ORLANDO--The two men running to succeed him as Florida governorhave made "foolish" proposals to deal with the state's problemswith the property catastrophe insurance market, Gov. Jeb Bush toldan insurer's conference yesterday.

Responding to questions at the annual meeting of the AmericanCouncil of Life Insurers, here, Republican Gov. Bush, who isconcluding his final term, said the most important advice he couldgive the Republican and Democratic candidates for governor is "dono harm."

The plans offered by the candidates in next month'selections--Republican State Attorney General Charlie Crist andDemocratic U.S. Rep. Jim Davis--would either drive insurers awayfrom the state or add an overwhelming burden to the state'sfinances, he said.

To deal with increasing property premiums, Mr. Crist has calledfor barring insurers from establishing Florida subsidiaries andrequiring insurers that offer other lines, such as auto insurance,to also offer property coverage. "That would do more harm thangood," Gov. Bush explained, noting that companies would be morelikely to abandon the state altogether rather than be forced into atroublesome market.

Rep. Davis' plan calls for the state to assume most of the riskfor windstorm damage to Florida homes, up to the first $500,000 ofdamage.

Gov. Bush said if Mr. Davis' plan were in effect it would haverequired the state to assume nearly all of the $38 billion inclaims made for windstorm damage in the past two years--because 98percent of claims totaled less than the $500,000 threshold.

Gov. Bush said he planned to call a special legislative sessionin December to work on property and catastrophe insurance issuesdespite the fact that his term will be expiring.