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The Florida Supreme Court recently decided by a 4-3 vote to dismiss its review of Restoration 1 of Port St. Lucie v. Ark Royal Insurance Company. Interestingly, the three justices in the minority were Governor DeSantis’ recent appointees. The majority was comprised of four justices who were on the court when it accepted the case. The […]
The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) and Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) encouraged insurers again this week to redouble efforts to resolve Hurricane Michael claims. Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis asked Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier to update the status of the insurance industry’s Michael response. Commissioner Altmaier responded that about 15 percent of the […]
The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) reminds insurers that the customer representatives they supervise have limited authority under the insurance code. DFS points out that general lines agents and their customer representatives sometimes “blur the lines” relating to the customer representatives’ authority. Agents should pay particular attention to Chapter 626, Part II General Lines Agents. […]
In the 2019 session, the Florida legislature passed HB 301 with several provisions impacting agents and insurers. Most of these provisions took effect July 1, 2019. Among the law changes, the insurance code now requires a life insurer to notify the servicing agent at least 21 days before a life insurance policy lapses. This notice […]
The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) advises surplus lines agents that a diligent effort exemption for personal residential flood insurance has expired. The Florida legislature previously adopted Section 627.715, Florida Statutes, to encourage the development of a private market for residential flood insurance. Among its provisions, the statute provided at subsection (4): (4) A surplus […]
The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) has published a reminder cautioning agencies about the limitations on support activities that may be performed by unlicensed personnel. DFS describes unlicensed personnel as having “limited discretion” in how they can support the operations of an insurance agency. Rule Chapter 69B-222, Florida Administrative Code, describes the permissible scope […]
Many proposals that passed in the 2019 legislative session take effect July 1. This includes most portions of the Assignment of Benefits (AOB) reform bill passed by the legislature this year. Although the legislature passed other legislature accelerating the effective date of a new method for dealing with attorneys’ fees, the core portions of the […]
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed HB 7065 reforming the use of assignments in Florida’s property insurance market. He also signed HB 337 relating to Florida’s court system and also accelerating the effective date of HB 7065’s attorney’s fee revisions. Most of the law changes relating to assignments of benefits (AOB) take effect July 1. However, […]
The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF) continues to anticipate it will be able to meet its $17 billion in contracted single-season capacity if the need arises. The FHCF projects its year-end 2019 fund balance will be $12.4 billion. Adding $1.7 billion in pre-event notes and an expected $1.0 billion in risk transfer (reinsurance), the FHCF projects […]
The House and Senate based a bill designed to more equitable handle insolvencies associated with long term care insurers. After passing both chambers without opposition, HB 673 goes to Governor Ron DeSantis for action. The bill largely follows the NAIC Model Act related funding long-term care insolvencies. In general, these insolvencies will be divided evenly […]
