Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report – Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Dec 13, 2017
Insurer Citizens expects to get bigger after Irma
After Hurricane Irma stung property insurers for $6.3 billion in claims and counting, Florida’s state-run and second-largestcarrier expects to add customers in 2018. Charles Elmore reports for the Palm Beach Post.
Keys mandatory metal roofs plan returns
State law may need to change if Monroe County aims to impose its proposed rule on mandatory metal roofs. The Keynoter’s Kevin Wadlow reports via the Miami Herald.
They’re ready to fix their storm-damaged homes and move in. Not so fast, they’re told
The city letter says no renovation permits will be issued for an existing unit other than for temporary habitation up to two years. The Keynoter’s Katie Atkins reports via the Miami Herald.
Inland flood threat increasing in South Florida
As South Florida raises groundwater levels to fight saltwater intrusion, the threat of inland flooding will only increase, according to newly published research results by the National Science Foundation.
After Irma, what happened to all those complaints about scams?
In the weeks after Hurricane Irma forced the largest mass evacuation in U.S. history, thousands of angry consumers swamped Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi with complaints of price gouging by hotels, gas stations, retailers and restaurants. The Tampa Bay Times’ Steve Bousquet reports for “The Buzz” blog.
Uncertainty Hangs Over Florida Citrus Growers After Irma’s Damage to Crops
Although the 2017-18 citrus harvest has barely begun, growers are already planning for the 2018-19 season, and they have critical decisions to make in the coming months that will affect next season’s crop and perhaps others in years to come. The Associated Press reports via Insurance Journal.
HCI Group Appoints Karin Coleman to Executive Vice President
HCI Group, Inc. (NYSE:HCI), a holding company primarily engaged in homeowners insurance, with additional operations in reinsurance, real estate and information technology, today announced the appointment of Karin Coleman to Executive Vice President.
Florida guaranty association taking over insolvent comp insurer’s claims
Companies have until December 26 to acquire new workers comp coverage, Business Insurance reports.
Florida firm acquires Westport insurance agency
AssuredPartners acquired Sachs Walsh Insurance in Westport, an agency founded in 1978 which will continue to be led by Teri Walsh, a past president of the Connecticut Professional Insurance Agents trade association. TheHour.com reports.
Florida Supreme Court to rule on insurance Facebook friend case
With potential ramifications in courthouses across the state, the Florida Supreme Court will take up a dispute about whether a judge should be disqualified from an insurance-related case because she is a Facebook friend with a lawyer.
The aftermath of Hurricane Irma left not only a trail of destruction and piles of debris that are still being disposed of, but also a mountain of questions about how Florida can improve its preparation and response to future natural disasters, the Panama City News Herald Editorial Board writes.
Florida “Alternative transportation” authority proposed
Florida House and Senate Republicans are proposing the creation of a “Statewide Alternative Transportation Authority” that would oversee developing transportation systems for such things as autonomous vehicles. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA reports via FloridaPolitics.com.
Fort Lauderdale executive of yacht sharing club faces federal fraud charges
Fort Lauderdale executive who is president of a yacht sharing business for vacationers has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Connecticut and charged with defrauding investors in his company. David Lyons reports for the Sun-Sentinel via Crain’s Miami.
Senate bill would abolish tree protection laws in every Florida city
Senate Bill SB 574 removes the ability of local governments to regulate tree removal on private property. Anne Schindler reports for WTLV.
Broward moves to sue drug companies over opioids
The Broward commission on Tuesday ordered the county attorney to pursue a lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies to recoup the costs of treating opioid addicts. The Sun-Sentinel’s Dan Sweeney reports.
How is Florida’s health? Not so great, report says
Florida slightly improved its national standing this year, rising from 36th to 32nd overall in the annual America’s Health Rankings report. Thomas Tobin reports for the Tampa Tribune.
State Representative Randy Fine Files “No Pickup, No Pay; No Service, No Sale” Legislation
State Rep. Randy Fine, R-Palm Bay, on Monday filed HB 971, which is intended to keep Floridians from having to pay for garbage pickup, telecommunications, and cable service when those services are not actually provided. Nancy Smith reports for SunshineStateNews.com.
Unfettered construction raises U.S. hurricane costs
Rule-busting construction has happened in scores of communities across the United States, where local, state and federal officials have failed to enforce regulations intended to restrict building in areas at high risk of flooding. Reuters’ Benjamin Lesser and Ryan McNeill report.
AIA Unveils Innovation “Sandbox” Proposal at NAIC
This model bill would enable regulators to play an active role in overseeing the testing and implementation of the innovative insurance technologies, products, and services that consumers are demanding, without sacrificing prudent consumer protections, the AIA said.
Would the G.O.P. Tax Bill Penalize California Wildfire Victims?
In the scorched landscapes of California, a little-noted provision of the Republican tax overhaul has property owners worried about being burned twice. PCI sponsors this important New York Times article for its PCI SmartBrief readers.
California Commissioner Wants Halt to Moratoriums in Wildfire Areas
California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has issued a formal notice to insurers directing them to cease any and all moratoriums on auto insurance and reminding them that California law prohibits the practice, Insurance Journal reports.
Texas-backed insurer’s unpaid Ike claims spur concerns post-Harvey
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association still has about $60 million in claims payments to be made to cities, school districts and a community college for damage from Hurricane Ike, which hit the state in 2008. The Houston Chronicle reports via the PCI SmartBrief.
Vietnam Suffers Rare $1 Billion Natural Catastrophe Loss, Aon Benfield Reports
Typhoon Damrey made landfall in Vietnam during November as a Category 2 strength storm, bringing estimated economic damages of VND22.1 trillion (US$1.0 billion) – a rare billion-dollar event for the country, according to Impact Forecasting, Aon Benfield’s catastrophe model development team.
Remodeling for profit? Unlikely
While cosmetic and lifestyle enhancements are attractive and advantageous to homeowners, prospective buyers will take a different view should those renovations be unappealing. Chris Willie reports for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Ten Appointed to Newly Formed New York State Insurance Advisory Board
Financial Services Superintendent Maria T. Vullo has announced the 10 appointees who will serve on the newly formed Department of Financial Services (DFS) State Insurance Advisory Board, Insurance Journal reports.
Click here to follow Colodny Fass on Twitter (@ColodnyFassLaw)
To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please send an e-mail to news@colodnyfass.com.