Last week the Florida Legislature passed major insurance reform legislation in a special session. It is too early to predict the long-term results of the law changes. Legal challenges have already been filed. We do not expect any immediate changes in the troubled Florida insurance market. Following is a summary of the significant items and Learn More “Florida Insurance Market: Legislation Update”
For two years we have been warning about the oncoming Homeowners Insurance Crisis. Today the crisis is here and it is getting worse every week. Four Homeowners Insurance companies have failed in the past few months. Many more have restricted new business, cancelled existing policies, or announced plans to do so. Citizens, our state-run market of Learn More “Important Notice Regarding Florida’s Homeowners Insurance Crisis”
For two years we have written about the worsening Homeowner Insurance Crisis in Florida. We advised that premiums would increase – they have exploded. We warned that underwriting standards would tighten – they are now onerous. We predicted insurance companies would fail – two domestic carriers were placed in receivership in the past ten Learn More “Florida Homeowners Insurance Crisis Worsens”
Since the 1970’s Flood insurance rates have been calculated based on criteria that do not accurately account for flood risk. Rates have previously been based on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). These maps were developed in 1968 when the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was enacted. Prior to the development of the NFIP, flood Learn More “Flood Insurance Policy Changes”
Halloween is a night of tricks, treats, and make believe. Whether you are attending a frightfully fun Halloween party or spending the evening binging monster movies it is important to ensure that your family and home are safe and protected. These tips will guarantee that you and your family have a safe and happy Halloween. Learn More “5 Tips to Have a Safe and Happy Halloween”
The Cost of Living in Paradise has just increased. The tragic collapse and loss of life at the Champlain Towers South Condominium portends dangers and challenges for Shared Living Communities (SLCs). The most dramatic changes will be felt in older oceanfront high-rise communities. Make no mistake, new buildings, inland properties, townhouses, and every SLC Learn More “Champlain Towers South Collapse: The Canary in the Coal Mine”
Below is a reprint of a recent agent’s newsletter from Olympus Insurance Company. Olympus is a leading provider of Homeowners Insurance in Florida. The newsletter provides excellent insights into the current Homeowners Insurance crises. Olympus is a valued partner of our agency and we appreciate Olympus’s approval to share this confidential document. State of Florida Learn More “The State of Florida’s Insurance Market: Welcome to the Thunderdome”
From trees and outdoor lights to New Years’ Eve celebrations and driving, there are risks that come along with the holiday season. Don’t let your celebrations become tragic. Follow a few simple guidelines and you’ll be sure to keep your family and your home safe this season. Trees and Lights: Water your tree regularly. Dried Learn More “Tips to Staying Safe and Healthy During the Winter Holidays”
Homeowner’s insurance rates in Florida are continuing to put a financial burden on residents. We can all thank several firms and lawyers fueled by their own greed and a lack of concern for Floridians. Ron Hurtibise, a reporter for The Sun-Sentinel has been following the Florida insurance market and the litigation affecting all of us. He’s Learn More “What’s Happening in the Florida Insurance Market?”
Floridians are being impacted by the rising costs of construction and construction materials (and the costs trends will continue to rise). In the past 6 months construction costs have exploded, in part as a result of supply shortages and Covid shutdowns. Nowhere is this more evident than in the cost of building a single-family home. Learn More “The Rise of Construction Costs”