After years of fighting between politicians and Florida's property insurers, it appears that the state's private carriers may be on the verge of getting the ability to raise their rates by a limited amount.

Florida lawmakers face-off this session amid the continuing problems of budget deficits, high unemployment, and a sluggish economy -- along with growing disenchantment from voters.

The state's largest property insurer -- Citizens Property Insurance Corp. -- has found itself on the defensive once again in the last few months.

A state audit released in January could spark a fierce legislative battle this spring and raises additional concerns about the viability of both Citizens Property Insurance Corp. and the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (Cat Fund).

Florida plans to purchase up to $200 million in liability insurance over the next three years as it begins construction of what could become a statewide railroad system that eventually connects Tampa to Orlando to Miami.

A bitter 17-month dispute between state regulators and State Farm Florida ended with a rate hike for the carrier and permission to shed up to 125,000 policies. Both sides say they are pleased with the outcome.

The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (Cat Fund) is likely to increase its assessments early next year because it is still paying off claims associated with the eight hurricanes that struck Florida back in 2004 and 2005.

When it comes to insurance in Florida, the focus for most of the last three years has been largely on the volatile nature of the state's property insurance market. But 2009 may have marked a turning point.