News & Updates

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Hearing to Address Proposed Penalty Rule Repeal

Hearing to Address Proposed Penalty Rule Repeal

A hearing will take place today on the Office of Insurance Regulation’s proposed repeal of administrative rule 69O-142.011, sometimes called the “penalty rule.”  The rule classifies many types of violations of the insurance codes into categories, ranging from the most severe to the relatively minor.  The rule then sets forth ranges of potential penalties based on […]

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Another Look at the Notice of Change in Policy Terms

Another Look at the Notice of Change in Policy Terms

The 2011 Florida Legislature established a new opportunity for insurers to inform policyholders of changes in their policies.  Case law in Florida previously suggested that insurers seeking to continue coverage with material changes in terms should nonrenew existing policies and offer replacement policies with the new terms.  This process could be confusing for policyholders, who […]

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OIR Scrutinizing Lender-Placed Insurance

OIR Scrutinizing Lender-Placed Insurance

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation and Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty continue to take a close look at lender-placed or force-placed insurance.  In its most recent action, the OIR announced on Friday that it intends to disapprove a recent rate filing submitted by Praetorian Insurance Company (Praetorian). Praetorian submitted a rate filing proposing a modest statewide decrease […]

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FHCF to Begin Working on 2013 Contract

FHCF to Begin Working on 2013 Contract

The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF) has announced a rule workshop for August 30, 2012, to discuss potential changes to Rule 19-8.010 relating to the reimbursement contract.  Each year’s version of the reimbursement contract is adopted by the FHCF through formal rulemaking.  The changes typically account for law changes as well as other clarifying or […]

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OIR Cautions Against Premature Conclusions from Draft PIP Report

OIR Cautions Against Premature Conclusions from Draft PIP Report

One of the great benefits of Florida’s public records law is early and thorough access to information prepared for or on behalf of the government.  At this same time, this access can lead to dissemination of information before it has been finalized or fully vetted.  This is the case with the draft report titled “Impact Analysis of […]

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Consumer Advocate Questions Citizens Mitigation Program

Consumer Advocate Questions Citizens Mitigation Program

Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate Robin Westcott raised concerns about Citizens Property Insurance Corporation’s mitigation reinspection program at its recent board and committee meetings.  Ms. Westcott also issued a press release saying that the inspection process is confusing, has inequitable results, and serves as a threat to Florida’s already vulnerable economy. “The current inspection process is working against the very […]

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OIR Discusses Status of Federal Health Care Reform

OIR Discusses Status of Federal Health Care Reform

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation recently summarized the status of implementation of federal health care reform at a meeting of the Florida Health Insurance Advisory Board.  Michelle Robleto, the OIR’s Deputy Commissioner overseeing life and health insurance, provided the update. The OIR’s summary began with a recap of the new law, including the reforms […]

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An Early Look at the 2013 Legislative Agenda

An Early Look at the 2013 Legislative Agenda

The campaign commercials on TV are a constant reminder that the fall election cycle is rapidly approaching.  The presidential election commands most of the attention, but state legislative races have the most immediate bearing on insurance legislation in this state.  As soon as the winners emerge from this fall’s elections, the legislature will hold and […]

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Citizens Rate Discussion Resumes

Citizens Rate Discussion Resumes

Rate levels for Citizens Property Insurance Corporation once again will be in the spotlight this week.  The board of governors will hold a workshop to discuss Citizens’ rate levels for the upcoming year.  Under Florida law, Citizens submits recommended rates to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, which then is responsible for approving Citizens’ final […]

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