Florida

Florida is a high-volume property claims jurisdiction due to hurricane exposure and has undergone significant legislative reform affecting claims correspondence, assignment-of-benefits practices, and litigation timelines.

Key Requirements

Acknowledgment

Insurers must acknowledge receipt of a communication regarding a claim within 14 calendar days. The acknowledgment must include the name and address of the agent or adjuster who will handle the claim.

Property Claims Timeline

For property insurance claims, the insurer must pay or deny a claim within 90 days of the date the insurer received notice of the initial claim. If the insurer denies or underpays, the written denial must include specific policy provisions and factual bases.

Catastrophe-Specific Rules

Florida has extensive hurricane-related claims guidance. During declared emergencies, the Office of Insurance Regulation may issue emergency orders modifying claims-handling timelines and requiring expedited processing.

Recent Reforms

Florida's 2022 and 2023 legislative reforms significantly changed the claims litigation landscape, including eliminating one-way attorney fees for most property claims and restricting assignment-of-benefits practices. Claims correspondence must reflect these changes.