TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – June 20, 2008 – The Board of Governors’ chairman for the state-created homeowners insurance company is stepping down.

Bruce Douglas announced Thursday at a board meeting of Citizens Property Insurance in Jacksonville that he will not seek reappointment after serving for six years.

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty praised Douglas for his dedicated service in the unpaid position helping Citizens become a customer-focused organization.

Citizens, originally created as a stopgap for homeowners unable to find insurance in the private market, is now Florida’s largest insurer with more than 1.2 million policies, although its long-term financial stability is a concern to many lawmakers.

Appointments of all members on Citizens’ Board of Governors expire July 31. The governor, chief financial officer, Senate president and House speaker appoint Citizens’ Board of Governors.

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