Florida homeowners are facing steep increases in insurance premiums, with some reporting hikes of 20% or more, according to state data and consumer complaints.
Many residents are now expressing anger after learning how much one insurance company’s top executives are earning. Bruce Lucas, CEO of Tampa-based Slide Insurance, paid himself over $21 million in 2024, according to federal filings reviewed by NBC affiliate WBBH. His wife, who serves as the company’s chief operating officer, earned $16.5 million.
Combined, the couple received more than $50 million in salary, stock, and bonuses, as disclosed in a 132-page filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“It’s shocking they’re making that kind of money and people can’t even pay their bills, rent, [or buy] food,” Cape Coral resident Bob Esposito told WBBH.
Slide Insurance was founded just three years ago and now holds more than 340,000 policies—most of which were taken over from Citizens Property Insurance, the state-backed insurer. The company’s profits nearly doubled in 2024, reaching $201 million.
The large executive payouts, paired with rising premiums for everyday Floridians, have sparked renewed criticism of the state’s insurance industry and calls for stronger oversight.
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