News & Updates

Travis Miller

DFS Reminds Agencies that Inspection Referral Fees are Prohibited

DFS Reminds Agencies that Inspection Referral Fees are Prohibited

The Florida Department of Financial Services has issued a reminder to insurance agents and agencies that referral fees for inspectors are prohibited.  DFS points out that an insurance agent, customer representative, or agency employee is prohibited from directly or indirectly accepting any compensation, inducement, or reward from an inspector for the referral of the owner […]

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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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Familiar Issues Expected to Surface Early in 2017

Familiar Issues Expected to Surface Early in 2017

As we begin 2017, we can expect some of the high profile issues addressed early in the year to be continuations of issues that gathered significant attention in 2016.  One of the hottest topics early in the year is likely to be the state of Florida’s workers’ compensation insurance market.  Beginning with reforms made in […]

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New Year Brings Lower Coverage Limits in Citizens

New Year Brings Lower Coverage Limits in Citizens

The maximum personal residential coverage limits available from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation decreased as of January 1, 2017, in accordance with a law passed in 2013 providing for a gradual step-down in the limits.  Effective January 1, the following risks are no longer eligible as new business or renewals: A structure that has a dwelling replacement […]

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Citizens Coverage A Reductions Take Effect

Citizens Coverage A Reductions Take Effect

As required by a law passed in 2013, the maximum Coverage A amounts for Citizens Property Insurance Corporation’s personal residential coverage have been reduced again effective January 1, 2017.  The following new business and renewals for personal residential risks are no longer are eligible for coverage in Citizens: A structure that has a dwelling replacement […]

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2016 Brought Its Share of Novel Issues

2016 Brought Its Share of Novel Issues

As 2016 winds to a close, we can look back and see the impact this year’s events had on the Florida insurance market.  In the property and casualty sector, we saw two hurricanes affect Florida after a decade without hurricanes.  Fortunately, Hurricane Hermine remained a relatively small storm, and Hurricane Matthew stayed just offshore enough […]

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OIR Appeals Circuit Court Decision on Workers Comp Rates

OIR Appeals Circuit Court Decision on Workers Comp Rates

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has filed a Notice of Appeal relating to a circuit court ruling issued last week that would block the implementation of a statewide average 14.5 percent increase in workers’ compensation insurance rates.  In a press release announcing its decision to appeal, the Office of Insurance Regulation noted that Florida’s […]

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Circuit Court Ruling Adds to Workers’ Compensation Rate Uncertainty

Circuit Court Ruling Adds to Workers’ Compensation Rate Uncertainty

In response to rulings of the Florida Supreme Court earlier this year, the National Council on Compensation Insurance submitted a rate filing proposing a rate increase of more than 19%.  However, after a public hearing and review by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, the OIR ultimately approved a 14.5% statewide average rate increase.  The […]

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DFS Cautions Against Use of Unlicensed Personnel

DFS Cautions Against Use of Unlicensed Personnel

The Florida Department of Financial Services points out that unlicensed personnel have limited discretion as to how they can support the operations of an insurance agency. The scope of these activities are further described in Rule Chapter 69B-222, Florida Administrative Code.  Incidental activities and compensation are two of the most important points to remember when […]

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Hurricane Matthew Recovery Underway

Hurricane Matthew Recovery Underway

Hurricane Matthew brushed by most eastern parts of Florida, bringing strong winds, a wall of water, and a wake of damage.  Floridians braced for Matthew for days as forecasts showed the major hurricane to be heading toward Florida’s coastline and likely impacting most areas from Miami to Jacksonville.  Ultimately, the storm stayed slightly offshore as […]

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