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COMMERCIAL IINSURANCE

Gov. Jeb Bush yesterday clarified his general goals for creating
commercial hurricane insurance. Instead of a plan modeled after
Citizens, the residential insurer of last resort, he envisions a program
that would offer reinsurance to back up private insurance companies.

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OFFSHORE DRILLING

The U.S. Senate cleared the way for approval of offshore drilling after
Florida Sen. Bill Nelson said he would support the measure. Nelson,
a drilling opponent, feared what could happen later when House and
Senate leaders work out a compromise bill. But Nelson says Senate
leaders promised that nothing would bring drilling closer than 125
to 235 miles from Florida beaches.

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MORTGAGE RATES

Mortgage rates declined slightly this week, with 30-year FRMs dipping
to a nationwide average of 6.72 percent, as investors grew more hopeful
that the Federal Reserve's long string of rate hikes is drawing to a close.

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ECONOMY

Overall economic growth is slowing, according to the Federal Reserve's
latest survey of economic conditions. Also known as the Beige Book,
the report noted a general slowdown in residential real estate in most
areas, coupled with a corresponding rise in demand for rental units.

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MORTGAGE DISCRIMINATION

In search of the truth: After analyzing much of the same loan data,
two different groups recently came up with opposing views on whether
or not there is evidence of discrimination in mortgage lending.


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REALTOR REFORMER PERFORMERS

Former FAR President Frank Kowalski got the call Wednesday that
he has been named to Gov. Bush's newly formed Property and Casualty
Insurance Reform Committee. Attached are the names of others who
have been appointed, including lots of our friends. All terms became
effective July 26, 2006, and end May 15, 2007. Members include:

. Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings, of Tallahassee, appointed as
chair
. Senator J.D. Alexander of Lake Wales
. Lee Arnold of Clearwater, CEO with Colliers Arnold International
. Rep. Donald Brown of DeFuniak Springs
. Leslie Chapman-Henderson of Tallahassee, president, Federal Alliance
for Safe Homes
. Joseph Collins of Jacksonville, CEO and owner, Collins Group Inc.
. Manuel de Zarraga of Coral Gables, executive managing director,
Holliday, Fenoglio Fowler, LLP
. Robert Helms of Jacksonville, CEO, Wachovia
. Frank Kowalski of Miami, broker-owner, Metro Dade Realty Inc.
. A.D. "Sandy" MacKinnon of Tampa, CEO and owner, Yale Lift
Trucks of Florida and Georgia
. Bill Montford, of Tallahassee, CEO, Florida Association of District
School Superintendents
. Representative Dennis Ross of Lakeland
. Larry Schultz of Rockledge, mayor, City of Rockledge
. Linda Shelly of Tallahassee, shareholder, Fowler, White, Boggs,

. Barbara Weese of Leesburg, retired

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TAKE ISSUE WITH US

FAR takes pride in being an advocate for real estate issues before the
Florida Legislature. To continue the good fight, however, FAR relies
on member input to outline issues, suggest solutions and note any laws
or regulations that create barriers for buyers and sellers. Our strength
is in our numbers. To help us outline an agenda for 2007, please take
a moment to complete the FAR Public Policy Agenda Survey now.
Every response counts, and this member-driven consensus will help
define our marching orders in Tallahassee next session. To make your
voice heard, go to FAR's legislative Web site,
http://media.living.net/Legislative2006, and on the left side, click
"Take the FAR Public Policy agenda survey now!"

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