The South Florida Business Journal reports on affordable housing in the state. "Amid worries about a lack of affordable housing for workers in South Florida, there is no shortage of residences listed for sale for less than $200,000. That prompted us to see just what's on the market at those price points. We found the challenge is picking out a decent property in a safe neighborhood that you can get a mortgage on."

"$199,000. Palm Beach County: This 1,045-square-foot home was built in 1957 and needs major interior renovations and updating, as little has been done in several decades, its owner said. The house does not have central air condition. But the roof is new having been replaced after Hurricane Frances in 2004. The landscaping is bare bones. 'I would call it a handyman special,' owner Bernice Worley said."

"She owns the home free-and-clear and, after living there 30 years, is selling it for a retirement home in the Ocala area so she can be near her family, she said. Worley said she is willing to wait to get her price."

"$199,000. Built in 1959, this home is 864 square feet. The interior needs to be renovated. The carpet is worn and stained; the kitchen is outdated. Owner Marlene Ambrose inherited the home from her parents. She is looking to use the proceeds to buy a bigger home in a nearby retirement community. She is willing to haggle a bit over price, but is willing to wait to get top dollar. 'I am anxious to sell it, but I am not going to give it away.'"

"$140,000. Miami-DadeSeveral are being offered at this two-story, 16-unit apartment building built in 1953. The property was acquired in May 2005 for $1.1 million. 'Investors Welcome,' the listing states."

"However, the condo conversion lies in a Coconut Grove neighborhood with a bad reputation for crime. A couple in the neighborhood said they have complained to the police that drug dealers riding around on bikes often stop to sell crack in front of their home."

"Built in 1936, the 865-square-foot house last sold for $67,000 in October 2003. The house had burglar bars on its windows. This single-family home listed at slightly less than $200,000 earlier this year; however, the property is no longer on the MLS. The listing agent, also listed as the owner in property records, refused to offer any additional information."

From USA Today. "As coastal residents nervously await the start of a new hurricane season in June, they're confronting another fright: the exorbitant price and short supply of insurance for wind damage. Since 2004, insurers have paid $30 billion in Florida hurricane claims, wiping out years of profits here."

"In Key West, homeowner Teri Johnston's wind storm premium has more than doubled from last year. The cost this year to insure her 1,500-square-foot home against fire, wind and flood: $14,742."

"After years of extraordinary insurance rate increases, Johnston, the Key West homeowner, can't bear the thought of another. 'People think we live in million-dollar mansions," says Johnston, president of a homeowners group pushing for lower rates. 'I'm living in a little concrete block house.'"

"Florida Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, the state's former insurance regulator, advocates a federal catastrophe insurance plan financed by homeowners insurance premiums everywhere. 'This is a national problem,' says Gallagher, a candidate for governor. 'We need national answers.'"