Florida Governor Candidate Frank Russo Calls for Elected Insurance Commissioner, Says Floridians Deserve a Voice in Insurance Rates

With Election Day approaching, non-party affiliated candidate makes final push for insurance accountability, transparency and putting Floridians ahead of special interests.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With less than a week away until the November 3 election, Frank J. Russo, a no-party-affiliation candidate for Florida governor, is making one final appeal to voters: Florida families deserve a government that answers to them, especially when it comes to the rising cost of homeowners insurance.

In his final campaign video, Russo is renewing his call to restore an elected insurance commissioner, giving Floridians the opportunity to vote directly for the person responsible for overseeing the state's insurance market.

"Floridians get to vote for their governor, their legislators and their local leaders. But when it comes to one of the biggest expenses facing Florida families, they don't get to choose the person overseeing the insurance industry," Russo said. "That needs to change. The people paying these premiums deserve a seat at the table."

With four decades of experience in the insurance industry, Russo has made insurance reform a central priority of his campaign, arguing that Florida's current regulatory structure does not provide sufficient direct accountability to policyholders.

Florida previously had an elected Treasurer who also served as Insurance Commissioner. Following a voter-approved Cabinet restructuring in 1998, the state transitioned to its current system in 2003. Today, Florida's Commissioner of Insurance Regulation is appointed by the Financial Services Commission, which consists of the governor and Cabinet.

Russo believes returning the position to voters would be an important step toward restoring public trust and ensuring insurance regulators are directly accountable to the families and businesses affected by their decisions.

His proposal would require changes to Florida law and potentially the state Constitution. While electing an insurance commissioner would not automatically lower premiums, Russo argues it would create a stronger foundation for transparency, oversight and meaningful insurance reform.

"For too long, Florida families have watched their insurance costs rise while feeling like they have no voice in the decisions being made," Russo said. "Insurance companies have a seat at the table. Lobbyists have a seat at the table. It's time Florida families had one too."

A Historic Opportunity for Independent Leadership
Russo and his running mate, attorney Rachel L.T. Rodriguez, are also asking voters to look beyond traditional party politics as they make their final decisions before Election Day. A victory for Russo would represent a historic milestone for a Florida gubernatorial candidate running with no party affiliation, offering voters an alternative to the state's two major parties. Throughout the campaign, Russo has emphasized listening to Floridians, addressing the state's affordability crisis and putting residents ahead of political interests.

"This election isn't about Republicans versus Democrats. It's about whether Floridians believe their government is working for them," Russo said. "I've spent my career in the insurance industry, and I know the challenges families are facing. I'm not running to protect the system. I'm running to change it."

Russo says his final campaign message reflects the central principle behind his candidacy: Leadership begins by listening

"On November 3, Floridians have an opportunity to send a message that their voices matter," Russo added. "This is about humanity over the dollar, accountability over politics and making government work for the people again."

Watch Russo's Final Campaign Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/De964uZOv10/

About Frank J. Russo:
Frank J. Russo is a lifelong Floridian, entrepreneur, insurance executive, real estate developer,  and humanitarian with more than 40 years of business leadership, including over 30 years in the  insurance industry. Based in New Smyrna Beach, Russo is running for Governor to restore  affordability, strengthen Florida's economy, and build a government focused on practical  solutions that put Floridians first. For more information, or to volunteer or donate, visit  Russo2026.com.

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SOURCE Frank J. Russo for Governor