News & Updates

OIR

OIR Highlights Market Improvements

OIR Highlights Market Improvements

As the new year begins, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) recently took the opportunity to recap notable changes in 2023. The new year marks almost one full year in office for Commissioner Mike Yaworsky, who was nominated for the position in February 2023 and formally appointed in March. Commissioner Yaworsky recapped the year […]

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OIR Advances Proposed Administrative Rules

OIR Advances Proposed Administrative Rules

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has taken the next step toward adopting administrative rules implementing recent legislation. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) recently authorized the OIR to formally publish drafts of the rules as proposed rules. The FSC consists of Florida’s Governor, Chief Financial Officer and Attorney General. These elected officials comprise a […]

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OIR Issues Emergency Order Following Idalia

OIR Issues Emergency Order Following Idalia

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has issued an emergency order in the wake of Hurricane Idalia. Emergency Order 315284-23-EO contains prohibitions on cancellation and nonrenewals similar to those following other hurricanes in recent years. The Emergency Order applies to the following counties: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, […]

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Governor Declares State of Emergency for Idalia

Governor Declares State of Emergency for Idalia

Even before Idalia reached tropical storm status, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 23-171 declaring a state of emergency for 33 Florida counties. Counties subject to the declaration encompass a large portion of Florida’s Gulf coast, extending from Bay County (Panama City) to Sarasota County. The declaration of emergency activates certain portions of the state’s […]

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OIR Issues Claims Manual Emergency Rule

OIR Issues Claims Manual Emergency Rule

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has issued emergency rule 69O-ER-23-2 adopting forms to be used by residential property insurers certifying and submitting claims manuals. The Florida legislature specified in SB 7052 (now Chapter Law 2023-172) that residential property insurers must annually certify they maintain claims manuals meeting certain statutory standards. Insurers also must […]

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Law Changes to Bring Insurance Rules

Law Changes to Bring Insurance Rules

The Florida Legislature increased regulatory oversight over the insurance industry in its insurer accountability bill (SB 7052) as summarized separately in this report. The law changes will require the Office of Insurance Regulation to adopt a series of administrative rules. In several cases, the rulemaking process should result in rule workshops this summer as the […]

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Insurer Accountability Bill Increases Regulatory Requirements

Insurer Accountability Bill Increases Regulatory Requirements

The 2023 Florida Legislature passed SB 7052, commonly referred to as the insurer accountability bill. The bill came as a surprise to some after the legislature adopted meaningful property insurance reforms in a December 2022 special session and enhanced those reforms earlier in the 2023 session. Some observers commented that SB 7052 will reduce the […]

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New Year Brings Key Personnel Changes

New Year Brings Key Personnel Changes

The new year will bring personnel changes at key insurance-related organizations in Florida. Perhaps most notably, Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier stepped down effective December 28, 2022. Commissioner Altmaier first joined the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation in 2008. He held several roles within the property and casualty financial oversight area, including Chief Analyst. He then […]

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Special Session Proposals Address Property Market Concerns

Special Session Proposals Address Property Market Concerns

The Florida House of Representatives and Senate have released their proposals for next week’s special session on property insurance reform.  The special session follows last month’s call from Governor Ron DeSantis for a special session dealing with the crisis in Florida’s residential property insurance market. Reinsurance Protection Although their proposals are subject to change when […]

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