Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky is encouraging policyholders to reach out directly to the Office of Insurance Regulation if consumers impacted by recent storms receive a notice of nonrenewal or notice of cancellation that may have taken or will take effect between Sept. 26 until Dec. 10. Emergency orders are in place that prohibit the cancellation or nonrenewal of a policy in an affected county until Dec. 10. OIR recently amended emergency orders to extend grace periods for policies and further protect Floridians affected by the storms. OIR stands ready to enforce these orders if necessary.
Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky said, “We will not allow consumers to be treated unfairly during the recovery process of recent storms. Our office is closely monitoring claims handling practices and stands ready to take administrative action if necessary. If you receive a cancellation or nonrenewal notice, please reach out to our office so that we can assist you.”
In response to Hurricane Helene and Milton, OIR issued EO 400385-24 and EO 400473-24 to protect policyholders. No insurer or other regulated entity may cancel, non-renew or issue a notice of cancellation or nonrenewal of a policy or contract, except at the written request of a policyholder, during Sept. 26 through Dec. 10.
OIR’s market regulation units continuously monitor the conduct of insurers in the marketplace, enforcing Florida law through remediation and administrative action utilizing market conduct investigations and examinations. If an issue is found, OIR has the authority to take action either through an informal inquiry, investigation or examination. Based on the findings of an examination or investigation, OIR’s market regulation units may take administrative action, impose administrative penalties, require restitution to consumers, and require corrective action in order to protect insurance consumers from unlawful or harmful business practices.