Florida Legislature Passes Major Changes to Auto, Property Insurance Markets

Florida Legislature Passes Major Changes to Auto, Property Insurance Markets

Florida lawmakers passed two bills on the last day of their 2021 legislative session that make major changes to the state’s auto and property insurance markets.

The legislation was revised significantly from its original form at the start of the session and includes:

  • Reducing the claims deadline on all claims to two years from the date of loss, except for on supplemental claims which will have an additional year.
  • Makes it illegal for roofing contractors or any person acting on their behalf to make a “prohibited advertisement,” including an electronic communication, phone call or document that solicits a claim.
  • Prohibits the offering of anything of value for performing a roof inspection, an offer to interpret an insurance policy or file a claim, or adjust the claim on the insured’s behalf.
  • Prohibits a contractor from providing repairs for an insured with a contract for repairs that does not include a detailed cost estimate of the labor and materials required to complete the repairs.
  • Adds potential for $10,000 fine for each violation by roofers.
If signed by DeSantis, the new law will take effect July 1, 2021.