From Dream Home to Nightmare

Thousands of Floridians have seen their dream homes become nightmares because of defective drywall -- most of it imported from China. The corrosive drywall ruins household appliances such as air conditioning systems and emits gases that cause severe health problems.

I have visited tearful families in my Senate district who invested their life savings into homes that turned out to be tainted. These are families who were forced to flee their homes but are still required to pay the full mortgage each month.

Last April, I wrote the Governor asking for a task force to recommend legislation to protect homeowners, but my request was denied. Since then, many more complaints of defective drywall have been reported, and many more families are hurting.

Floridians need real leadership on this issue, and I am not backing down.

Today, during a speech at a statewide drywall conference at Indian River State College, I called upon Governor Crist to immediately establish the long-awaited task force. I also announced legislation to protect current and future homeowners who are victimized by this problem.

My proposed bills would create the task force (S 1044), set standards for fixing the drywall problem (SB 1042), require licensing of drywall inspectors and remediators (SB 500) and establish safety requirements for future drywall products (SB 498).

As the top consumer advocate in the Florida legislature, I will continue fighting for public safety. And as Florida Attorney General, I will finally change our State's priorities to put people first.