On June 26, 2017, in News Releases, by Staff PANAMA CITY, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott appointed Jimmy Patronis as Florida’ next Chief Financial Officer. Patronis will be officially sworn in this Friday, June 30, 2017, to replace CFO Jeff Atwater who is leaving to pursue a position at Florida Atlantic University. The swearing in ceremony…
June 28 is National Insurance Awareness Day. While not nearly as fun as National Margarita or Take Your Dog to Work Day, today we urge you to take some time to think about one of the most important products you buy to protect yourself and your family. Take some time today to review your homeowner’s…
Florida Record, Michael Carroll June 23, 2017 TALLAHASSEE — Some Florida counties are seeing a major spike in auto glass litigation, generating fears that auto insurance premiums may follow the trajectory of rising property insurance rates in the state. A recent study by the Florida Justice Reform Institute found an exponential rise in auto glass…
By: Mike Vasilinda | Capitol News Service June 20, 2017 TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) — Legislation proposing major changes to Florida’s building code was bundled with more than a dozen other changes in construction law during the 2017 legislative session. A coalition of building officials and insurance interests fear the legislation could lead to a patchwork of…
A.M. Best Financial Analyst reviews Florida’s practice of allowing contractors to assume responsibility from insureds for insurance repairs and the associated impacts to consumers. Watch here.
Sunshine State News KEVIN DERBY June 9, 2017 – 10:30am This week, U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Fla., part of the congressional leadership as senior deputy majority whip, brought back his proposal to amend the federal tax code to create tax-preferred savings accounts to help Americans prepare for natural disasters. Ross first introduced the Disaster Savings…
A mainland Miami neighborhood prone to regular flooding from high tides and storms could be relocated amid preparations for rising seas. Government officials are looking at redesigning the Shorecrest neighborhood by returning some areas to nature rather than reinforcing them with sea walls or other infrastructure. The Insurance Journal article acknowledges that allowing the seas…
WFSU By NICK EVANS • JUN 15, 2017 Florida’s insurance officials are considering moves to rein in assignments after the Legislature again failed to take action. The procedure allows service providers to work directly with an insurer, but some say they’re taking advantage of the system. Insurance companies are complaining that a procedure called assignment of benefits is…
Palm Beach Post By Jim Saunders – News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Readying to leave the state Cabinet at the end of the month, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater said Wednesday that lawmakers need to address an insurance practice that critics argue is driving up homeowners’ rates. Lawmakers this spring could not agree…
WINK News May 31, 2017 FORT MYERS, Fla. Fraud could be behind a recent surge in auto insurance rates. Rates are up 21.4 percent since 2015, according to Florida Office of Insurance Regulation data. Insurance agent Cindy Palmquist of The Thompson Agency puts the blame squarely on staged crashes, a practice in which drivers maneuver other motorists…