News Just In

The latest stories in the Florida insurance industries

Forecasts for this year's hurricane season released

A Florida-based research scientist is predicting this year’s hurricane season to be above average, with 7 hurricanes and three to four major hurricanes.

Commissioner approves moving policyholders to new Florida carrier

All Florida homeowners with policies from Anchor Property and Casualty Insurance Company will be migrated to a new insurance company, the Florida Insurance Commissioner has announced.

Florida home insurance company gets downgraded by AM Best

AM Best has announced it downgraded one Florida insurance company’s financial strength rating, citing hurricanes and market conditions as the challenges for the company.

Home insurer denies claim for squirrel damage

An Atlanta couple who said a squirrel caused extensive damage to their home has had their insurance claim denied, according to several news sites.

Citizens looks to cut its policy count

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is again seeking ways to reduce its number of policyholders, which comes after the insurer-of-last-resort took on thousands of Florida homeowners from soon-to-be-liquidated Florida Specialty Insurance.

More Floridians want home sellers to disclose flood history

Calls to make it mandatory to disclose home flood history is gaining traction, as other states implement new laws to protect home buyers and Florida does not.

New data shows pet insurance and ownership expenses on the rise

The amount of money it costs per year to own a pet is increasing, according to new data that shows the pet health insurance sector hit $1.42 billion in premium last year.

The 10 best (and worst!) Florida School Districts

In Florida, school performance and grades can vary dramatically from district to district. Some of the most sought-after areas in Florida also tend to have poorer quality schools.

Florida insurance company to liquidate, policyholders to seek new coverage

Thousands of Florida homeowners will need to find new insurance policy after State regulators ordered Sarasota-based Florida Specialty Insurance Co. to liquidate.

Miami insurance agent arrested in $1.7m fraud scheme

The owner of Miami-based insurance agency has been arrested for allegedly steal more than $1.7 million in a fraudulent scheme, which is said could impact every policyholder in Florida.

Floridians warned of new money app scam

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is urging Floridians to be wary of a new scam that is stealing people’s money through Venmo-like text messages.

Potential Tropical Storm heading for Florida coast

Florida’s east coast can expect a visit from a Tropical Storm this weekend, as a new system traveling through the Atlantic picks up strength.

Hurricane Dorian forecast to retain powerful strength as it nears Florida

Hurricane Dorian, which is currently pounding Grand Bahama Island, is expected to remain a powerful storm for the next couple of days as it inches closer to the Florida coast.

Tropical Storm Dorian expected to be near hurricane status in 48 hours

A new tropical depression has gained enough intensity to become Tropical Storm Dorian, and is now forecast to reach near hurricane strength over the next two days as it approaches the central Lesser Antilles.

Tropical system developing just east of Florida

Satellites have picked up an area of low pressure near the south east coast Florida, which has a 60 percent chance of forming into a tropical depression over the next five days.

Top Florida cities most vulnerable to hurricanes

Eight well-known Florida cities have been named among the top US cities most prone to hurricanes. These places have had the highest number of severe hurricanes in recent years.

Two tropical disturbances brewing in the Atlantic, possible storm formation

Two tropical waves in the Atlantic Ocean have been picked up by the National Hurricane Center, with chances of forming into storms over the next five days.

Over $1 billion paid to Floridians in Hurricane Irma flood insurance claims

FEMA has announced its National Flood Insurance Program has paid more than $1 billion to Florida policyholders after Hurricane Irma made landfall in 2017, highlighting the importance of holding a flood policy during hurricane season.

Two Florida cities ranked among best and worst for first time home buyers

Two cities in the Sunshine State have been named among the best – and the worst – places for first-time buyers, citing market attractiveness, affordability and quality of life.

Citizens approves revised 2019 home insurance rates

The board at Florida’s insurer-of-last-resort has approved a statewide average rate increase of 2.3 percent for homeowners insurance – a drop from the previously proposed 8.5 percent increase.

Hurricane Season 2019 Forecast Released

Researchers have released their updated 2019 hurricane season forecast, which predicts an average season with at least two major hurricanes.

Florida homeowners insurance rates predicted to drop

A national insurance company has announced it cut its home insurance rates by 14.4% in Florida, a trend that is expected to start across other Florida carriers as a result of the AOB law changes.

Florida’s private flood insurance market grows ahead of 2019 hurricane season

The federal flood program is no longer the only option for Floridians. The number of insurers now offering private flood insurance in Florida has increased by 45 percent since 2017, as regulators work to expand the market and help more homeowners protect themselves from the costly risk that threatens the entire state.

Florida InsurTech HoneyQuote lets other businesses use its technology

HoneyQuote.com has today announced the launch of its new partnership program, which allows businesses across industries to enhance their services by offering their customers an end-to-end solution for purchasing homeowners insurance.

Miami insurance agent arrested for alleged insurance fraud worth $476,000

A licensed insurance agent in Florida has been arrested for allegedly obtaining and transferring more than 300 homeowner insurance policies without consent, pocketing nearly $476,00 as a result.

Florida dog owners who abandon pets during hurricanes may soon face fines, jail time

A new Florida bill seeks to punish Florida pet owners with jail time and animal cruelty charges if they leave their dogs behind while evacuating during a hurricane.

Florida InsurTech HoneyQuote rolls out full product, adds Heritage to platform

HoneyQuote.com is pleased to announce the addition of a new carrier partner and the launch of its real-time rating engine, which lets Florida homeowners compare multiple home insurance quotes and purchase a policy completely online.

Senate committee approves bill to reduce home insurance premiums

The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee has passed a proposal to overhaul the rules around assignment of benefits, which could see insurance rates fall.

Florida insurer FedNat announces growth plans via acquisition

Florida-based home insurer FedNat Holding Company has announced plans to further expand into other states through an acquisition of 1347 Property Insurance Holdings.

Hurricane Irma ‘scam artist’ arrested for stealing from homeowners

A Florida woman has been arrested for allegedly scamming homeowners after Hurricane Irma and attempting to steal tens of thousands of dollars in insurance claims.

Startup insurance provider Berkley One expands to Florida

Affluent-focused insurer Berkley One has announced its expansion to Florida, bringing with it a range of options for home, auto, liability and travel insurance.

‘Exaggerated’ claims force Citizens to propose home insurance rate hike

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation has announced its board has approved an 8.2 percent rate increase, citing growing litigation costs and nonweather water losses.

Most devastating storms of 2018 hurricane season revealed

This year’s hurricane season may have been less active than prior years, but it still saw storms cause extensive property damage across Florida and other states.

Florida county with highest amount of Hurricane Michael insured losses revealed

Insured losses as a result of Hurricane Michael have stretched to more than $2.2 billion, with one Florida county making up the majority of these insurance claims.

American Integrity announces new insurance for boat owners

Florida property insurance company American Integrity Insurance has announced a new insurance offering for boaters and personal watercraft owners.

‘Insurance Village’ deployed to help with Hurricane Michael claims

An emergency insurance village has been set up in Panama City from today to help those recovering from Hurricane Michael with filing insurance claims.

‘Extremely Dangerous’ Hurricane Michael gets upgraded to Category 4

Hurricane Michael is now a stronger storm and could potentially strengthen further before it hits Florida today, according to the National Hurricane Center.

State of Emergency declared as Florida braces for potential hurricane

Gov. Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency in 26 North Florida counties as soon-to-be Hurricane Michael is expected to make landfall this week.

UPC and Tokio to launch new property insurer in Florida

A new property and casualty insurance company has been created as part of a strategic partnership between UPC Insurance and Tokio Marine as a way to reach new markets.

Florida insurer American Traditions launches renters policy

American Traditions Insurance Company has announced recently it has launched a new product for Florida renters in response to a diversifying marketplace.

Florida homeowners urged to take caution after Tropical Storm Gordon

Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier has issued a warning to all Florida homeowners recovering from Tropical Storm Gordon, saying watch what papers you sign.

Tropical Storm Gordon forms over South Florida, storm-surge warnings issued

A tropical storm warning has been issued for portions of South Florida with heavy rain predicted after a disturbance officially formed into a cyclone, says the National Hurricane Center.

Storm Florence keeps east, new disturbance expected to strengthen

A disturbance in the Atlantic has officially formed into Tropical Storm Florence, while a second system is expected to touch southern Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Potential tropical cyclone forming in the Atlantic: NHC

A disturbance in the Atlantic is heading westward with a 90 percent chance of forming into a tropical cyclone in the next two days, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Florida in state of emergency due to toxic red tide

Six Florida counties are now in a state of emergency as a result of the red tide – a toxic algae bloom that is threatening the state’s marine life and tourism.

Researchers update 2018 hurricane season forecast

This year's Atlantic hurricane season should see at least one major hurricane and 12 named storms, a new forecast report from researchers says.

Senate approves federal flood program extension

The National Flood Insurance Program will live another four months thanks to the Senate passing a short-term extension that prevents the program from lapsing

Security First launches new 'affordable' flood product to replace NFIP

Florida insurance company Security First has launched a new flood product that offers policyholders an alternative to the federal insurance program.

House votes to extend federal flood insurance program

The House of Representatives has voted to prevent the National Flood Insurance Program from lapsing in a few days, with its fate now resting upon the Senate.

Federal flood insurance program at risk of lapsing

The National Flood Insurance Program is set to expire on July 31 unless lawmakers take action, with homeowners urged to find coverage now to avoid being uninsured.

Hurricane remnants expected to regenerate later this week

A tropical disturbance just east of Florida has a 50 percent chance of forming into a storm over the next five days, according to the National Hurricane Center.

FedNat partners with Florida InsurTech startup HoneyQuote

FedNat Insurance Company has become the latest carrier in the state to team up with HoneyQuote.com – a new rating engine that is changing the way Florida homeowners and renters shop for property and casualty insurance.

Florida's hurricane recovery plan gets US Government approval

The Sunshine State will soon see new homes built and more repaired after its request for $616 million toward Hurricane Irma recovery was approved by the federal government last week.

Consumer concerns delay Citizens insurance rate increase

Citizens Property Insurance will wait to roll out its proposed 7.9 percent rate increase in response to concerns raised by consumer advocates.

Contractor arrested for scamming Florida homeowners

A contractor faces multiple charges after he allegedly stole nearly $140,000 from hurricane victims across eight Florida counties.

Survey: Floridians still not prepared for hurricane season

A new survey has found most Floridians are not adequately prepared for the new hurricane season, despite being punished for this last year.

Florida ranked one of least safest states

A new study that ranked the 50 states in order of their safeness has placed Florida near the bottom of the list, citing its poor score across several safety metrics.

Floridians urged to sign petition against increasing insurance rates

A nonprofit organization is calling on Florida homeowners to sign a petition that will demand action from government officials to lower insurance rates.

Florida InsurTech startup HoneyQuote announces beta launch

In an effort to promote innovation in Florida property insurance, two West Palm Beach men have begun beta testing a new rating engine known as HoneyQuote.com, which gives consumers the chance to compare multiple insurance quotes and find better deals.

New forecast released for 2018 hurricane season, major storms still predicted

Hurricane season starts today, and researchers have updated their 2018 forecast to now call for a near-average season with at least two major hurricanes and a 51 percent chance of landfall on the U.S. coastline.

Florida declared state of emergency in response to Storm Alberto

Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency for Florida in response to the formation of Subtropical Storm Alberto.

Potential tropical cyclone near Florida gets upgraded to 40%

The National Hurricane Center has increased the chances of a tropical cyclone forming in the Gulf of Mexico later this week to 40 percent.

Tropical formation possible as heavy rain hits Florida

A special outlook has been issued for Cuba and Florida as a potential tropical development in the Caribbean travels closer to the Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Florida insurance fraudsters busted for burning rental homes

State officials have announced the arrest of three women and three men for their alleged roles in an insurance scam that collected $187,000 in fake claims by setting rental properties on fire in Miami-Dade, Lee, and Collier counties.

Florida roofing company accused of scamming homeowners

More than 70 Florida homeowners have accused a Jacksonville-based roofing company of running away with their deposits for a new roof and not performing the work.

Florida to provide Puerto Rico with insurance support

Eight months after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, a member of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation will travel to the island tomorrow to assist families and individuals with insurance claims and other issues.

3 Florida cities named in top 30 list for starting a business

New research has revealed the best small U.S. cities to start a business, with three Florida cities making it on the top 30 list.

Rising sea levels dragging Miami home prices

New research suggests that fears over rising sea levels and floods are having an impact on oceanfront home prices in Miami, with those at higher elevations rising faster in value.

How Hurricane Irma helped these two Florida companies grow

While most small businesses in Florida tend to lose money during major storms, these two firms managed to create an opportunity during Hurricane Irma by offering their drone technology to homeowners insurance companies.

Miami makes it easier for homeowners to make renovations

Miami homeowners looking to remodel their homes will be able to do so easily thanks to a new city initiative.

Florida Everglades ‘severely damaged’ by Hurricane Irma: NASA

NASA research revealed that 60% of studied portions of the Florida Everglades have suffered heavy to severe damage from Hurricane Irma, with recovery still underway.

Florida’s building codes rated No.1 for protecting against hurricanes

A new report that assesses residential building codes across 18 hurricane-prone states has named Florida as the leader in protecting against storm-related damage.

Florida ranks among top states with highest number of dog bite claims

New research shows that Florida is among the top 10 US states with the highest number of dog bite claims – a trend that is pushing more Florida homeowners insurance companies to limit their coverage for family dogs.

Florida counties with highest number of Hurricane Irma claims revealed

Nearly 57 percent of more than 924,000 Florida insurance claims received due to Hurricane Irma have been closed with payments, with over 100,000 cases still open statewide.

Citizens seeks to limit payments for non-weather water loss

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is taking steps to address claims “abuse” by limiting the amount it will pay policyholders who use outside contractors for non-weather related water damage.

2018 hurricane season forecast released, major storms predicted

Researchers have released their 2018 hurricane season forecast, which predicts a busier-than-normal season with at least three major hurricanes.

American Integrity named one of ‘Top Places to Work’

American Integrity Insurance Company has earned a spot on the Tampa Bay Times’ list of the best workplaces for the fifth time since the insurer’s 2007 inception.

Citizens re-opens more than 20,000 Hurricane Irma claims

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is taking a second look at claims made during Hurricane Irma by revising damage estimates and making additional payments.

New Insurance Publication Launches in Florida

Homeinsured.org aims to support a simpler and more transparent industry for consumers by delivering easy-to-understand educational content

Florida Peninsula opens new Sarasota office

Boca Raton-based Florida Peninsula Insurance has expanded its footprint with the opening of a new underwriting and operations center in Sarasota.

Heritage Insurance looks to roll out double-digit rate increase

Heritage Property & Casualty Company is looking to increase its rates for new and renewing customers as a “direct” response to insurance fraud.

Security First breaks ground on new $30m headquarters

Ormond Beach-based Security First Insurance Company has announced work has officially started on its new 133,000 square foot headquarters.

Senate fails to pass home insurance reform

The Florida Legislature has failed to pass a bill that aimed at tackling a home insurance scam and discouraging insurers from substantially increasing rates.

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