Sunshine State Insurance Company has requested an average statewide rate increase of 17.8% for their homeowners program and 28.9% for their dwelling fire program. The proposed rate increases would be effective June 3, 2012 for new and renewal homeowners business and effective July 1, 2012 for new and renewal dwelling fire business. The requested rate increases are not uniform. Some areas are subject to higher rate increases. Florida law allows the Office of Insurance Regulation to hold a public hearing for any purpose within the scope of the Insurance Code deemed to be necessary. Input from the insurers as well as interested parties will be received at this public hearing. If you are unable to attend this public hearing, please forward your comments to the Office of Insurance Regulation at ratehearings@floir.com; the subject line of your e-mail should read “Sunshine State.”