Florida seniors on fixed incomes fear their future over rising insurance rates [Video]

TAMPA, Fla. — Dera Eads took her hobby of making macrame and turned it into a side hustle, selling both online and at farmers markets across Tampa Bay each week.

She does this so she can make ends meet due to rising insurance rates and increasing mortgage payments.

“If it’s a couple of bucks here or there, I appreciate it,” Eads said. “I’m afraid because I’m on a fixed income.”

She’s fearful she may be priced out of her Carrollwood home of 25 years. Pulling documents that showed her property insurance rates have gone up from $2,460 in 2021 to being quoted $4,550 for next year, nearly doubling her monthly mortgage payments.

“From $591 to $1,000,” she said. “I get a $2,000 income. If I was single, this would be taking half of my income. That’s not even talking about car insurance, electric, forget about food.”

She emailed ABC Action News, wondering what options are available for her to shop …