TALLAHASSEE, FL – Today, civil rights attorney and small businessman Daryl Parks responded to alarming new data revealing that a majority of residential and commercial insurance claims from Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton have been closed without payment. Parks is calling on Senator Corey Simon and Gov. Ron DeSantis to take immediate action to address the insurance industry’s failure to support Floridians in their time of need.

“The recent revelation that thousands of homeowners and small businesses are being denied the insurance payouts they paid for and desperately need is not just unacceptable—it’s a betrayal – and should be illegal,” said Parks. “Families who lost everything are being left to fend for themselves while insurance companies take billions in tax handouts and finance Senator Corey Simon’s campaign.”

According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, a staggering number of claims have been closed without payment across the state:

• Hurricane Debby: Over 7,000 residential claims closed without payment.
• Hurricane Helene: Nearly 14,000 residential claims closed without payment.
• Hurricane Milton: More than 15,000 residential claims closed without payment.

“These numbers are more than statistics; they are real people—our neighbors— struggling to rebuild their lives,” Parks continued. “It’s disgraceful insurance giants are denying claims en masse. This should be criminal.”

Parks has consistently criticized the cozy relationship between insurance companies and politicians like Senator Simon. Simon has received over $400,000 in campaign contributions from the insurance industry, raising serious questions about his ability to serve the people of North Florida.

“Senator Simon’s silence is deafening,” said Parks. “While he benefits from the insurance industry’s generosity, our towns and neighbors are left without the support they paid for and were promised. It’s time for real leadership that puts people over profits.”

Parks reiterated his call for a special legislative session to address the insurance crisis and urged immediate reforms to protect consumers from fraudulent and predatory practices.

“Governor DeSantis and Senator Simon must convene a special session to hold these insurance companies accountable,” Parks demanded. “We need transparency, we need oversight, and most importantly, we need action—now.”

Media interested in interviewing Daryl Parks should email press@darylforflorida.com.

Daryl Parks has been a community leader, advocate, and outspoken voice for change for nearly 30 years. As a State Senator, Parks will prioritize fighting to lower costs for hardworking families, expanding access to quality affordable healthcare, ensuring women can make their own healthcare decisions, and reversing the impacts of extreme policies supported by Simon that have prioritized culture wars over the everyday needs of rising costs that are squeezing working families.