The Florida Guide to Property Insurance Claims: Deadlines, Laws, and FAQs

In Florida, the deadline to file a new or reopened property insurance claim is 1 year from the date of loss.  The deadline to file a supplemental property claim in Florida is 18 months from the date of loss.  Section 627.70132, Florida Statutes.

For more details on this deadline, see our post on Florida claim deadlines.

At your earliest convenience.

Technically, you have one year from the date of the loss to file your claim in Florida. Section 627.70132, Florida Statutes. But it’s in your best interest to notify your insurer of losses as soon as possible. Among other things, this notification starts the clock on important Florida insurer deadlines, so it puts the ball in the insurer’s court to begin processing your claim.  Prompt notice of loss is also usually one of your duties after a loss under your insurance policy.

Not sure how to contact your insurer? The state of Florida provides an official list of Florida insurers and their contact information.

In Florida, your insurer should acknowledge your claim within 7 days from your notice of loss. 

Unless there are extenuating circumstances, the insurance company must acknowledge your claim within 7 days of your first communication to the insurer regarding your claim.  Section 627.70131(1), Florida Statutes.  In its acknowledgment, your insurer is required to send you any forms they want you to complete or instructions that they want you to follow. Section 627.70131(2), Florida Statutes.

This 7-day deadline actually applies to all of your communications with your insurer about your claim. Each time you communicate with your insurer about your claim, they should respond to that communication within 7 days. Section 627.70131(2), Florida Statutes.

For additional details on this deadline, see our post on Florida claim deadlines.

Within 7 days of receiving your written proof of loss statement.  Under Florida law, an insurance company must begin investigating a residential property insurance claim within 7 days of receiving a written proof-of-loss statement, absent special circumstances. Section 627.70131(1), Florida Statutes.

This is one reason it’s so important to put together and submit a proof-of-loss statement as soon as you’re able to do so.

For more details on this deadline, see our post on Florida claim deadlines.

30 days for residential and homeowners claims.  Under Florida law, an insurance company must conduct a physical inspection of property related to a residential property insurance claim within 30 days of receiving a written proof-of-loss statement, absent special circumstances. Section 627.70131(1), Florida Statutes.

This is one reason it’s so important to put together and submit a proof-of-loss statement as soon as you’re able to do so.

For more details on this deadline, see our post on Florida claim deadlines.

Yes.  Thanks to recent reforms to Florida property insurance, a Florida insurer must send you a copy of any loss estimate about your claim within seven days of its adjuster creating the estimate.

Section 627.70131(3)(e), Florida Statutes.

In Florida, the deadline to submit a proof of loss should be stated in your insurance policy.

Florida law does not dictate a specific time period to file a proof of loss.  Most insurance policies, however, require you to file a proof of loss within a specified period (often 60 days) from when your insurance company requests it.  So the key here is to find the deadline in your insurance policy and follow it. Failing to file a proof of loss within the deadline set by your insurance policy risks you forfeiting your insurance claim.

Regardless of the deadline in your policy, it’s in your best interest to submit a proof of loss as soon as possible. In general, the sooner you submit that form, the sooner you’re likely to get an insurer to respond to your claim and hopefully get paid.  For instance, a Florida insurer’s deadline to begin investigating a claim isn’t triggered until you submit your proof of loss.

What if your insurance company doesn’t request a proof of loss? Look at your insurance policy for definitive guidance, but in most cases you’re not required to submit a signed proof of loss statement unless your insurance company requests it.

Potentially — but only if the underlying insurance policy was issued before January 1, 2023.

In Florida, only insurance policies issued before January 1, 2023 are eligible for an assignment of benefits (AOB).  Section 627.7152(2)(a)(1), Florida Statutes.  Even if the underlying policy is eligible for an AOB, the AOB must still meet the other requirements of Section 627.7152, Florida Statutes, to be enforceable.

To learn more, see our Florida Guides to AOBs:

The AOB Guide for Florida Property Owners: Rights, Requirements, and FAQs

The Florida Contractor’s Guide to AOBs: Laws, Requirements, and FAQs

60 days from receiving notice of the claim, in most cases.  Section 627.70131(7), Florida Statutes.

In Florida, an insurance company must pay or deny a property insurance claim within 60 days of receiving notice of the claim.  If after 60 days the insurance company hasn’t either paid on the claim or explained in writing the reason for a denial, then interest will begin to accrue on the claim.

Note that there’s an exception: The 60-day deadline may be extended if Florida regulators determine that “factors beyond the control of the insurer” prevent the insurer from meeting the deadline.  Section 627.70131(7), Florida Statutes.

In addition, if you settle an insurance claim in Florida, the insurance company must pay within 20 days of the settlement.  If the settlement is preconditioned on the policyholder signing a release, then the 20-day deadline doesn’t start until the insurer receives the signed release.  Section 627.4265, Florida Statutes.

For a more detailed look at these deadlines, read our post on Florida claim deadlines.

“Property insurance” is insurance on real or personal property of every kind and of every interest therein, whether on land, water, or in the air, against loss or damage from any and all hazard or cause, and against loss consequential upon such loss or damage, other than noncontractual legal liability for any such loss or damage.  Property insurance may contain a provision for accidental death or injury as part of a multiple peril homeowner’s policy.  Such insurance, which is incidental to the property insurance, is not subject to the provisions of this code applicable to life or health insurance.  Property insurance does not include title insurance, as defined in s. 624.608.

Fla. Stat. § 624.604.

(1) “Casualty insurance” includes:

Inquiries about coverage on a property insurance contract are not claim activity, unless an actual claim is filed by the policyholder which results in a company investigation of the claim.

Fla. Stat. § 627.7061.

627.712 Residential windstorm coverage required; availability of exclusions for windstorm or contents.—

(1) An insurer issuing a residential property insurance policy must provide windstorm coverage. Except as provided in paragraph (2)(c), this section does not apply to risks that are eligible for wind-only coverage from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation under s. 627.351(6), and risks that are not eligible for coverage from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation under s. 627.351(6)(a)3. or 5. A risk ineligible for coverage by the corporation under s. 627.351(6)(a)3. or 5. is exempt from this section only if the risk is located within the boundaries of the coastal account of the corporation.

(2) A property insurer must make available, at the option of the policyholder, an exclusion of windstorm coverage.

(a) The coverage may be excluded only if:

1. When the policyholder is a natural person, the policyholder personally writes and provides to the insurer the following statement in his or her own handwriting and signs his or her name, which must also be signed by every other named insured on the policy, and dated: “I do not want the insurance on my (home/mobile home/condominium unit) to pay for damage from windstorms. I will pay those costs. My insurance will not.”

2. When the policyholder is other than a natural person, the policyholder provides to the insurer on the policyholder’s letterhead the following statement that must be signed by the policyholder’s authorized representative and dated: “ (Name of entity) does not want the insurance on its (type of structure) to pay for damage from windstorms. (Name of entity) will be responsible for these costs. (Name of entity’s) insurance will not.”

(b) If the structure insured by the policy is subject to a mortgage or lien, the policyholder must provide the insurer with a written statement from the mortgageholder or lienholder indicating that the mortgageholder or lienholder approves the policyholder electing to exclude windstorm coverage or hurricane coverage from his or her or its property insurance policy.

(c) An insurer nonrenewing a policy and issuing a replacement policy, or issuing a new policy, that does not provide wind coverage shall provide a notice to the mortgageholder or lienholder indicating the policyholder has elected coverage that does not cover wind.

(3) An insurer issuing a residential property insurance policy, except for a condominium unit owner policy or a tenant policy, must make available, at the option of the policyholder, an exclusion of coverage for the contents. The coverage may be excluded only if the policyholder personally writes and provides to the insurer the following statement in his or her own handwriting and signs his or her signature, which must also be signed by every other named insured on the policy, and dated: “I do not want the insurance on my (home/mobile home) to pay for the costs to repair or replace any contents that are damaged. I will pay those costs. My insurance will not.”

(4) An insurer shall keep the original copy of a signed statement required by this section, electronically or otherwise, and provide a copy to the policyholder providing the signed statement. A signed statement meeting the requirements of this section creates a presumption that there was an informed, knowing rejection of coverage.

(5) The exclusions authorized by this section apply for the term of the policy and for each renewal thereafter. Changes to the exclusions authorized by this section may be implemented only as of the date of renewal.

(6) The commission shall adopt rules providing appropriate alternative methods for providing the statements required by this section for policyholders who have a handicapping or disabling condition that prevents them from providing a handwritten statement.

Fla. Stat. § 627.712.

(1) Prior to issuing a homeowner’s insurance policy, the insurer must offer each of the following:

(a) A policy or endorsement providing that any loss that is repaired or replaced will be adjusted on the basis of replacement costs to the dwelling not exceeding policy limits, rather than actual cash value, but not including costs necessary to meet applicable laws and ordinances regulating the construction, use, or repair of any property or requiring the tearing down of any property, including the costs of removing debris.

(b) A policy or endorsement providing that, subject to other policy provisions, any loss that is repaired or replaced at any location will be adjusted on the basis of replacement costs to the dwelling not exceeding policy limits, rather than actual cash value, and also including costs necessary to meet applicable laws and ordinances regulating the construction, use, or repair of any property or requiring the tearing down of any property, including the costs of removing debris. However, additional costs necessary to meet applicable laws and ordinances may be limited to 25 percent or 50 percent of the dwelling limit, as selected by the policyholder, and such coverage applies only to repairs of the damaged portion of the structure unless the total damage to the structure exceeds 50 percent of the replacement cost of the structure.
An insurer is not required to make the offers required by this subsection with respect to the issuance or renewal of a homeowner’s policy that contains the provisions specified in paragraph (b) for law and ordinance coverage limited to 25 percent of the dwelling limit, except that the insurer must offer the law and ordinance coverage limited to 50 percent of the dwelling limit. This subsection does not prohibit the offer of a guaranteed replacement cost policy.

(2) Unless the insurer obtains the policyholder’s written refusal of the policies or endorsements specified in subsection (1), any policy covering the dwelling is deemed to include the law and ordinance coverage limited to 25 percent of the dwelling limit. The rejection or selection of alternative coverage shall be made on a form approved by the office. The form must fully advise the applicant of the nature of the coverage being rejected. If this form is signed by a named insured, it is conclusively presumed that there was an informed, knowing rejection of the coverage or election of the alternative coverage on behalf of all insureds. Unless the policyholder requests in writing the coverage specified in this section, it need not be provided in or supplemental to any other policy that renews, insures, extends, changes, supersedes, or replaces an existing policy if the policyholder has rejected the coverage specified in this section or has selected alternative coverage. The insurer must provide the policyholder with notice of the availability of such coverage in a form approved by the office at least once every 3 years. The failure to provide such notice constitutes a violation of this code, but does not affect the coverage provided under the policy.

(3) In the event of a loss for which a dwelling or personal property is insured on the basis of replacement costs:

(a) For a dwelling, the insurer must initially pay at least the actual cash value of the insured loss, less any applicable deductible. The insurer shall pay any remaining amounts necessary to perform such repairs as work is performed and expenses are incurred. However, if a roof deductible under s. 627.701(10) is applied to the insured loss, the insurer may limit the claim payment as to the roof to the actual cash value of the loss to the roof until the insurer receives reasonable proof of payment by the policyholder of the roof deductible. Reasonable proof of payment includes a canceled check, money order receipt, credit card statement, or copy of an executed installment plan contract or other financing arrangement that requires full payment of the deductible over time. If a total loss of a dwelling occurs, the insurer must pay the replacement cost coverage without reservation or holdback of any depreciation in value, pursuant to s. 627.702.

(b) For personal property:

1. The insurer must offer coverage under which the insurer is obligated to pay the replacement cost without reservation or holdback for any depreciation in value, whether or not the insured replaces the property.

2. The insurer may also offer coverage under which the insurer may limit the initial payment to the actual cash value of the personal property to be replaced, require the insured to provide receipts for the purchase of the property financed by the initial payment, use such receipts to make the next payment requested by the insured for the replacement of insured property, and continue this process until the insured remits all receipts up to the policy limits for replacement costs. The insurer must provide clear notice of this process before the policy is bound. A policyholder must be provided an actuarially reasonable premium credit or discount for this coverage. The insurer may not require the policyholder to advance payment for the replaced property.

(4)

(a) An insurer that issues a homeowner’s insurance policy must include with the policy documents at initial issuance and every renewal, in bold type no smaller than 18 points, the following statement:
“LAW AND ORDINANCE: LAW AND ORDINANCE COVERAGE IS AN IMPORTANT COVERAGE THAT YOU MAY WISH TO PURCHASE. PLEASE DISCUSS WITH YOUR INSURANCE AGENT.”

(b) An insurer that issues a homeowner’s insurance policy that does not provide flood insurance coverage must include with the policy documents at initial issuance and every renewal, in bold type no smaller than 18 points, the following statement:
“FLOOD INSURANCE: YOU MAY ALSO NEED TO CONSIDER THE PURCHASE OF FLOOD INSURANCE. YOUR HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE POLICY DOES NOT INCLUDE COVERAGE FOR DAMAGE RESULTING FROM FLOOD EVEN IF HURRICANE WINDS AND RAIN CAUSED THE FLOOD TO OCCUR. WITHOUT SEPARATE FLOOD INSURANCE COVERAGE, YOU MAY HAVE UNCOVERED LOSSES CAUSED BY FLOOD. PLEASE DISCUSS THE NEED TO PURCHASE SEPARATE FLOOD INSURANCE COVERAGE WITH YOUR INSURANCE AGENT.”

(c) The intent of this subsection is to encourage policyholders to purchase sufficient coverage to protect them in case events excluded from the standard homeowners policy, such as law and ordinance enforcement and flood, combine with covered events to produce damage or loss to the insured property. The intent is also to encourage policyholders to discuss these issues with their insurance agent.

(5)

(a) As used in this subsection, the term “authorized inspector” means an inspector who is approved by the insurer and who is:

1. A home inspector licensed under s. 468.8314;

2. A building code inspector certified under s. 468.607;

3. A general, building, or residential contractor licensed under s. 489.111;

4. A professional engineer licensed under s. 471.015;

5. A professional architect licensed under s. 481.213; or

6. Any other individual or entity recognized by the insurer as possessing the necessary qualifications to properly complete a general inspection of a residential structure insured with a homeowner’s insurance policy.

(b) An insurer may not refuse to issue or refuse to renew a homeowner’s policy insuring a residential structure with a roof that is less than 15 years old solely because of the age of the roof.

(c) For a roof that is at least 15 years old, an insurer must allow a homeowner to have a roof inspection performed by an authorized inspector at the homeowner’s expense before requiring the replacement of the roof of a residential structure as a condition of issuing or renewing a homeowner’s insurance policy. The insurer may not refuse to issue or refuse to renew a homeowner’s insurance policy solely because of roof age if an inspection of the roof of the residential structure performed by an authorized inspector indicates that the roof has 5 years or more of useful life remaining.

(d) For purposes of this subsection, a roof’s age shall be calculated using the last date on which 100 percent of the roof’s surface area was built or replaced in accordance with the building code in effect at that time or the initial date of a partial roof replacement when subsequent partial roof builds or replacements were completed that resulted in 100 percent of the roof’s surface area being built or replaced.

(e) This subsection applies to homeowners’ insurance policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2022.

(6) This section does not:

(a) Apply to policies not considered to be “homeowners’ policies,” as that term is commonly understood in the insurance industry.

(b) Apply to mobile home policies.

(c) Limit the ability of an insurer to reject or nonrenew any insured or applicant on the grounds that the structure does not meet underwriting criteria applicable to replacement cost or law and ordinance policies or for other lawful reasons.

(d) Prohibit an insurer from limiting its liability under a policy or endorsement providing that loss will be adjusted on the basis of replacement costs to the lesser of:

1. The limit of liability shown on the policy declarations page;

2. The reasonable and necessary cost to repair the damaged, destroyed, or stolen covered property; or

3. The reasonable and necessary cost to replace the damaged, destroyed, or stolen covered property.

(e) Prohibit an insurer from exercising its right to repair damaged property in compliance with its policy and s. 627.702(7).

Fla. Stat. § 627.7011.

An authorized insurer may issue an insurance policy, contract, or endorsement providing personal lines residential coverage for the peril of flood or excess coverage for the peril of flood on any structure or the contents of personal property contained therein, subject to this section. This section does not apply to commercial lines residential or commercial lines nonresidential coverage for the peril of flood. An insurer may issue flood insurance policies, contracts, endorsements, or excess coverage on a standard, preferred, customized, flexible, or supplemental basis.

(1)

(a) Except for excess flood insurance policies, policies issued under this section include:

1. Standard flood insurance, which must cover only losses from the peril of flood, as defined in paragraph (b), equivalent to that provided under a standard flood insurance policy under the National Flood Insurance Program. Standard flood insurance issued under this section must provide the same coverage, including deductibles and adjustment of losses, as that provided under a standard flood insurance policy under the National Flood Insurance Program.

2. Preferred flood insurance, which must include the same coverage as standard flood insurance but:

a. Include, within the definition of “flood,” losses from water intrusion originating from outside the structure that are not otherwise covered under the definition of “flood” provided in paragraph (b).

b. Include coverage for additional living expenses.

c. Require that any loss under personal property or contents coverage that is repaired or replaced be adjusted only on the basis of replacement costs up to the policy limits.

3. Customized flood insurance, which must include coverage that is broader than the coverage provided under standard flood insurance.

4. Flexible flood insurance, which must cover losses from the peril of flood, as defined in paragraph (b), and may also include coverage for losses from water intrusion originating from outside the structure which is not otherwise covered by the definition of flood. Flexible flood insurance must include one or more of the following provisions:

a. An agreement between the insurer and the insured that the flood coverage is in a specified amount, such as coverage that is limited to the total amount of each outstanding mortgage applicable to the covered property.

b. A requirement for a deductible in an amount authorized under s. 627.701, including a deductible in an amount authorized for hurricanes.

c. A requirement that flood loss to a dwelling be adjusted in accordance with s. 627.7011(3) or adjusted only on the basis of the actual cash value of the property.

d. A restriction limiting flood coverage to the principal building defined in the policy.

e. A provision including or excluding coverage for additional living expenses.

f. A provision excluding coverage for personal property or contents as to the peril of flood.

5. Supplemental flood insurance, which may provide coverage designed to supplement a flood policy obtained from the National Flood Insurance Program or from an insurer issuing standard or preferred flood insurance pursuant to this section. Supplemental flood insurance may provide, but need not be limited to, coverage for jewelry, art, deductibles, and additional living expenses.

(b) “Flood” means a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties, at least one of which is the policyholder’s property, from:

1. Overflow of inland or tidal waters;

2. Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source;

3. Mudflow; or

4. Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined in this paragraph.

(2) Flood coverage deductibles and policy limits pursuant to this section must be prominently noted on the policy declarations page or face page.

(3)

(a) An insurer may establish and use flood coverage rates in accordance with the rate standards provided in s. 627.062.

(b) For flood coverage rates filed with the office before October 1, 2025, the insurer may also establish and use such rates in accordance with the rates, rating schedules, or rating manuals filed by the insurer with the office which allow the insurer a reasonable rate of return on flood coverage written in this state. Flood coverage rates established pursuant to this paragraph are not subject to s. 627.062(2)(a) and (f). An insurer shall notify the office of any change to such rates within 30 days after the effective date of the change. The notice must include the name of the insurer and the average statewide percentage change in rates. Actuarial data with regard to such rates for flood coverage must be maintained by the insurer for 2 years after the effective date of such rate change and is subject to examination by the office. The office may require the insurer to incur the costs associated with an examination. Upon examination, the office, in accordance with generally accepted and reasonable actuarial techniques, shall consider the rate factors in s. 627.062(2)(b), (c), and (d), and the standards in s. 627.062(2)(e), to determine if the rate is excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory. If the office determines that a rate is excessive or unfairly discriminatory, the office shall require the insurer to provide appropriate credit to affected insureds or an appropriate refund to affected insureds who no longer receive coverage from the insurer.

(4) An agent may export a contract or an endorsement providing flood coverage to an eligible surplus lines insurer without making a diligent effort to seek such coverage from three or more authorized insurers under s. 626.916(1)(a).

(5) In addition to any other applicable requirements, an insurer providing flood coverage that is not excess coverage in this state must:

(a) Notify the office at least 30 days before writing flood insurance in this state; and

(b) File a plan of operation and financial projections or revisions to such plan, as applicable, with the office.

(6) Citizens Property Insurance Corporation may not provide insurance for the peril of flood.

(7) The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund may not provide reimbursement for losses proximately caused by the peril of flood, including losses that occur during a covered event as defined in s. 215.555(2)(b).

(8) An agent must provide a written notice to be signed by the applicant before the agent places flood insurance coverage with an admitted or surplus lines insurer for a property receiving flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program. The notice must notify the applicant that, if the applicant discontinues coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program which is provided at a subsidized rate, the full risk rate for flood insurance may apply to the property if the applicant later seeks to reinstate coverage under the program.

(9) With respect to the regulation of flood coverage written in this state by authorized insurers, this section supersedes any other provision in the Florida Insurance Code in the event of a conflict.

(10) If federal law or rule requires a certification by a state insurance regulatory official as a condition of qualifying for private flood insurance or disaster assistance, the Commissioner of Insurance Regulation may provide the certification, and such certification is not subject to review under chapter 120.

(11)

(a) An authorized insurer offering flood insurance may request the office to certify that a policy, contract, or endorsement provides coverage for the peril of flood which equals or exceeds the flood coverage offered by the National Flood Insurance Program. To be eligible for certification, such policy, contract, or endorsement must contain a provision stating that it meets the private flood insurance requirements specified in 42 U.S.C. s. 4012a(b) and may not contain any provision that is not in compliance with 42 U.S.C. s. 4012a(b).

(b) The authorized insurer or its agent may reference or include a certification under paragraph (a) in advertising or communications with an agent, a lending institution, an insured, or a potential insured only for a policy, contract, or endorsement that is certified under this subsection. The authorized insurer may include a statement that notifies an insured of the certification on the declarations page or other policy documentation related to flood coverage certified under this subsection.

(c) An insurer or agent who knowingly misrepresents that a flood policy, contract, or endorsement is certified under this subsection commits an unfair or deceptive act under s. 626.9541.

Fla. Stat. § 627.715.

[Amended as of December 16, 2022 signing of Senate Bill 2-A]

(1) As used in this section, the term:

(a) “Reopened claim” means a claim that an insurer has previously closed, but that has been reopened upon an insured’s request for additional costs for loss or damage previously disclosed to the insurer.

(b) “Supplemental claim” means a claim for additional loss or damage from the same peril which the insurer has previously adjusted or for which costs have been incurred while completing repairs or replacement pursuant to an open claim for which timely notice was previously provided to the insurer.

(2) A claim or reopened claim, but not a supplemental claim, under an insurance policy that provides property insurance, as defined in s. 624.604, including a property insurance policy issued by an eligible surplus lines insurer, for loss or damage caused by any peril is barred unless notice of the claim was given to the insurer in accordance with the terms of the policy within 1 year after the date of loss. A supplemental claim is barred unless notice of the supplemental claim was given to the insurer in accordance with the terms of the policy within 18 months after the date of loss.

(3) For claims resulting from hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms, severe rain, or other weather-related events, the date of loss is the date that the hurricane made landfall or the tornado, windstorm, severe rain, or other weather-related event is verified by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

(4) This section does not affect any applicable limitation on civil actions provided in s. 95.11 for claims, supplemental claims, or reopened claims timely filed under this section.

Fla. Stat. § 627.70132.

An insurer shall furnish, upon written request of any person claiming to have a loss under an insurance contract issued by such insurer, forms of proof of loss for completion by such person, but such insurer shall not, by reason of the requirement so to furnish forms, have any responsibility for or with reference to the completion of such proof or the manner of any such completion or attempted completion.

Fla. Stat. § 627.425.

All proof-of-loss statements must prominently display the following statement in minimum 18-point bold type before the space reserved in the contract for the signature of the insured:

“Pursuant to s. 817.234, Florida Statutes, any person who, with the intent to injure, defraud, or deceive any insurer or insured, prepares, presents, or causes to be presented a proof of loss or estimate of cost or repair of damaged property in support of a claim under an insurance policy knowing that the proof of loss or estimate of claim or repairs contains any false, incomplete, or misleading information concerning any fact or thing material to the claim commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, Florida Statutes.”

Fla. Stat. § 626.8797.

[Note that due to recent changes to Florida insurance laws (and per section 2(a)(1) below), an assignment of benefits under a property insurance policy or commercial property insurance policy is enforceable only if the underlying policy was issued on or after July 1, 2019 and before January 1, 2023.]

(1) As used in this section, the term:

(a) “Assignee” means a person who is assigned post-loss benefits through an assignment agreement.

(b) “Assignment agreement” means any instrument by which post-loss benefits under a residential property insurance policy or commercial property insurance policy, as that term is defined in s. 627.0625(1), are assigned or transferred, or acquired in any manner, in whole or in part, to or from a person providing services, including, but not limited to, inspecting, protecting, repairing, restoring, or replacing the property or mitigating against further damage to the property. The term does not include fees collected by a public adjuster as defined in s. 626.854(1).

(c) “Assignor” means a person who assigns post-loss benefits under a residential property insurance policy or commercial property insurance policy to another person through an assignment agreement.

(d) “Presuit settlement demand” means the demand made by the assignee in the written notice of intent to initiate litigation as required by paragraph (9)(a).

(e) “Presuit settlement offer” means the offer made by the insurer in its written response to the notice of intent to initiate litigation as required by paragraph (9)(b).

(2)

(a) An assignment agreement must:

1.Be executed under a residential property insurance policy or under a commercial property insurance policy as that term is defined in s. 627.0625(1), issued on or after July 1, 2019, and before January 1, 2023.

2. Be in writing and executed by and between the assignor and the assignee.

3. Contain a provision that allows the assignor to rescind the assignment agreement without a penalty or fee by submitting a written notice of rescission signed by the assignor to the assignee within 14 days after the execution of the agreement, at least 30 days after the date work on the property is scheduled to commence if the assignee has not substantially performed, or at least 30 days after the execution of the agreement if the agreement does not contain a commencement date and the assignee has not begun substantial work on the property.

4. Contain a provision requiring the assignee to provide a copy of the executed assignment agreement to the insurer within 3 business days after the date on which the assignment agreement is executed or the date on which work begins, whichever is earlier. Delivery of the copy of the assignment agreement to the insurer may be made:

a. By personal service, overnight delivery, or electronic transmission, with evidence of delivery in the form of a receipt or other paper or electronic acknowledgment by the insurer; or

b. To the location designated for receipt of such agreements as specified in the policy.

5. Contain a written, itemized, per-unit cost estimate of the services to be performed by the assignee.

6. Relate only to work to be performed by the assignee for services to protect, repair, restore, or replace a dwelling or structure or to mitigate against further damage to such property.

7. Contain the following notice in 18-point uppercase and boldfaced type:
YOU ARE AGREEING TO GIVE UP CERTAIN RIGHTS YOU HAVE UNDER YOUR INSURANCE POLICY TO A THIRD PARTY, WHICH MAY RESULT IN LITIGATION AGAINST YOUR INSURER. PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS DOCUMENT BEFORE SIGNING IT. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THIS AGREEMENT WITHOUT PENALTY WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER THE DATE THIS AGREEMENT IS EXECUTED, AT LEAST 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE WORK ON THE PROPERTY IS SCHEDULED TO COMMENCE IF THE ASSIGNEE HAS NOT SUBSTANTIALLY PERFORMED, OR AT LEAST 30 DAYS AFTER THE EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENT IF THE AGREEMENT DOES NOT CONTAIN A COMMENCEMENT DATE AND THE ASSIGNEE HAS NOT BEGUN SUBSTANTIAL WORK ON THE PROPERTY. HOWEVER, YOU ARE OBLIGATED FOR PAYMENT OF ANY CONTRACTED WORK PERFORMED BEFORE THE AGREEMENT IS RESCINDED. THIS AGREEMENT DOES NOT CHANGE YOUR OBLIGATION TO PERFORM THE DUTIES REQUIRED UNDER YOUR PROPERTY INSURANCE POLICY.

7. Contain a provision requiring the assignee to indemnify and hold harmless the assignor from all liabilities, damages, losses, and costs, including, but not limited to, attorney fees.

(b) An assignment agreement may not contain:

1. A penalty or fee for rescission under subparagraph (a)3.;

2. A check or mortgage processing fee;

3. A penalty or fee for cancellation of the agreement; or

4. An administrative fee.

(c) If an assignor acts under an urgent or emergency circumstance to protect property from damage and executes an assignment agreement to protect, repair, restore, or replace property or to mitigate against further damage to the property, an assignee may not receive an assignment of post-loss benefits under a residential property insurance policy in excess of the greater of $3,000 or 1 percent of the Coverage A limit under such policy. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “urgent or emergency circumstance” means a situation in which a loss to property, if not addressed immediately, will result in additional damage until measures are completed to prevent such damage.

(d) An assignment agreement that does not comply with this subsection is invalid and unenforceable.

(3) In a claim arising under an assignment agreement, an assignee has the burden to demonstrate that the insurer is not prejudiced by the assignee’s failure to:

(a) Maintain records of all services provided under the assignment agreement.

(b) Cooperate with the insurer in the claim investigation.

(c) Provide the insurer with requested records and documents related to the services provided, and permit the insurer to make copies of such records and documents.

(d) Deliver a copy of the executed assignment agreement to the insurer within 3 business days after executing the assignment agreement or work has begun, whichever is earlier.

(4) An assignee:

(a) Must provide the assignor with accurate and up-to-date revised estimates of the scope of work to be performed as supplemental or additional repairs are required.

(b) Must perform the work in accordance with accepted industry standards.

(c) May not seek payment from the assignor exceeding the applicable deductible under the policy unless the assignor has chosen to have additional work performed at the assignor’s own expense.

(d) Must, as a condition precedent to filing suit under the policy, and, if required by the insurer, submit to examinations under oath and recorded statements conducted by the insurer or the insurer’s representative that are reasonably necessary, based on the scope of the work and the complexity of the claim, which examinations and recorded statements must be limited to matters related to the services provided, the cost of the services, and the assignment agreement.

(e) Must, as a condition precedent to filing suit under the policy, and, if required by the insurer, participate in appraisal or other alternative dispute resolution methods in accordance with the terms of the policy.

(5) An assignment agreement and this section do not modify or eliminate any term, condition, or defense relating to any managed repair arrangement provided in the policy.

(6) An assignment agreement does not transfer or create any authority to adjust, negotiate, or settle any portion of a claim to a person or entity not authorized to adjust, negotiate, or settle a claim on behalf of an assignor or a claimant under part VI of chapter 626.

(7)

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and except as provided in paragraph (b), acceptance by an assignee of an assignment agreement is a waiver by the assignee and its subcontractors of claims against a named insured for payments arising from the assignment agreement. The assignee and its subcontractors may not collect or attempt to collect money from an insured, maintain any action at law against an insured, claim a lien on the real property of an insured, or report an insured to a credit agency for payments arising from the assignment agreement. Such waiver remains in effect after the assignment agreement is rescinded by the assignor or after a determination that the assignment agreement is invalid.

(b) A named insured is responsible for the payment of all of the following:

1. Any deductible amount due under the policy.

2. Any betterment ordered and performed that is approved by the named insured.

3. Any contracted work performed before the assignment agreement is rescinded.

(8) The assignee shall indemnify and hold harmless the assignor from all liabilities, damages, losses, and costs, including, but not limited to, attorney fees.

(9)

(a) An assignee must provide the named insured, the insurer, and the assignor, if not the named insured, with a written notice of intent to initiate litigation before filing suit under the policy. Such notice must be served at least 10 business days before filing suit, but not before the insurer has made a determination of coverage under s. 627.70131. The notice must be served by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the name and mailing address designated by the insurer in the policy forms or by electronic delivery to the e-mail address designated by the insurer in the policy forms. The notice must specify the damages in dispute, the amount claimed, and a presuit settlement demand. Concurrent with the notice, and as a precondition to filing suit, the assignee must provide the named insured, the insurer, and the assignor, if not the named insured, a detailed written invoice or estimate of services, including itemized information on equipment, materials, and supplies; the number of labor hours; and, in the case of work performed, proof that the work has been performed in accordance with accepted industry standards.

(b) An insurer must respond in writing to the notice within 10 business days after receiving the notice specified in paragraph (a) by making a presuit settlement offer or requiring the assignee to participate in appraisal or other method of alternative dispute resolution under the policy. An insurer must have a procedure for the prompt investigation, review, and evaluation of the dispute stated in the notice and must investigate each claim contained in the notice in accordance with the Florida Insurance Code.

(10) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in a suit related to an assignment agreement for post-loss claims arising under a residential or commercial property insurance policy, attorney fees and costs may be recovered by an assignee only under s. 57.105. If an assignee commences an action in any court of this state based upon or including the same claim against the same adverse party that such assignee has previously voluntarily dismissed in a court of this state, the court may order the assignee to pay the attorney fees and costs of the adverse party resulting from the action previously voluntarily dismissed. The court shall stay the proceedings in the subsequent action until the assignee has complied with the order.

(11) This section does not apply to:

(a) An assignment, transfer, or conveyance granted to a subsequent purchaser of the property with an insurable interest in the property following a loss;

(b) A power of attorney under chapter 709 that grants to a management company, family member, guardian, or similarly situated person of an insured the authority to act on behalf of an insured as it relates to a property insurance claim; or

(c) Liability coverage under a property insurance policy.

(12) The office shall require each insurer to report by January 30, 2022, and each year thereafter data on each residential and commercial property insurance claim paid in the prior calendar year under an assignment agreement. The Financial Services Commission shall adopt by rule a list of the data required, which must include specific data about claims adjustment and settlement timeframes and trends, grouped by whether litigated or not litigated and by loss adjustment expenses.

(13) Except as provided in subsection (11), a policyholder may not assign, in whole or in part, any post-loss insurance benefit under any residential property insurance policy or under any commercial property insurance policy as that term is defined in s. 627.0625(1), issued on or after January 1, 2023. An attempt to assign post-loss property insurance benefits under such a policy is void, invalid, and unenforceable.

Fla. Stat. § 627.7152.

(1) As used in this section, the term “assignment agreement” has the same meaning as provided in s. 627.7152.

(2) An insurer may make available a policy that restricts in whole or in part an insured’s right to execute an assignment agreement only if all of the following conditions are met:

(a) The insurer makes available to the insured or potential insured at the same time the same coverage under a policy that does not restrict the right to execute an assignment agreement.

(b) Each restricted policy is available at a lower cost than the unrestricted policy.

(c) The policy prohibiting assignment in whole is available at a lower cost than any policy prohibiting assignment in part.

(d) Each restricted policy include on its face the following notice in 18-point uppercase and boldfaced type:
THIS POLICY DOES NOT ALLOW THE UNRESTRICTED ASSIGNMENT OF POST-LOSS INSURANCE BENEFITS. BY SELECTING THIS POLICY, YOU WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO FREELY ASSIGN OR TRANSFER THE POST-LOSS PROPERTY INSURANCE BENEFITS AVAILABLE UNDER THIS POLICY TO A THIRD PARTY OR TO OTHERWISE FREELY ENTER INTO AN ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT AS THE TERM IS DEFINED IN SECTION 627.7152 OF THE FLORIDA STATUTES.

(3) The insurer shall notify the insured at least annually of the coverage options the insurer makes available under this section. Such notice must be part of and attached to the notice of premium.

(4) A named insured must reject a fully assignable policy in writing or electronically. The rejection of a fully assignable policy shall be made on a form approved by the office. The form must state that the policy restricts the assignment of benefits. The heading of the form shall be in 18-point uppercase and boldfaced type and state:
YOU ARE ELECTING TO PURCHASE AN INSURANCE POLICY THAT RESTRICTS THE ASSIGNMENT OF BENEFITS UNDER THE POLICY IN WHOLE OR IN PART. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY.

(5) This section applies to a policy issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2019.

Fla. Stat. § 627.7153.

(1)

(a) In the event of the total loss of any building, structure, mobile home as defined in s. 320.01(2), or manufactured building as defined in s. 553.36(13), located in this state and insured by any insurer as to a covered peril, in the absence of any change increasing the risk without the insurer’s consent and in the absence of fraudulent or criminal fault on the part of the insured or one acting in her or his behalf, the insurer’s liability under the policy for such total loss, if caused by a covered peril, shall be in the amount of money for which such property was so insured as specified in the policy and for which a premium has been charged and paid.

(b) The intent of this subsection is not to deprive an insurer of any proper defense under the policy, to create new or additional coverage under the policy, or to require an insurer to pay for a loss caused by a peril other than the covered peril. In furtherance of such legislative intent, when a loss was caused in part by a covered peril and in part by a noncovered peril, paragraph (a) does not apply. In such circumstances, the insurer’s liability under this section shall be limited to the amount of the loss caused by the covered peril. However, if the covered perils alone would have caused the total loss, paragraph (a) shall apply. The insurer is never liable for more than the amount necessary to repair, rebuild, or replace the structure following the total loss, after considering all other benefits actually paid for the total loss.

(c) It is the intent of the Legislature that the amendment to this section shall not be applied retroactively and shall apply only to claims filed after the effective date of such amendment.

(2) In the case of a partial loss by fire or lightning of any such property, the insurer’s liability, if any, under the policy shall be for the actual amount of such loss but shall not exceed the amount of insurance specified in the policy as to such property and such peril.

(3) The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) do not apply when:

(a) Insurance policies are issued or renewed by more than one company insuring the same building, structure, mobile home, or manufactured building, and the existence of such additional insurance is not disclosed by the insured to all insurers issuing such policies;

(b) Two or more buildings, structures, mobile homes, or manufactured buildings are insured under a blanket form for a single amount of insurance; or

(c) The completed value of a building, structure, mobile home, or manufactured building is insured under a builder’s risk policy.

(4) The amount of any loss referred to in subsection (1) or subsection (2) shall be subject to any coinsurance clause contained in the policy pursuant to s. 627.701.

(5) This section does not apply as to personal property or any interest therein, except with respect to mobile homes as defined in s. 320.01(2) or manufactured buildings as defined in s. 553.36(13). Nor does this section apply to coverage of an appurtenant structure or other structure or any coverage or claim in which the dollar amount of coverage available as to the structure involved is not directly stated in the policy as a dollar amount specifically applicable to that particular structure.

(6) With regard to mobile homes included in subsection (1), any total loss shall be adjusted on the basis of the amount of money for which such property was insured as specified in the policy, whether on an actual cash value basis, replacement cost basis, or stated amount, and for which a premium has been charged and paid only if the insured has elected to purchase such coverage at the inception of the policy. However, when coverage is written for a mobile home on any basis other than stated value, a complete disclosure of the relative cost between that policy and the stated value policy shall be made to the insured on a form and in a format approved by the office. Such forms shall disclose and describe the differences between the types of policies and shall be signed by the insured. Copies shall be maintained in the insurer’s file, and a copy shall be made available to the insured. Each insurer licensed to write insurance covering mobile homes shall make such stated value coverage available at the option of the insured.

(7) Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting an insurer from repairing or replacing damaged property at its own expense and without contribution on the part of the insured except, as provided in subsection (6), when an insured has elected to purchase stated value coverage. Such repair or replacement of damaged property shall be in lieu of any liability created by subsection (1); and any insurer so repairing or replacing shall have no liability pursuant to subsection (1), provided such insurer returns to the named insured a portion of the premium, for all policy terms during which the policy limits were the same as those in effect on the date on which the loss occurred, equal to that portion of the premium paid for limits of insurance on the structure in excess of the cost of replacement.

(8) Any property insurer may, by an appropriate rider or endorsement or otherwise, provide insurance indemnifying the insured for the difference between the insurable value of the insured property at the time any loss or damage occurs, and the amount actually expended to repair, rebuild, or replace within this state, with new materials of like size, kind, and quality, such property as has been damaged or destroyed.

Fla. Stat. § 627.702.

[Valid beginning on March, 1, 2023, when amendments to Section 627.70131 went into effect.]

(1)

(a) Upon an insurer’s receiving a communication with respect to a claim, the insurer shall, within 7 calendar days, review and acknowledge receipt of such communication unless payment is made within that period of time or unless the failure to acknowledge is caused by factors beyond the control of the insurer. If the acknowledgment is not in writing, a notification indicating acknowledgment shall be made in the insurer’s claim file and dated. A communication made to or by a representative of an insurer with respect to a claim shall constitute communication to or by the insurer.

(b) As used in this subsection, the term “representative” means any person to whom an insurer has granted authority or responsibility to receive or make such communications with respect to claims on behalf of the insurer.

(c) This subsection does not apply to claimants represented by counsel beyond those communications necessary to provide forms and instructions

(2) Such acknowledgment must be responsive to the communication. If the communication constitutes a notification of a claim, unless the acknowledgment reasonably advises the claimant that the claim appears not to be covered by the insurer, the acknowledgment must provide necessary claim forms, and instructions, including an appropriate telephone number.

(3)

(a) Unless otherwise provided by the policy of insurance or by law, within 7 days after an insurer receives proof-of-loss statements, the insurer shall begin such investigation as is reasonably necessary unless the failure to begin such investigation is caused by factors beyond the control of the insurer.

(b) If such investigation involves a physical inspection of the property, the licensed adjuster assigned by the insurer must provide the policyholder with a printed or electronic document containing his or her name and state adjuster license number.  An insurer must conduct any such physical inspection within 30 days after its receipt of the proof-of-loss statements.

(c) Any subsequent communication with the policyholder regarding the claim must also include the name and license number of the adjuster communicating about the claim. Communication of the adjuster’s name and license number may be included with other information provided to the policyholder.

(d)   An insurer may use electronic methods to investigate the loss. Such electronic methods may include any method that provides the insurer with clear, color pictures or video documenting the loss, including, but not limited to, electronic photographs or video recordings of the loss; video conferencing between the adjuster and the policyholder which includes video recording of the loss; and video recordings or photographs of the loss using a drone, driverless vehicle, or other machine that can move independently or through remote control. The insurer also may allow the policyholder to use such methods to assist in the investigation of the loss. An insurer may void the insurance policy if the policyholder or any other person at the direction of the policyholder, with intent to injure, defraud, or deceive any insurer, commits insurance fraud by providing false, incomplete, or misleading information concerning any fact or thing material to a claim using electronic methods. The use of electronic methods to investigate the loss does not prohibit an insurer from assigning a licensed adjuster to physically inspect the property.

(e)   The insurer must send the policyholder a copy of any detailed estimate of the amount of the loss within 7 days after the estimate is generated by an insurer’s adjuster.  This paragraph does not require that an insurer create a detailed estimate of the amount of the loss if such estimate is not reasonably necessary as part of the claim investigation.

(4) An insurer shall maintain:

(a)   A record or log of each adjuster who communicates with the policyholder as provided in paragraphs (3)(b) and (c) and provide a list of such adjusters to the insured, office, or department upon request.

(b)   Claim records, including dates, of:

1. Any claim-related communication made between the insurer and the policyholder or the policyholder’s representative;

2. The insurer’s receipt of the policyholder’s proof of loss statement;

3. Any claim-related request for information made by the insurer to the policyholder or the policyholder’s representative;

4. Any claim-related inspections of the property made by the insurer, including physical inspections and inspections made by electronic means;

5. Any detailed estimate of the amount of the loss generated by the insurer’s adjuster;

6. The beginning and end of any tolling period provided for in subsection (8); and

7. The insurer’s payment or denial of the claim.

(5) For purposes of this section, the term:

(a)   “Factors beyond the control of the insurer” means:

1. Any of the following events that is the basis for the office issuing an order finding that such event renders all or specified residential property insurers reasonably unable to meet the requirements of this section in specified locations and ordering that such insurer or insurers may have additional time as specified by the office to comply with the requirements of this section: a state of emergency declared by the Governor under s. 252.36, a breach of security that must be reported under s. 501.171(3), or an information technology issue. The office may not extend the period for payment or denial of a claim for more than 30 additional days.

2. Actions by the policyholder or the policyholder’s representative which constitute fraud, lack of cooperation, or intentional misrepresentation regarding the claim for which benefits are owed when such actions reasonably prevent the insurer from complying with any requirement of this section.

(b) “Insurer” means any residential property insurer.

(6)

(a) When providing a preliminary or partial estimate of damage regarding a claim, an insurer shall include with the estimate the following statement printed in at least 12-point bold, uppercase type: THIS ESTIMATE REPRESENTS OUR CURRENT EVALUATION OF THE COVERED DAMAGES TO YOUR INSURED PROPERTY AND MAY BE REVISED AS WE CONTINUE TO EVALUATE YOUR CLAIM. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR CLAIM, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONTACT US.

(b) When providing a payment on a claim which is not the full and final payment for the claim, an insurer shall include with the payment the following statement printed in at least 12-point bold, uppercase type: WE ARE CONTINUING TO EVALUATE YOUR CLAIM INVOLVING YOUR INSURED PROPERTY AND MAY ISSUE ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR CLAIM, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONTACT US.

(7)

(a) Within 60 days after an insurer receives notice of an initial, reopened, or supplemental property insurance claim from a policyholder, the insurer shall pay or deny such claim or a portion of the claim unless the failure to pay is caused by factors beyond the control of the insurer. The insurer shall provide a reasonable explanation in writing to the policyholder of the basis in the insurance policy, in relation to the facts or applicable law, for the payment, denial, or partial denial of a claim. If the insurer’s claim payment is less than specified in any insurer’s detailed estimate of the amount of the loss, the insurer must provide a reasonable explanation in writing of the difference to the policyholder. Any payment of an initial or supplemental claim or portion of such claim made 60 days after the insurer receives notice of the claim, or made after the expiration of any additional timeframe provided to pay or deny a claim or a portion of a claim made pursuant to an order of the office finding factors beyond the control of the insurer, whichever is later, bears interest at the rate set forth in s. 55.03. Interest begins to accrue from the date the insurer receives notice of the claim. The provisions of this subsection may not be waived, voided, or nullified by the terms of the insurance policy. If there is a right to prejudgment interest, the insured must select whether to receive prejudgment interest or interest under this subsection. Interest is payable when the claim or portion of the claim is paid. Failure to comply with this subsection constitutes a violation of this code. However, failure to comply with this subsection does not form the sole basis for a private cause of action.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (5), for purposes of this subsection, the term “claim” means any of the following:

1. A claim under an insurance policy providing residential coverage as defined in s. 627.4025(1);

2. A claim for structural or contents coverage under a commercial property insurance policy if the insured structure is 10,000 square feet or less; or

3. A claim for contents coverage under a commercial tenant policy if the insured premises is 10,000 square feet or less.

(c) This subsection does not apply to claims under an insurance policy covering nonresidential commercial structures or contents in more than one state.

(8)    The requirements of this section are tolled:

(a) During the pendency of any mediation proceeding under s. 627.7015 or any alternative dispute resolution proceeding provided for in the insurance contract. The tolling period ends upon the end of the mediation or alternative dispute resolution proceeding.

(b) Upon the failure of a policyholder or a representative of the policyholder to provide material claims information requested by the insurer within 10 days after the request was received. The tolling period ends upon the insurer’s receipt of the requested information. Tolling under this paragraph applies only to requests sent by the insurer to the policyholder or a representative of the policyholder at least 15 days before the insurer is required to pay or deny the claim or a portion of the claim under subsection (7).

(9) This section also applies to surplus lines insurers and surplus lines insurance authorized under ss. 626.913-626.937 providing residential coverage.

Fla. Stat. § 627.70131.

(1) The principles expressed in the following statements shall serve as standards to be followed by the department, commission, and office in exercising their powers and duties, in exercising administrative discretion, in dispensing administrative interpretations of the law, and in adopting rules:

(a) Policyholders shall have the right to competitive pricing practices and marketing methods that enable them to determine the best value among comparable policies.

(b) Policyholders shall have the right to obtain comprehensive coverage.

(c) Policyholders shall have the right to insurance advertising and other selling approaches that provide accurate and balanced information on the benefits and limitations of a policy.

(d) Policyholders shall have a right to an insurance company that is financially stable.

(e) Policyholders shall have the right to be serviced by a competent, honest insurance agent or broker.

(f) Policyholders shall have the right to a readable policy.

(g) Policyholders shall have the right to an insurance company that provides an economic delivery of coverage and that tries to prevent losses.

(h) Policyholders shall have the right to a balanced and positive regulation by the department, commission, and office.

Fla. Stat. § 626.9641.

[Valid beginning on March, 1, 2023, when amendments to Section 627.7142 went into effect.]

An insurer issuing a personal lines residential property insurance policy in this state must provide a Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights to a policyholder within 14 days after receiving an initial communication with respect to a claim. The purpose of the bill of rights is to summarize, in simple, nontechnical terms, existing Florida law regarding the rights of a personal lines residential property insurance policyholder who files a claim of loss. The Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights is specific to the claims process and does not represent all of a policyholder’s rights under Florida law regarding the insurance policy. The Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights does not create a civil cause of action by any individual policyholder or class of policyholders against an insurer or insurers. The failure of an insurer to properly deliver the Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights is subject to administrative enforcement by the office but is not admissible as evidence in a civil action against an insurer. The Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights does not enlarge, modify, or contravene statutory requirements, including, but not limited to, ss. 626.854, 626.9541, 627.70131, 627.7015, and 627.7074, and does not prohibit an insurer from exercising its right to repair damaged property in compliance with the terms of an applicable policy or ss. 627.7011(6)(e) and 627.702(7). The Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights must state:

HOMEOWNER CLAIMS BILL OF RIGHTS

This Bill of Rights is specific to the claims process and does not represent all of your rights under Florida law regarding your policy. There are also exceptions to the stated timelines when conditions are beyond your insurance company’s control. This document does not create a civil cause of action by an individual policyholder, or a class of policyholders, against an insurer or insurers and does not prohibit an insurer from exercising its right to repair damaged property in compliance with the terms of an applicable policy.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

1. Receive from your insurance company an acknowledgment of your reported claim within 7 days after the time you communicated the claim.

2. Upon written request, receive from your insurance company within 30 days after you have submitted a complete proof-of-loss statement to your insurance company, confirmation that your claim is covered in full, partially covered, or denied, or receive a written statement that your claim is being investigated.

3. Receive from your insurance company a copy of any detailed estimate of the amount of the loss within 7 days after the estimate is generated by the insurance company’s adjuster.

4. Within 60 days, subject to any dual interest noted in the policy, receive full settlement payment for your claim or payment of the undisputed portion of your claim, or your insurance company’s denial of your claim.

5. Receive payment of interest, as provided in s. 627.70131, Florida Statutes, from your insurance company, which begins accruing from the date your claim is filed if your insurance company does not pay full settlement of your initial, reopened, or supplemental claim or the undisputed portion of your claim or does not deny your claim within 60 days after your claim is filed. The interest, if applicable, must be paid when your claim or the undisputed portion of your claim is paid.

6. Free mediation of your disputed claim by the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services, under most circumstances and subject to certain restrictions.

7. Neutral evaluation of your disputed claim, if your claim is for damage caused by a sinkhole and is covered by your policy.

8. Contact the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services’ toll-free helpline for assistance with any insurance claim or questions pertaining to the handling of your claim. You can reach the Helpline by phone at (toll-free phone number) , or you can seek assistance online at the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services’ website at (website address) .

YOU ARE ADVISED TO:

1. File all claims directly with your insurance company.

2. Contact your insurance company before entering into any contract for repairs to confirm any managed repair policy provisions or optional preferred vendors.

3. Make and document emergency repairs that are necessary to prevent further damage. Keep the damaged property, if feasible, keep all receipts, and take photographs or video of damage before and after any repairs to provide to your insurer.

4. Carefully read any contract that requires you to pay out-of-pocket expenses or a fee that is based on a percentage of the insurance proceeds that you will receive for repairing or replacing your property.

5. Confirm that the contractor you choose is licensed to do business in Florida. You can verify a contractor’s license and check to see if there are any complaints against him or her by calling the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. You should also ask the contractor for references from previous work.

6. Require all contractors to provide proof of insurance before beginning repairs.

7. Take precautions if the damage requires you to leave your home, including securing your property and turning off your gas, water, and electricity, and contacting your insurance company and provide a phone number where you can be reached.

Fla. Stat. § 627.7142.

Unless otherwise provided by the policy, when a homeowner’s insurance policy provides for the adjustment and settlement of first-party losses based on repair or replacement cost, the following requirements apply:

(1) When a loss requires repair or replacement of an item or part, any physical damage incurred in making such repair or replacement which is covered and not otherwise excluded by the policy shall be included in the loss to the extent of any applicable limits.  The insured may not be required to pay for betterment required by ordinance or code except for the applicable deductible, unless specifically excluded or limited by the policy.

(2) When a loss requires replacement of items and the replaced items do not match in quality, color, or size, the insurer shall make reasonable repairs or replacement of items in adjoining areas.  In determining the extent of the repairs or replacement of items in adjoining areas, the insurer may consider the cost of repairing or replacing the undamaged portions of the property, the degree of uniformity that can be achieved without such cost, the remaining useful life of the undamaged portion, and other relevant factors.

(3) This section shall not be construed to make the insurer a warrantor of the repairs made pursuant to this section.

(4) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize or preclude enforcement of policy provisions relating to settlement disputes.

Fla. Stat. § 626.9744.

(1) No person shall engage in this state in any trade practice which is defined in this part as, or determined pursuant to s. 626.951 or s. 626.9561 to be, an unfair method of competition or an unfair or deceptive act or practice involving the business of insurance.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), any person who violates any provision of this part is subject to a fine in an amount not greater than $5,000 for each nonwillful violation and not greater than $40,000 for each willful violation.  Fines under this subsection imposed against an insurer may not exceed an aggregate amount of $20,000 for all nonwillful violations arising out of the same action or an aggregate amount of $200,000 for all willful violations arising out of the same action.  The fines may be imposed in addition to any other applicable penalty.

(3)(a) If a person violates s. 626.9541(1)(l), the offense known as “twisting,” …the person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, and an administrative fine not greater than $5,000 shall be imposed for each nonwillful violation or an administrative fine not greater than $75,000 shall be imposed for each willful violation.  To impose an administrative fine for a willful violation under this paragraph, the practice of … “twisting” must involve fraudulent conduct.

(b) If a person violates s. 626.9541(1)(ee) by willfully submitting fraudulent signatures on an application or policy-related document, the person commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, and an administrative fine not greater than $5,000 shall be imposed for each nonwillful violation or an administrative fine not greater than $75,000 shall be imposed for each willful violation.

(c) Administrative fines under this subsection may not exceed an aggregate amount of $50,000 for all nonwillful violations arising out of the same action or an aggregate amount of $250,000 for all willful violations arising out of the same action.

…

Fla. Stat. § 626.9521.

(1) Unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts.–The following are defined as unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices:

…

(e) False statements and entries.–

1. Knowingly:

a. Filing with any supervisory or other public official,

b. Making, publishing, disseminating, circulating,

c. Delivering to any person,

d. Placing before the public,

e. Causing, directly or indirectly, to be made, published, disseminated, circulated, delivered to any person, or placed before the public, any false material statement.

2. Knowingly making any false entry of a material fact in any book, report, or statement of any person, or knowingly omitting to make a true entry of any material fact pertaining to the business of such person in any book, report, or statement of such person.

…

(g) Unfair discrimination.–

1. Knowingly making or permitting unfair discrimination between individuals of the same actuarially supportable class and equal expectation of life, in the rates charged for a life insurance or annuity contract, in the dividends or other benefits payable thereon, or in any other term or condition of such contract.

2. Knowingly making or permitting unfair discrimination between individuals of the same actuarially supportable class, as determined at the time of initial issuance of the coverage, and essentially the same hazard, in the amount of premium, policy fees, or rates charged for a policy or contract of accident, disability, or health insurance, in the benefits payable thereunder, in the terms or conditions of such contract, or in any other manner.

3. For a health insurer, life insurer, disability insurer, property and casualty insurer, automobile insurer, or managed care provider to underwrite a policy, or refuse to issue, reissue, or renew a policy, refuse to pay a claim, cancel or otherwise terminate a policy, or increase rates based upon the fact that an insured or applicant who is also the proposed insured has made a claim or sought or should have sought medical or psychological treatment in the past for abuse, protection from abuse, or shelter from abuse, or that a claim was caused in the past by, or might occur as a result of, any future assault, battery, or sexual assault by a family or household member upon another family or household member as defined in s. 741.28.  A health insurer, life insurer, disability insurer, or managed care provider may refuse to underwrite, issue, or renew a policy based on the applicant’s medical condition, but may not consider whether such condition was caused by an act of abuse.  For purposes of this section, the term “abuse” means the occurrence of one or more of the following acts:

a. Attempting or committing assault, battery, sexual assault, or sexual battery;

b. Placing another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury by physical menace;

c. False imprisonment;

d. Physically or sexually abusing a minor child;  or

e. An act of domestic violence as defined in s. 741.28.

This subparagraph does not prohibit a property and casualty insurer or an automobile insurer from excluding coverage for intentional acts by the insured if such exclusion is not an act of unfair discrimination as defined in this paragraph.

4. For a personal lines property or personal lines automobile insurer to:

a. Refuse to issue, reissue, or renew a policy;  cancel or otherwise terminate a policy;  or charge an unfairly discriminatory rate in this state based on the lawful use, possession, or ownership of a firearm or ammunition by the insurance applicant, insured, or a household member of the applicant or insured.  This sub-subparagraph does not prevent an insurer from charging a supplemental premium that is not unfairly discriminatory for a separate rider voluntarily requested by the insurance applicant to insure a firearm or a firearm collection whose value exceeds the standard policy coverage.

b. Disclose the lawful ownership or possession of firearms of an insurance applicant, insured, or household member of the applicant or insured to a third party or an affiliated entity of the insurer unless the insurer discloses to the applicant or insured the specific need to disclose the information and the applicant or insured expressly consents to the disclosure, or the disclosure is necessary to quote or bind coverage, continue coverage, or adjust a claim.  For purposes of underwriting and issuing insurance coverage, this sub-subparagraph does not prevent the sharing of information between an insurance company and its licensed insurance agent if a separate rider has been voluntarily requested by the policyholder or prospective policyholder to insure a firearm or a firearm collection whose value exceeds the standard policy coverage.

…

(i) Unfair claim settlement practices.–

1. Attempting to settle claims on the basis of an application, when serving as a binder or intended to become a part of the policy, or any other material document which was altered without notice to, or knowledge or consent of, the insured;

2. A material misrepresentation made to an insured or any other person having an interest in the proceeds payable under such contract or policy, for the purpose and with the intent of effecting settlement of such claims, loss, or damage under such contract or policy on less favorable terms than those provided in, and contemplated by, such contract or policy;  or

3. Committing or performing with such frequency as to indicate a general business practice any of the following:

a. Failing to adopt and implement standards for the proper investigation of claims;

b. Misrepresenting pertinent facts or insurance policy provisions relating to coverages at issue;

c. Failing to acknowledge and act promptly upon communications with respect to claims;

d. Denying claims without conducting reasonable investigations based upon available information;

e. Failing to affirm or deny full or partial coverage of claims, and, as to partial coverage, the dollar amount or extent of coverage, or failing to provide a written statement that the claim is being investigated, upon the written request of the insured within 30 days after proof-of-loss statements have been completed;

f. Failing to promptly provide a reasonable explanation in writing to the insured of the basis in the insurance policy, in relation to the facts or applicable law, for denial of a claim or for the offer of a compromise settlement;

g. Failing to promptly notify the insured of any additional information necessary for the processing of a claim;  or

h. Failing to clearly explain the nature of the requested information and the reasons why such information is necessary.

…

4. Failing to pay undisputed amounts of partial or full benefits owed under first-party property insurance policies within 60 days after an insurer receives notice of a residential property insurance claim, determines the amounts of partial or full benefits, and agrees to coverage, unless payment of the undisputed benefits is prevented by factors beyond the control of the insurer as defined in s. 627.70131(5).

(j) Failure to maintain complaint-handling procedures.–Failure of any person to maintain a complete record of all the complaints received since the date of the last examination.  For purposes of this paragraph, “complaint” means any written communication primarily expressing a grievance.

…

(l) Twisting.–Knowingly making any misleading representations or incomplete or fraudulent comparisons or fraudulent material omissions of or with respect to any insurance policies or insurers for the purpose of inducing, or tending to induce, any person to lapse, forfeit, surrender, terminate, retain, pledge, assign, borrow on, or convert any insurance policy or to take out a policy of insurance in another insurer.

Fla. Stat. § 626.9541.

An insurer that offers residential coverage as defined in s. 627.4025, or a policyholder that uses an appraisal clause in a property insurance contract to establish a process for estimating or evaluating the amount of loss through the use of an impartial umpire, may challenge an umpire’s impartiality and disqualify the proposed umpire only if:

(1) A familial relationship within the third degree exists between the umpire and a party or a representative of a party;

(2) The umpire has previously represented a party in a professional capacity in the same claim or matter involving the same property;

(3) The umpire has represented another person in a professional capacity on the same or a substantially related matter that includes the claim, the same property or an adjacent property, and the other person’s interests are materially adverse to the interests of a party; or

(4) The umpire has worked as an employer or employee of a party within the preceding 5 years.

Fla. Stat. § 627.70151.

In any case in which a person and an insurer have agreed in writing to the settlement of a claim, the insurer shall tender payment according to the terms of the agreement no later than 20 days after such settlement is reached. The tender of payment may be conditioned upon execution by such person of a release mutually agreeable to the insurer and the claimant, but if the payment is not tendered within 20 days, or such other date as the agreement may provide, it shall bear interest at a rate of 12 percent per year from the date of the agreement; however, if the tender of payment is conditioned upon the execution of a release, the interest shall not begin to accrue until the executed release is tendered to the insurer.

Fla. Stat. § 627.4265.

(1) Each willful violation of this [Insurance] code or rule of the department, office, or commission as to which a greater penalty is not provided by another provision of this code or rule of the department, office, or commission or by other applicable laws of this state is a misdemeanor of the second degree and is, in addition to any prescribed applicable denial, suspension, or revocation of certificate of authority, license, or permit, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.  Each instance of such violation shall be considered a separate offense.

(2) Each willful violation of an emergency rule or order of the department, office, or commission by a person who is not licensed, authorized, or eligible to engage in business in accordance with the Florida Insurance Code is a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.  Each instance of such violation is a separate offense.  This subsection does not apply to licensees or affiliated parties of licensees.

Fla. Stat. § 624.15.

(1) Any person may bring a civil action against an insurer when such person is damaged:

(a) By a violation of any of the following provisions by the insurer:
1. Section 626.9541(1)(i), (o), or (x);
2. Section 626.9551;
3. Section 626.9705;
4. Section 626.9706;
5. Section 626.9707;  or
6. Section 627.7283.

(b) By the commission of any of the following acts by the insurer:

1. Not attempting in good faith to settle claims when, under all the circumstances, it could and should have done so, had it acted fairly and honestly toward its insured and with due regard for her or his interests;

2. Making claims payments to insureds or beneficiaries not accompanied by a statement setting forth the coverage under which payments are being made;  or

3. Except as to liability coverages, failing to promptly settle claims, when the obligation to settle a claim has become reasonably clear, under one portion of the insurance policy coverage in order to influence settlements under other portions of the insurance policy coverage.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the above to the contrary, a person pursuing a remedy under this section need not prove that such act was committed or performed with such frequency as to indicate a general business practice.

(2) Any party may bring a civil action against an unauthorized insurer if such party is damaged by a violation of s. 624.401 by the unauthorized insurer.

(3)(a) As a condition precedent to bringing an action under this section, the department and the authorized insurer must have been given 60 days’ written notice of the violation.  If the department returns a notice for lack of specificity, the 60-day time period shall not begin until a proper notice is filed.

(b) The notice shall be on a form provided by the department and shall state with specificity the following information, and such other information as the department may require:

1. The statutory provision, including the specific language of the statute, which the authorized insurer allegedly violated.

2. The facts and circumstances giving rise to the violation.

3. The name of any individual involved in the violation.

4. Reference to specific policy language that is relevant to the violation, if any.  If the person bringing the civil action is a third party claimant, she or he shall not be required to reference the specific policy language if the authorized insurer has not provided a copy of the policy to the third party claimant pursuant to written request.

5. A statement that the notice is given in order to perfect the right to pursue the civil remedy authorized by this section.

(c) Within 20 days of receipt of the notice, the department may return any notice that does not provide the specific information required by this section, and the department shall indicate the specific deficiencies contained in the notice.  A determination by the department to return a notice for lack of specificity shall be exempt from the requirements of chapter 120.

(d) No action shall lie if, within 60 days after filing notice, the damages are paid or the circumstances giving rise to the violation are corrected.

(e) The authorized insurer that is the recipient of a notice filed pursuant to this section shall report to the department on the disposition of the alleged violation.

(f) The applicable statute of limitations for an action under this section shall be tolled for a period of 65 days by the mailing of the notice required by this subsection or the mailing of a subsequent notice required by this subsection.

(4) Upon adverse adjudication at trial or upon appeal, the authorized insurer shall be liable for damages, together with court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by the plaintiff.

(5) No punitive damages shall be awarded under this section unless the acts giving rise to the violation occur with such frequency as to indicate a general business practice and these acts are:

(a) Willful, wanton, and malicious;

(b) In reckless disregard for the rights of any insured;  or

(c) In reckless disregard for the rights of a beneficiary under a life insurance contract.

Any person who pursues a claim under this subsection shall post in advance the costs of discovery.  Such costs shall be awarded to the authorized insurer if no punitive damages are awarded to the plaintiff.

(6) This section shall not be construed to authorize a class action suit against an authorized insurer or a civil action against the commission, the office, or the department or any of their employees, or to create a cause of action when an authorized health insurer refuses to pay a claim for reimbursement on the ground that the charge for a service was unreasonably high or that the service provided was not medically necessary.

(7) In the absence of expressed language to the contrary, this section shall not be construed to authorize a civil action or create a cause of action against an authorized insurer or its employees who, in good faith, release information about an insured or an insurance policy to a law enforcement agency in furtherance of an investigation of a criminal or fraudulent act relating to a motor vehicle theft or a motor vehicle insurance claim.

(8) The civil remedy specified in this section does not preempt any other remedy or cause of action provided for pursuant to any other statute or pursuant to the common law of this state.  Any person may obtain a judgment under either the common-law remedy of bad faith or this statutory remedy, but shall not be entitled to a judgment under both remedies.  This section shall not be construed to create a common-law cause of action.  The damages recoverable pursuant to this section shall include those damages which are a reasonably foreseeable result of a specified violation of this section by the authorized insurer and may include an award or judgment in an amount that exceeds the policy limits.

…

Fla. Stat. § 624.155.

(1) This section sets forth a nonadversarial alternative dispute resolution procedure for a mediated claim resolution conference prompted by the need for effective, fair, and timely handling of property insurance claims. There is a particular need for an informal, nonthreatening forum for helping parties who elect this procedure to resolve their claims disputes because most homeowner and commercial residential insurance policies obligate policyholders to participate in a potentially expensive and time-consuming adversarial appraisal process before litigation. The procedure set forth in this section is designed to bring the parties together for a mediated claims settlement conference without any of the trappings or drawbacks of an adversarial process. Before resorting to these procedures, policyholders and insurers are encouraged to resolve claims as quickly and fairly as possible. This section is available with respect to claims under personal lines and commercial residential policies before commencing the appraisal process, or before commencing litigation. Mediation may be requested only by the policyholder, as a first-party claimant, or the insurer. If requested by the policyholder, participation by legal counsel is permitted. Mediation under this section is also available to litigants referred to the department by a county court or circuit court. This section does not apply to commercial coverages, to private passenger motor vehicle insurance coverages, or to disputes relating to liability coverages in policies of property insurance.

(2) At the time a first-party claim within the scope of this section is filed by the policyholder, the insurer shall notify the policyholder of its right to participate in the mediation program under this section. The department shall prepare a consumer information pamphlet for distribution to persons participating in mediation.

(3) The costs of mediation shall be reasonable, and the insurer shall bear all of the cost of conducting mediation conferences, except as otherwise provided in this section. If an insured fails to appear at the conference, the conference shall be rescheduled upon the insured’s payment of the costs of a rescheduled conference. If the insurer fails to appear at the conference, the insurer shall pay the insured’s actual cash expenses incurred in attending the conference if the insurer’s failure to attend was not due to a good cause acceptable to the department. An insurer will be deemed to have failed to appear if the insurer’s representative lacks authority to settle the full value of the claim. The insurer shall incur an additional fee for a rescheduled conference necessitated by the insurer’s failure to appear at a scheduled conference. The fees assessed by the administrator shall include a charge necessary to defray the expenses of the department related to its duties under this section and shall be deposited in the Insurance Regulatory Trust Fund.

(4) The department shall adopt by rule a property insurance mediation program to be administered by the department or its designee. The department may also adopt special rules which are applicable in cases of an emergency within the state. The rules shall be modeled after practices and procedures set forth in mediation rules of procedure adopted by the Supreme Court. The rules shall provide for:

(a) Reasonable requirement for processing and scheduling of requests for mediation.

(b) Qualifications, denial of application, suspension, revocation of approval, and other penalties for mediators as provided in s. 627.745 and the Florida Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators.

(c) Provisions governing who may attend mediation conferences.

(d) Selection of mediators.

(e) Criteria for the conduct of mediation conferences.

(f) Right to legal counsel.

(5) All statements made and documents produced at a mediation conference shall be deemed to be settlement negotiations in anticipation of litigation within the scope of s. 90.408. All parties to the mediation must negotiate in good faith and must have the authority to immediately settle the claim. Mediators are deemed to be agents of the department and shall have the immunity from suit provided in s. 44.107.

(6) Mediation is nonbinding; however, if a written settlement is reached, the insured has 3 business days within which the insured may rescind the settlement unless the insured has cashed or deposited any check or draft disbursed to the insured for the disputed matters as a result of the conference. If a settlement agreement is reached and is not rescinded, it shall be binding and act as a release of all specific claims that were presented in that mediation conference.

(7) If the insurer fails to comply with subsection (2) by failing to notify a policyholder of its right to participate in the mediation program under this section or if the insurer requests the mediation, and the mediation results are rejected by either party, the policyholder is not required to submit to or participate in any contractual loss appraisal process of the property loss damage as a precondition to legal action for breach of contract against the insurer for its failure to pay the policyholder’s claims covered by the policy.

(8) The department may designate an entity or person to serve as administrator to carry out any of the provisions of this section and may take this action by means of a written contract or agreement.

(9) For purposes of this section, the term “claim” refers to any dispute between an insurer and a policyholder relating to a material issue of fact other than a dispute:

(a) With respect to which the insurer has a reasonable basis to suspect fraud;

(b) Where, based on agreed-upon facts as to the cause of loss, there is no coverage under the policy;

(c) With respect to which the insurer has a reasonable basis to believe that the policyholder has intentionally made a material misrepresentation of fact which is relevant to the claim, and the entire request for payment of a loss has been denied on the basis of the material misrepresentation;

(d) With respect to which the amount in controversy is less than $500, unless the parties agree to mediate a dispute involving a lesser amount; or

(e) With respect to a windstorm or hurricane loss that does not comply with s. 627.70132.

Fla. Stat. § 627.7015.

[New as of December 16, 2022 signing of Senate Bill 2-A]

A property insurance policy issued in this state may not require that a policyholder participate in mandatory binding arbitration unless all of the following apply:

(1) The mandatory binding arbitration requirements are contained in a separate endorsement attached to the property insurance policy.

(2) The premium that a policyholder is charged for the policy includes an actuarially sound credit or premium discount for the mandatory binding arbitration endorsement.

(3) The policyholder signs a form electing to accept mandatory binding arbitration. The form must notify the policyholder of the rights given up in exchange for the credit or premium discount, including, but not limited to, the right to a trial by jury.

(4) The endorsement establishes that an insurer will comply with the mediation provisions set forth in s. 627.7015 before the initiation of arbitration.

(5) The insurer also offers the policyholder a policy that does not require that the policyholder participate in mandatory binding arbitration.

Fla. Stat. § 627.70154

[Amended as of December 16, 2022 signing of Senate Bill 2-A]

(1) Application.–This section applies exclusively to all suits arising under a residential or commercial property insurance policy, including a residential or commercial property insurance policy issued by an eligible surplus lines insurer.

(2) Definitions.–As used in this section, the term:

(a) Claimant means an insured who is filing suit under a residential or commercial property insurance policy.

(b) Disputed amount means the difference between the claimant’s presuit settlement demand, not including attorney fees and costs listed in the demand, and the insurer’s presuit settlement offer, not including attorney fees and costs, if part of the offer.

(c) Presuit settlement demand means the demand made by the claimant in the written notice of intent to initiate litigation as required by paragraph (3)(a). The demand must include the amount of reasonable and necessary attorney fees and costs incurred by the claimant, to be calculated by multiplying the number of hours actually worked on the claim by the claimant’s attorney as of the date of the notice by a reasonable hourly rate.

(d) Presuit settlement offer means the offer made by the insurer in its written response to the notice as required by subsection (3).

(3) Notice.–

(a) As a condition precedent to filing a suit under a property insurance policy, a claimant must provide the department with written notice of intent to initiate litigation on a form provided by the department. Such notice must be given at least 10 business days before filing suit under the policy, but may not be given before the insurer has made a determination of coverage under s. 627.70131. Notice to the insurer must be provided by the department to the e-mail address designated by the insurer under s. 624.422. The notice must state with specificity all of the following information:

1. That the notice is provided pursuant to this section.

2. The alleged acts or omissions of the insurer giving rise to the suit, which may include a denial of coverage.

3. If provided by an attorney or other representative, that a copy of the notice was provided to the claimant.

4. If the notice is provided following a denial of coverage, an estimate of damages, if known.

5. If the notice is provided following acts or omissions by the insurer other than denial of coverage, both of the following:

a. The presuit settlement demand, which must itemize the damages, attorney fees, and costs.

b. The disputed amount.

Documentation to support the information provided in this paragraph may be provided along with the notice to the insurer.

(b) A claimant must serve a notice of intent to initiate litigation within the time limits provided in s. 95.11. However, the notice is not required if the suit is a counterclaim. Service of a notice tolls the time limits provided in s. 95.11 for 10 business days if such time limits will expire before the end of the 10-day notice period.

(4) Insurer duties.–An insurer must have a procedure for the prompt investigation, review, and evaluation of the dispute stated in the notice and must investigate each claim contained in the notice in accordance with the Florida Insurance Code. An insurer must respond in writing within 10 business days after receiving the notice specified in subsection (3). The insurer must provide the response to the claimant by e-mail if the insured has designated an e-mail address in the notice.

(a) If an insurer is responding to a notice served on the insurer following a denial of coverage by the insurer, the insurer must respond by:

1. Accepting coverage;

2. Continuing to deny coverage; or

3. Asserting the right to reinspect the damaged property. If the insurer responds by asserting the right to reinspect the damaged property, it has 14 business days after the response asserting that right to reinspect the property and accept or continue to deny coverage. The time limits provided in s. 95.11 are tolled during the reinspection period if such time limits expire before the end of the reinspection period. If the insurer continues to deny coverage, the claimant may file suit without providing additional notice to the insurer.

(b) If an insurer is responding to a notice provided to the insurer alleging an act or omission by the insurer other than a denial of coverage, the insurer must respond by making a settlement offer or requiring the claimant to participate in appraisal or another method of alternative dispute resolution. The time limits provided in s. 95.11 are tolled as long as appraisal or other alternative dispute resolution is ongoing if such time limits expire during the appraisal process or dispute resolution process. If the appraisal or alternative dispute resolution has not been concluded within 90 days after the expiration of the 10-day notice of intent to initiate litigation specified in subsection (3), the claimant or claimant’s attorney may immediately file suit without providing the insurer additional notice.

(5) Dismissal of suit.–A court must dismiss without prejudice any claimant’s suit relating to a claim for which a notice of intent to initiate litigation was not given as required by this section or if such suit is commenced before the expiration of any time period provided under subsection (4), as applicable.

(6) Admissibility of notice and response.–The notice provided pursuant to subsection (3) and, if applicable, the documentation to support the information provided in the notice:

(a) Are not admissible as evidence in any proceeding.

(b) Do not relieve any obligation that an insured or assignee has to give notice under any other provision of law.

(7) Tolling.–If a claim is not resolved during the presuit notice process and if the time limits provided in s. 95.11 expire in the 30 days following the conclusion of the presuit notice process, such time limits are tolled for 30 days.

Fla. Stat. § 627.70152

Notwithstanding any provision of s. 624.155 to the contrary, in any claim for extracontractual damages under s. 624.155(1)(b), no action shall lie until a named or omnibus insured or a named beneficiary has established through an adverse adjudication by a court of law that the property insurer breached the insurance contract and a final judgment or decree has been rendered against the insurer. Acceptance of an offer of judgment under s. 768.79 or the payment of an appraisal award does not constitute an adverse adjudication under this section. The difference between an insurer’s appraiser’s final estimate and the appraisal award may be evidence of bad faith under s. 624.155(1)(b), but is not deemed an adverse adjudication under this section and does not, on its own, give rise to a cause of action.

Fla. Stat. § 624.1551.