Florida Developments

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In connection with Florida’s transition of the state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (“Citizens”) back to an insurer of last resort, the Florida House of Representatives recently approved by a 66-48 vote a bill (HB 245 [PDF]) that would allow surplus lines insurers to assume certain policies from Citizens. …
Read More Florida House Approves Bill for Assumption of Citizens Policies by Surplus Lines Insurers

Scott Wallace, the President and CEO of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (“Citizens”), has announced his resignation to be effective April 2012.  The timing coincides with the completion of Florida’s most recent legislative session, which began today. …
Read More Florida Citizens President and CEO Wallace Announces Resignation

Representative Bill Hager, R-Boca Raton, filed HB 1113 (the “Bill”) in the Florida House of Representatives at the end of December 2011 that would place new restrictions on claims bills and which lawmakers can file such bills.  Claims bills, which are based on the state’s sovereign immunity laws, generally limit the liability of government agencies to $200,000. …
Read More Florida Bill Proposes to Limit Claims Bills

Currently before the Florida Supreme Court is a case challenging the constitutionality of Section 626.854(6) of the Florida Statutes, which imposes restrictions on the solicitation of business by public adjusters within the 48 hours immediately following an event that may become the subject of a claim under an insurance policy. A decision is expected within weeks. …
Read More Client Advisory – Florida Supreme Court to Decide Constitutionality of Solicitation Restrictions on Public Adjusters

On October 6, 2011, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (“FOIR”) announced that the FOIR entered into reduced collateral agreements with Lloyd’s of London to 20% pursuant to Section 690-144.007 of the Florida Administrative Code (the “Rule”). …
Read More Florida Agrees to Reduce Collateral Requirements for Lloyd’s

On September 20, 2011, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (“FOIR”) issued an order on the proposed rate increases by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (“Citizens”) for homeowners, dwelling fire, and sinkhole coverage. …
Read More Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Issues Order Regarding Sinkhole Rate Increases

The law firms of Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP and Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP today announced that they will merge on October 1, 2011 (you can read the press release here).   The new firm, with 13 offices and 650 lawyers, will be known as Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP. …
Read More Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge and Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP Announce Merger

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty (“McCarty”) said this week that he intends to phase in the expected significant rate increases for sinkhole coverage.  As previously reported here, sinkhole coverage was a significant component of Florida recent property insurance reform legislation.  Part of this reform was to lift a cap on rates charged by Citizens Property Insurance Company, Florida’s state-sponsored insurer of last resort. …
Read More Florida Insurance Commissioner to Phase in Rate Increases for Sinkhole Coverage

In State Farm Florida Insurance Co. v. Seville Place Condominium Association, 2011 Fla. App. Lexis 11314 (Fla. 3d DCA July 20, 2011) Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal granted motions for rehearing and rehearing en banc and withdrew its prior October 14, 2009 opinion in the same case.   …
Read More Florida Appellate Court Substitutes Opinion Concerning Premature Bad Faith Claims