

Brown speaks before business and civic groups across the state on the insurance crisis facing Florida homeowners.

Florida hasn’t seen a hurricane in five years, but over that time the public has seen insurance companies filing bankruptcy, going insolvent, and leaving the state. The property insurance market has gotten so bad due to choking state regulation and suppressed rates that if a storm or fire destroys your home there’s a risk your claim won’t be paid, Brown says.

There’s also a rising tide of media reports covering the sinkhole threat facing Florida’s homeowners. “Don’t believe the rhetoric that we have a sinkhole crisis in Florida, because we don’t. The more accurate assessment is we have a sinkhole claims crisis that has created a cottage industry that threatens Florida consumers,” Brown said. The public may attend the Chamber luncheon which costs $15 at the door. Majestic Golf Club is at 250 Homestead Rd. in Lehigh. You may also come as a guest to the Kiwanis Club meeting. For more information about the Kiwanis Club morning session which includes breakfast, call 369-2121.