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Governor’s Proclamation Outlines Scope of Session

Governor’s Proclamation Outlines Scope of Session

Governor Ron DeSantis’ proclamation declaring a special session on property insurance identifies its scope and provides insight into the upcoming debate.  The proclamation specifies the special session will consider (a) property insurance, (b) reinsurance, (c) changes to the Florida Building Code to improve the affordability of property insurance, (d) the Office of Insurance Regulation, (e) […]

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Florida Market Needs Lasting Reform

Florida Market Needs Lasting Reform

The residential insurance market in Florida has experienced years of deterioration resulting in decreased availability of private market options, reductions in coverage and rising insurance premiums.  As has been well established by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation and others, Florida never really had a sinkhole problem, a mold problem, or a water damage problem…. […]

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Domestic Surplus Lines Bill Passes First Committee

Domestic Surplus Lines Bill Passes First Committee

A proposal in the Senate (SB 1402) and House (HB 951) would authorize “domestic surplus lines insurers” to issue policies in Florida.  Although the bills are in their early stages of consideration, the Senate version recently passed the Banking and Insurance Committee with a 9-0 vote. Currently, because surplus lines insurers issuing policies in Florida […]

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New Notice Required for Insurers Using Credit Reports

New Notice Required for Insurers Using Credit Reports

Effective January 1, 2022, insurers using credit reports or credit scoring for underwriting or rating purposes must provide a new notice to consumers.  The notice must state: The Department of Financial Services offers free financial literacy programs to assist you with insurance-related questions, including how credit works and how credit scores are calculated.  To learn […]

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Residential Property Insurers Face New Reporting Requirement

Residential Property Insurers Face New Reporting Requirement

The new year brings the initial reporting period for a new closed claim reporting obligation applicable to residential property insurers.  In the 2021 legislative session, the Florida Legislature adopted SB 76 which, among other things, amends Section 624.424 pertaining to insurers’ annual statements. The new requirement specifies that beginning January 1, 2022, each authorized residential […]

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New Year Promises Fast Start in Florida Politics

New Year Promises Fast Start in Florida Politics

The new year will get off to a fast start in Florida governmental affairs and promises to active at least until we approach the next holiday season.  This year is an election year in Florida.  This means the Florida legislature will meet early in the year, with the session beginning January 11.  The 60-day session […]

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FHCF Projects $17 Billion in Single Season Capacity

FHCF Projects $17 Billion in Single Season Capacity

The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF) projects that will be able to satisfy its $17 billion in single-season reimbursement obligations if called upon.  The FHCF releases its estimated claims-paying capacity in May and October of each year.  In its October estimate, the FHCF anticipates it would reach the $17 billion single season cap through $11.3 […]

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OIR to Receive Public Input on NCCI Workers’ Compensation Filing

OIR to Receive Public Input on NCCI Workers’ Compensation Filing

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) will hold a public hearing at 10:00 a.m. on October 14 to receive input regarding the National Council on Compensation Insurance’s (NCCI’s) recent rate filing proposing an average decrease of 4.9%. According to NCCI, in 2020 the workers’ compensation insurance industry posted its fourth consecutive year of underwriting […]

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OIR to Adopt Rule Implementing Closed Claim Reporting Requirement

OIR to Adopt Rule Implementing Closed Claim Reporting Requirement

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) recently indicated it anticipates initiating rulemaking by November 1 with respect to the new closed claim reporting requirement in SB 76 (Chapter Law 2021-77).  Adopted in the 2021 legislative session, SB 76 added a new subsection (11) to Section 624.424 governing insurers’ submissions of annual statements.  The new […]

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Timeline for Bid Protests in Florida

Timeline for Bid Protests in Florida

You bid on a competitive procurement issued by an agency of the State of Florida, and the agency has issued a Notice of Intent to Award the contract to another vendor.  All is not lost.  Chapter 120, Florida Statutes, provides a process for unsuccessful vendors to protest the agency’s intended award. Notice of Intent To […]

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