2012 Legislative Updates
The Florida Surplus Lines Service Office provides this data for informational purposes only; it does not constitute an endorsement or position regarding any of the bills listed.
2012 Florida Legislative Session: NIMA Legislative Report
2012 Florida Insurance Council Legislative Session Thumbnail
SB 938/HB 725: Insurance Agents and Adjusters -
Signed by the Governor May 4, 2012, effective October 1, 2012
- New Continuing Education Requirements- HB 725 changes the number of elective hours required by insurance agents depending on experience and designations held. Additionally, it adds a newly required five-hour "update" course that must be taken by licensees every two years which is specific to the license held by the licensee. This course replaces the current 2-hour Ethics requirement.
- Shortens Timeframe for Notice of Change of Address- HB 725 changes the deadline for an agent filing name or address changes from 60 days to 30 days. It also authorizes a fine of $500 for a second offense.
- Elimination of Surety Bond Requirement- Agents will no longer be required to acquire or maintain the surety bond requiremnt.
- Non-Resident Risk Retention and Purchasing Agents Bond Requirement- A nonresident risk retention and purchasing agents will be required to be licensed and appointed in their state of residency as well as retain a bond payable to the State of Florida of not less than $50,000 aggregate.
SB 1620/HB 1101: Insurance -
Signed by the Governor April 24, 2012, effective October 1, 2012
- Surplus Lines Market Available to Corporation Not-For-Profit Self Insurance Funds- Corporation not-for-profit self-insurance funds that are required to maintain excess insurance coverage to purchase excess insurance from eligible surplus lines insurers or reinsurers.
- Alien Carriers Permitted to Sell Certain Products to Non-US residents- HB 1101 permits, with approval, an alien carrier to sell life and annuity products to non-residents of the United States.
- Notice of Cancellation or Non-Renewal Exemption- Insurers that have shown a willingness to renew a policy, or if a cancellation is required due to non-payment of premium, are exempted from providing a notice of non-renewal.
- Addition to Unfair Trade Practices- Altering a property and casualty certificate of insurance after issuance has been added to the deceptive acts in the misrepresentation/false advertising category of the Unfair Trade Practices.
SB 1346/HB 1127: Citizens Property Insurance Corporation-
Signed by the Governor on April 13, 2012, effective July 1, 2012
- Eliminates the regular assessment for the Citizens' Personal Lines Account and Commercial Lines Account.
- Reduces the maximum regular assessment authority for the Citizens' Coastal Account from 6% to 2%.