News & Updates

Department of Financial Services

DFS Reminds Agencies of Prohibition Against Misleading Names

DFS Reminds Agencies of Prohibition Against Misleading Names

The Department of Financial Services has reminded agencies of the statutory prohibition against misleading names.  Section 626.602, Florida Statutes, allows DFS to disapprove an agency’s name if the name may mislead the public or if the name implies the agency is an insurer, state or federal agency, charitable organization, or an entity that provides advice and […]

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DFS Discusses Fee for Health Policy Services

DFS Discusses Fee for Health Policy Services

The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) reminds Florida health insurance agents that they may enter into contracts with consumers to charge a flat fee in lieu of receiving commissions from the insurer for individual health policies.  This opportunity arises under the new SB 1386 passed in the 2016 legislative session.  DFS attributes the introduction of […]

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Agencies Must Maintain a Designated Agent in Charge

Agencies Must Maintain a Designated Agent in Charge

The Florida Department of Financial Services reminds insurance agencies that location may not conduct the business of unless an “agent in charge” is designated by, and providing services to, the agency at all times.  If the agent in charge designated with DFS ends his or her affiliation with the agency for any reason, the agency’s […]

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What’s in a Name? DFS Discusses Agency Names

What’s in a Name? DFS Discusses Agency Names

The Florida Department of Financial Services recently discussed the guidelines it maintains for insurance agency names.  DFS cautions agents to consult applicable laws so they don’t waste time and money organizing businesses with names that don’t meet regulatory requirements. DFS may disapproved an agency name for several reasons.  These include use by another agency or […]

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DFS Reminds Public Adjusters of Conflict of Interest Prohibitions

DFS Reminds Public Adjusters of Conflict of Interest Prohibitions

The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) recently issued a reminder to public adjusters to avoid conflicts of interest while performing the duties under their license.  DFS pointed to section 626.8795, Florida Statutes, in advising public adjusters that they may not: participate directly or indirectly in the reconstruction, repair, or restoration of damaged property that is the […]

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DFS Advises as to Agents’ Rights Following Termination of Appointment

DFS Advises as to Agents’ Rights Following Termination of Appointment

The Department of Financial Services advises that it frequently receives inquiries from agents whose appointments with insurers have terminated.  These agents often ask what they are legally allowed to do for customers relating to policies transacted before termination of the appointment.  According to DFS, following the termination of an appointment as to an insurer, the agent may continue to service, and […]

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DFS Lists Top Ten Violations of 2015

DFS Lists Top Ten Violations of 2015

The Florida Department of Financial Services has identified its ten most frequently investigated allegations  of 2015.  DFS produces this list to illustrate the frequency of violations with significant regulatory implications and hopefully cause licensees to review their compliance: Licensing Violations Material misstatement, misrepresentation, or fraud in obtaining a license or appointment. Soliciting or transacting insurance business […]

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Insurance Agency Names are Subject to Regulatory Restrictions

Insurance Agency Names are Subject to Regulatory Restrictions

The Florida Department of Financial Services reminds agents that it may disapprove the name of any agency (whether the agency’s actual name or a fictitious name) if the name violates certain guidelines.  An agency name cannot: ◦  mislead the public in any respect; ◦  interfere with or be too similar to another name already being […]

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