News & Updates

insurance agency

DFS Outlines Limits Services by Unlicensed Agency Personnel

DFS Outlines Limits Services by Unlicensed Agency Personnel

In most its recent Insurance Insights update, the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) reminded licensees that unlicensed personnel can perform only limited activities within an insurance agency. Rule Chapter 69B-222, Florida Administrative Code, outlines permitted and prohibited activities for unlicensed personnel.  The rules focus on ensuring that unlicensed individuals are involved in certain types […]

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DFS Cautions Against Use of Unlicensed Personnel

DFS Cautions Against Use of Unlicensed Personnel

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 […]

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Law Change Removes Managing General Agency License Requirement

Law Change Removes Managing General Agency License Requirement

A law change adopted in the 2018 legislative session and affecting managing general agents took effect July 1, 2018.  With this law change, the Florida Department of Financial Services will no longer issue managing general agents’ licenses.  However, individuals and firms currently holding licenses will be allowed to keep them. Going forward, individuals acting as […]

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DFS Reminds Agents to Display Licenses

DFS Reminds Agents to Display Licenses

The Florida Department of Financial Services reminds Florida insurance to make sure their licenses are prominently displayed within their offices.  DFS refers to Section 626.172, Florida Statutes, providing that a licensed insurance agency is required to display the Department-issued agency license prominently and such that the license is clearly visible to any customer or potential […]

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DFS Reminds Agencies of Name Requirements

DFS Reminds Agencies of Name Requirements

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) has issued a reminder to prospective insurance agency licensees to use caution when selecting their agency names.  DFS notes that by law, it may disapprove the use of any true or fictitious name, other than the bona fide name of an individual, if the name violates certain guidelines. Specifically, an agency name […]

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DFS Summarizes Referral Fee Restrictions

DFS Summarizes Referral Fee Restrictions

The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) recently published a reminder relating to restrictions on referrals fees.  DFS notes that it commonly receives questions about referral fees and periodically publishes guidance to remind licensees of applicable requirements. According to DFS, an agent may pay an unlicensed person for referrals of potential clients as long as […]

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DFS Reminds Agencies of Agent in Charge Requirements

DFS Reminds Agencies of Agent in Charge Requirements

The Florida Department of Financial Services has reminded agencies that each insurance agency, and each location of a multiple location agency, must have a designated agent in charge. The agent in charge (AIC) is defined as the licensed and appointed agent responsible for the supervision of all individuals within an insurance agency. Each business location […]

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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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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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DFS Summarizes Agent in Charge Requirements

DFS Summarizes Agent in Charge Requirements

The beginning of a new year is a good time to revisit the “agent in charge” requirement applicable to agency locations.  The Department of Financial Services has helped facilitate this review with a recent summary of the agent in charge requirements and responsibilities. Designation of Agent in Charge–  Each person operating an insurance agency, and […]

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