Taddeo hosts Pensacola insurance roundtable with GOP primary rival

Democratic candidate for Florida Chief Financial Officer Annette Taddeo will host a roundtable discussion Monday morning in Pensacola focused on the state's ongoing insurance crisis, bringing together insurance experts and a notable political ally: Dr. Frank Collige, a former Republican primary candidate for the same CFO position who is now backing Taddeo's campaign.

The roundtable, scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday at Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa on South Palafox Street, will examine rising homeowners insurance premiums, transparency in the insurance industry, and consumer protections. Collige received more than 610,000 votes in the Republican primary but has since endorsed Taddeo, citing shared concerns about insurance reform despite their different party affiliations.

"Florida homeowners cannot afford another four years of partisan politics while their insurance bills keep climbing," Taddeo said in a statement. "The next CFO must be an independent watchdog, not another political loyalist." Collige echoed that sentiment, saying the two may disagree on some issues but share views on what needs to change in Florida's insurance system.

The discussion will also feature Gary Rosen, president of the National Association of Environmentally Responsible Mold Contractors. Taddeo is running on a platform centered on affordability, accountability, and anti-corruption. The roundtable is open to media coverage.