Florida auto insurers indicate average rate decrease
TALLAHASSEE – Florida’s five largest auto insurance groups are indicating an average rate decrease of about 8% for 2026, according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.
The companies – Progressive, Berkshire Hathaway (GEICO), State Farm, Allstate and USAA – represent about 78% of the state’s auto insurance market.
Commissioner Mike Yaworsky said the reductions reflect market improvements following legislative reforms.
“The historic legislative reforms continue to drive auto insurance rates down,” Yaworsky said.
Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia added that policyholders are benefiting from the reforms.
State officials said insurers have also issued credits and dividends to policyholders, including nearly $1 billion in credits reported by Progressive and a $533 million dividend announced by State Farm.
IRS extends weekday and Saturday hours at center
WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service announced March 6 that it is extending weekly office hours at more than 200 Taxpayer Assistance Centers to provide taxpayers with more time to receive in-person assistance during the filing season.
This includes the Tampa office at 3848 W. Columbus Drive, which normally operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Extended hours will be from 7 to 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 30. The office is closed for lunch from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
The Tampa TAC will also be open on select Saturdays through June 2026 to provide in-person assistance. Taxpayers can access all regularly available TAC services except making cash payments.
On the web: IRS.gov
Stanaland appears on ‘Chamber Chatter Podcast’
WESLEY CHAPEL – The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce featured Michelle Stanaland, CEO of Shark Branding Solutions, on episode 32 of the “Chamber Chatter Podcast.”
Stanaland explained how she overcame introverted tendencies to succeed in business. She also shared interesting tidbits about her marketing firm and industry.
One of the themes of the podcast is to continuously work on your business rather than working in it.
North Tampa Bay events
LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host Coffee Social, Lunch and Learn, and New Member Orientation.
- Members mingle during Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. March 18 at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel.
- Ralph W. Sevelius, of Boardwalk Wealth Solutions, presents his approach to financial planning during Lunch and Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. March 19 at The North Tampa Bay Chamber Office, 28329 Paseo Drive, Suite 195, Wesley Chapel. Registration costs $15. Register in advance.
- President & CEO Hope Kennedy explains chamber membership during New Member Orientation from 9 to 10 a.m. March 25 at The North Tampa Bay Chamber Office, 28329 Paseo Drive, Suite 195, Wesley Chapel. Register in advance.
Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.
Greater Pasco events
NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber will host a ribbon cutting, Networking Lunch, Trinity Business Exchange and Nonprofit Roundtable.
- Lauren Miceli, of Pasco EDC, and Jennie Yingling, of Spinner Law Firm, discuss the Pasco County Commission on the Status of Women during the Networking Lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 18 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance.
- Members trade company literature during the Trinity Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 19 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $13. Register in advance.
- The chamber hosts a Nonprofit Roundtable from 9 to 10 a.m. March 24 at 4 & Co. Coworking Spaces, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance.
- Members celebrate the new ownership at Care Resources with a ribbon cutting from 3 to 5 p.m. March 24 at 1501 S. Pinellas Ave., Suite A, Tarpon Springs. The ribbon cutting starts at 4 p.m.
Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events.
East Pasco events
DADE CITY – The East Pasco Chamber will host Core Connections and Coffee & Networking.
- New members learn about membership during Core Connections from 8 to 9 a.m. March 19 at the chamber office, 14112 8th St., Dade City. Register in advance.
- Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. March 20 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and from 8 to 9 a.m. March 24 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.). Register in advance.
Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events.
Quick Hits
- BODYBAR Pilates will open a new studio this month at 334 2nd Ave. S. in downtown St. Petersburg.
- Advanced RE Services is participating in a nationwide initiative focused on protecting vacant and seasonal homes in honor of National Home Watch Month.
