News & Updates

Department of Financial Services

DFS Encourages Licensees to Update Addresses

DFS Encourages Licensees to Update Addresses

The Florida Department of Financial Services recently highlighted the need for agents to updated their addresses in its Insurance Insights publication.  In particular, DFS noted that many life and health agents work from home but lease the opportunity to use conference rooms for meeting with clients outside of their homes.  In these cases, the agents […]

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SB 708 Includes July 1 Effective Dates

SB 708 Includes July 1 Effective Dates

Senate Bill 708, now Chapter Law 2014-86, is perhaps best known for the Homeowners Claims Bill of Rights that personal lines residential insurers will be required to send to policyholders within 14 days of receiving claims.  However, the Bill of Rights requirement does not take effect until October 1, 2014.  In the meantime, other aspects […]

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SB 1672 Makes Minor Adjustments to Citizens

SB 1672 Makes Minor Adjustments to Citizens

As with prior legislative sessions, the 2014 session began with a variety of competing proposals affecting Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, many of which were intended to continue efforts to significantly reduce the size of the residual market. However, by the end of the session, the more ambitious proposals such as allowing surplus lines insurers to […]

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Consumer Advocate Working Group Kicks Off

Consumer Advocate Working Group Kicks Off

Today marks the first meeting of the Homeowners Policy & Claims Bill of Rights Working Group.  The group, convened by the Insurance Consumer Advocate, consists of regulators, consumer groups, representatives of trial lawyers and public adjusters, and the insurance industry.  The formation of the group follows feedback received by the consumer advocate and the Department […]

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Citizens Releases Claims Performance Measures

Citizens Releases Claims Performance Measures

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation’s claims volume is up but policyholder satisfaction has increased according to claims performance measures through the first quarter of 2012.  Based on activity through the first quarter Citizens estimates it will receive First Notice of Loss on approximately 70,000 claims in 2012.  This would be an increase over the 66,044 First […]

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Reform for PIP Squeaks Through on Final Day of Session

Reform for PIP Squeaks Through on Final Day of Session

After intense debate throughout the 2012 legislative session, the Florida House of Representatives and Senate reached a compromise on reforms for Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) auto insurance system.  The bill and its reform proposals were the subject of considerable analysis and discussion prior to the session and throughout its two-month term.  Insurance Commissioner Kevin […]

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New Changes Regarding Appointments in Florida

New Changes Regarding Appointments in Florida

The Department of Financial Services (DFS), Division of Agent and Agency Services released information on new changes beginning January 18, 2012 on the appointments and renewals of licensees in Florida.  The Department says its focus is on the timeliness and accuracy of information.  The changes assess late fees for failing to meet specified deadlines for […]

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