An effort to reduce costs for property insurers set to emerge in the state Senate will closely mirror legislation vetoed earlier this year by Gov. Charlie Crist, but with a stronger push to reduce claims for sinkhole damage.

Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, unveiled his committee assignments Tuesday, assignments that will shape the course of Florida government for the next two years.

As the Senate readies for its special session on Tuesday, incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, named committee and subcommittee chairs.

Former RNC Chairman and U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez offered harsh words for fellow Republican U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina in an interview with the Huffington Post.

A Senate committee voted Tuesday to allow private insurers to raise their residential property insurance rates.

The Senate General Government Appropriations Committee unanimously approved a measure by Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, to allow certain insurers to raise residential insurance by as much 10 percent and limit the power of the state Office of Insurance Regulation.