News & Updates

Travis Miller

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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Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate Comments on Affordable Health Care Act

Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate Comments on Affordable Health Care Act

The Tampa Bay Times published an interview with Insurance Consumer Advocate Robin Westcott today covering a range of topics.  Among the topics discussed, the Tampa Bay Times asked whether she sees the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Affordable Health Care Act is a positive or negative for consumers.  Ms. Westcott commented, “I’m concerned about the […]

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Citizens Reduces Blackout Window

Citizens Reduces Blackout Window

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is implementing a reduced blackout window for insurer assumptions.  The blackout window recognizes that Citizens must process and mail nonrenewal notices in connection with the assumptions, so insurers can choose only those policies with expiration dates far enough in the future to allow proper notice. Senate Bill 408 allows Citizens to reduce […]

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Citizens Seeking Reduction of PLA Account

Citizens Seeking Reduction of PLA Account

After 30 days on the job, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation’s CEO Barry Gilway has identified reduction of the Personal Lines Account (PLA) as step one in restoring Citizens’ role as a residual market.  By concentrating efforts on reducing the PLA by 500,000 policies, Citizens’ policy count would drop below 1 million policies.  Gilway and Citizens hope to […]

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