News & Updates

FHCF

Nelson, Richter Release Insurance White Paper

Nelson, Richter Release Insurance White Paper

Representative Bryan Nelson and Senator Garrett Richter have released a white paper entitled, “How Critical is Property Insurance in Florida?” drawing attention to Florida’s reliance on assessment (taxing) mechanisms to prop up the state’s insurance market.  Nelson and Richter point out that Florida is making promises through three government-run entities that the state probably will […]

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FHCF Projects Shortfall on 12-Month Basis

FHCF Projects Shortfall on 12-Month Basis

The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF) Advisory Council has suggested that the fund will have a potential shortfall of $1.75 billion if it is required to attempt to reach its maximum payout within 12 months of an event.  The Advisory Council encouraged FHCF Chief Operating Officer Jack Nicholson to seek pre-event financing this year to close this potential gap. Nicholson sought […]

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FHCF Holds Rule Hearing Today

FHCF Holds Rule Hearing Today

The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF) has a rule hearing scheduled for 9:00 today relating to its reporting and insurer responsibility rules.  Administrative rule 19-8.029 pertains to insurer reporting requirements, and rule 19-8.030 sets forth insurer responsibilities.  The purpose of the rule hearing is to discuss the rules and receive public input pertaining to the […]

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Governor Nixes FHCF Premium Tax Program

Governor Nixes FHCF Premium Tax Program

Governor Rick Scott has vetoed HB 5505, which would have created a program by which insurers could prepay premium taxes in exchange for future credits, with the proceeds being used to create liquidity for the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF).  The Governor stated in his veto message that he would not approve the bill because […]

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Cat Fund Right-Sizing Supporters Vow to Bring It Back

Cat Fund Right-Sizing Supporters Vow to Bring It Back

The key Senator and Representative who promoted the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF) right-sizing proposal expressed disappointment that the bills did not receive more attention in the recently concluded session.  At least in the case of those who are eligible to return to the legislature next year, they vow to keep pushing for the reform. […]

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Cat Fund Revisions Fall Short

Cat Fund Revisions Fall Short

The Florida legislature did not adopt proposed changes to the size of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund during the 2012 session.  Jack Nicholson of the FHCF developed a proposal he referred to as “right-sizing” the cat fund to ensure it has access to enough resources to pay promised reimbursements without regard to poor global market […]

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Citizens Assessment Mechanism to be Revised

Citizens Assessment Mechanism to be Revised

The legislature passed a bill in the recently concluded 2012 session changing the way Citizens will recover deficits through assessments.  The bill was unique in that it enjoyed broad support from the Office of Insurance Regulation, the Insurance Consumer Advocate, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation and the insurance industry.  Despite this support, the proposal was in […]

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FHCF Right Sizing Proposal Up for Hearing

FHCF Right Sizing Proposal Up for Hearing

The so-called “right-sizing” proposal of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF) is on the agenda of the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations today.  This proposal would increase the FHCF’s retention over time, and reduce the amount of coverage it makes available to residential property insurers. I have written about this proposal, known in […]

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The Foreseeable Consequences of SB 1372

The Foreseeable Consequences of SB 1372

A proposal to reduce the size of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF) remains under consideration in the Florida Senate in the form of SB 1372.  A similar proposal exists in the House of Representatives but has not advanced thus far in the 2012 legislative session. This proposal, which has been termed the FHCF “right-sizing” […]

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Insurance & Banking Subcommittee to Review FHCF Proposal

Insurance & Banking Subcommittee to Review FHCF Proposal

The Insurance & Banking Subcommittee of the Florida House of Representatives is scheduled to hold a workshop today to consider proposals for shrinking the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund.  Jack Nicholson of the FHCF has advanced a proposal that will reduce the size of the FHCF, increase the industry’s retention, and increase the cost of FHCF […]

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