Welcome to the 26th edition of the Troutman Pepper Locke LLP Excess and Surplus Lines Law Manual. Updated for 2026, this edition reflects all of the pertinent changes in the surplus lines laws and regulations of the 50 states and U.S. territories during the past year. You can use the links below to download a complete PDF of the manual or navigate directly to specific state or territory updates on our website.
Read More 2026 Excess and Surplus Lines Law Manual
What New Fla. Citizens Bill Means for Surplus Lines Insurers
This article was originally published on Law360 and is republished here with permission as it originally appeared on April 7, 2026.
On March 17, after much debate in both the house and the senate, S.B. 1028, which establishes both an admitted and a surplus lines commercial risk clearinghouse, was enrolled
Read More What New Fla. Citizens Bill Means for Surplus Lines InsurersHome State Definition
In the eighth episode of our Surplus Lines 360 series, John Emmanuel and Zachary Lerner explore the definition of “home state” under the Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act (NRRA) — how it applies, the complexities of group policies, and the nuances of exposure based on risk location.
Read More Home State DefinitionThings Every Policy Needs
In the seventh episode of our Surplus Lines 360 series, Zachary Lerner discusses what must be included in every surplus lines insurance policy: stamping language, service of suit clauses, and cancellation or non-renewal provisions.
Read More Things Every Policy NeedsFlorida Clears the Way for Commercial Surplus Lines Placements
On March 4, 2026, the Florida Senate approved Senate Bill 1028 (SB 1028), introduced by Senator Joe Gruters, which would establish both an admitted and a surplus lines clearinghouse for Citizens Property Insurance commercial policies. SB 1028, and its companion House Bill 943, were introduced on December 30, 2025, and have quickly made their way through both houses of the legislature. The Florida Legislature created Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens), a nonprofit windstorm and general property insurer of last resort, in 2002.[1]
Read More Florida Clears the Way for Commercial Surplus Lines PlacementsBroker Licensing
In the sixth episode of our Surplus Lines 360 series, John Emmanuel and Zachary Lerner explore the broker licensing requirement, covering common misconceptions, recent enforcement actions, state-specific exceptions, and the “three magic words” to think about.
Read More Broker LicensingDirect Procurement
In the fifth episode of our Surplus Lines 360 series, John Emmanuel and Zachary Lerner explore the complexities of direct procurement, including key compliance considerations, home-state taxation, the attorney-in-fact model, and coverage restrictions that vary by jurisdiction.
Read More Direct ProcurementNow Available: Surplus Lines Update Portal – Weekly Subscription
We’re pleased to announce the launch of our Weekly Surplus Lines Update Portal, a comprehensive subscription service designed to help surplus lines carriers and brokers stay ahead of regulatory developments across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Navigating the surplus lines marketplace requires constant vigilance, and this portal delivers
Read More Now Available: Surplus Lines Update Portal – Weekly SubscriptionFinancial Responsibility in the Surplus Lines Market
In the fourth episode of our Surplus Lines 360 series, John Emmanuel and Zachary Lerner discuss why using surplus lines insurance to satisfy state financial responsibility requirements can be problematic and varies by state, and why newer rideshare laws provide clarity that traditional commercial auto insurance lacks.
Read More Financial Responsibility in the Surplus Lines MarketUK, Bermuda and EU Markets: For US Business, Ditch Direct Procurement, Go Surplus Lines
This article was originally published on Insurance Business UK and is republished here with permission as it originally appeared on December 23, 2025.
It’s a tale as old as time: A U.S. insurance broker wants to place bespoke coverage for its U.S. client. Sometimes, it’s a layer within a commercial tower. Perhaps there are some participating admitted (licensed) U.S. carriers, mixed in with an array of eligible surplus lines insurers. But alas, satisfying all layers through the admitted and surplus lines markets proves allusive, so the broker approaches an unauthorized carrier in Bermuda, a European country, or another non-U.S. jurisdiction. It makes sense, right? The broker tried its best to find coverage another way, and it wants to do right by its client.
Read More UK, Bermuda and EU Markets: For US Business, Ditch Direct Procurement, Go Surplus Lines