News & Updates

Pam Bondi

Federal Nominations Bring Florida Shakeups

Federal Nominations Bring Florida Shakeups

Several early nominees for positions in the next Trump administration have deep Florida connections. Prominent examples include U.S. Senator Marco Rubio being tapped for Secretary of State and former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi being the nominee for U.S. Attorney General. Bondi’s nomination followed a brief cycle in which U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz from the […]

Continue Reading →

Financial Services Commission Responsible for New Commissioner Appointment

Financial Services Commission Responsible for New Commissioner Appointment

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty’s announcement that he is resigning effective May 2, 2016, puts Florida in a position it has been in only once before– needing to appoint an insurance commissioner to lead the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR). McCarty is the first, and only, insurance commissioner appointed after the restructuring of the […]

Continue Reading →

2014 Saw Significant Property and Casualty Issues

2014 Saw Significant Property and Casualty Issues

As 2014 comes to a close, several of the issues that commanded considerable attention during the year reached their resolution and set the framework for 2015 ahead.  When we all return from the holidays, the legislative committee weeks will be upon us and the 2015 legislative session will begin before we know it.  However, before […]

Continue Reading →

Election Night Brings No Changes to Financial Services Commission

Election Night Brings No Changes to Financial Services Commission

The Governor and Cabinet serve as a collegial governing body known as the Financial Services Commission, which has rulemaking authority for the Office of Insurance Regulation.  In addition, the FSC designates the insurance commissioner by a majority vote, with the Governor and Chief Financial Officer required to be on the same side.  After last night’s elections, […]

Continue Reading →

Florida Supports Mississippi Flood Suit

Florida Supports Mississippi Flood Suit

Governor Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced that Florida will file an amicus brief in support of the Mississippi Department of Insurance’s suit seeking to delay implementation of rate increases in the federal flood insurance program.  Attorney General Bondi indicated that supporting the Mississippi action might result in a faster decision than if Florida were to […]

Continue Reading →

OIR to Review Life & Annuity Claims Practices

OIR to Review Life & Annuity Claims Practices

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has announced a public hearing at which it will investigate claims settlement practices in the life and annuity industry.  The OIR has directed that representatives of two insurers appear in Tallahassee on May 19 to address its concerns, and OIR advises that it continues to examine other insurers. According […]

Continue Reading →

Health Bill Allowed to Move Forward; Status in Florida Uncertain

Health Bill Allowed to Move Forward; Status in Florida Uncertain

U.S. District Court Judge Roger Vinson has issued a response to the Department of Justice’s most recent motion in the federal healthcare lawsuit.   Judge Vinson previously ruled that the federal healthcare law is unconstitutional, but the Department of Justice filed a motion seeking to ensure implementation will continue while it appeals.  Vinson criticized the Department of Justice for […]

Continue Reading →

Renewed Emphasis on Amendment Opposing Federal Health Care Law

Renewed Emphasis on Amendment Opposing Federal Health Care Law

The Florida Senate is again taking steps toward a state constitutional amendment in opposition to the federal Affordable Care Act.  The legislature pursued an amendment last year (Amendment 9), but state courts precluded it from appearing on the ballot by finding the ballot summary to be misleading. The Senate Judiciary Commit­tee has passed a resolution by a […]

Continue Reading →

New Financial Services Commission Takes the Reins

New Financial Services Commission Takes the Reins

The new year marks a new beginning for Florida’s Financial Services Commission.  Under Florida’s regulatory structure, the Governor and Cabinet make up the four-member Financial Services Commission.  This collegial body has rulemaking authority for the Office of Insurance Regulation and Office of Financial Regulation.  In addition, the Financial Services Commission is responsible for employing the […]

Continue Reading →

Cabinet Races Decided; Governor’s Race Close

Cabinet Races Decided; Governor’s Race Close

At least three-fourths of the next Financial Services Commission is known, as the races for Chief Financial Officer, Attorney General and Commissioner of Agriculture went to the Republican candidates.  The fourth member of the Financial Services Commission– the Governor, remains to be determined although Republican Rick Scott continues to lead the tight race by a […]

Continue Reading →