Newly elected Florida Gov. Rick Scott's theme for his campaign was "Let's get to work!" He is correct. It is time for Florida's policy makers to get to work rebuilding the economy, including insurance markets, one of the critical components. The next several years must be focused on growing the economy, which translates into lowering the unemployment rate and putting Floridians back to work. Florida must assist the business community that is here now to grow and expand, and the state must compete with the other 49 states to attract new employers.

Florida Insurance Council (FIC) members are ready to do their part. To grow the economy, billions of dollars of new insurance capital will be needed. Insurance is the oil that allows Florida's economic engine to function and capital is the lifeblood of insurance.

We must examine current insurance laws and regulations and ask, "What barriers exist that obstruct insurance capital coming to Florida?" These barriers must be removed. We also must ask, "What incentives can Florida establish that send a clear signal to the insurance community throughout the country and world that capital is now welcome?" These incentives must be established.