Vol. 15, No. 2 - June 2025
Welcome
The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season is here and the Department's PrepareFL.com website serves as a one-stop-shop for preparedness and recovery resources. While storms are a regular part of Florida life, proactive planning can significantly reduce their impact and help you recover faster.
Key steps such as assembling an emergency kit, creating an evacuation plan, and safeguarding your home can make all the difference. By staying informed and taking timely precautions, Floridians can approach hurricane season with confidence and resilience, ensuring a smoother path back to normal after a storm.
The Department’s Insurance Consumer Helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236) is also available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Call today to speak with a knowledgeable insurance specialist—free of charge.Hurricane Preparedness Tips:
- Secure Flood Insurance: Standard homeowner’s policies do not cover flood damage. If you live in a flood-prone area, contact your insurance agent to explore flood coverage options. Florida has over 30 private insurers offering flood insurance, and you may also qualify for the federally-backed National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
- Review and Update Your Coverage: Your home and possessions may have gained value or improvements over the years. Review your insurance policy to ensure your coverage limits remain adequate for current replacement costs.
- Add Extra Living Expense Coverage: Many homeowners’ policies include additional living expenses that help cover costs if your home becomes uninhabitable, such as motel stays, dining, and storage, during repairs. Confirm these protections are in place.
- Act Before a Storm Approaches: Insurance providers typically do not accept new applications or changes once a hurricane is near. Since most flood policies take about 30 days to become effective, securing or updating coverage now is crucial before storm threats arise.
For more hurricane preparedness tips and resources, visit PrepareFL.com.
News You Can Use
The 2025 Hurricane Season Begins in June — Are You Ready?
05/08/25
Tallahassee, Fla. — In observance of Hurricane Preparedness Week, the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) is sharing essential tips and resources to help Floridians strengthen their disaster plans as the 2025 Hurricane Season kicks off on June 1st...Read more
In The Know
General Lines Agents - Review Your Customers' Policy Benefits
Many agents review their customers' coverage at renewal; it's a good practice to talk with your customers to make sure they have the coverage they need and uncover any gaps in coverage...Read more
Education Center
Tips To Become an Informed CE Shopper
When preparing for an upcoming CE due date, you can take a few simple steps to make sure you’re getting the best educational experience, and make sure you get the credit you deserve...Read more
Enforcement Actions
The enforcement actions included in this list reflect enforcement actions taken in March, April and May, 2025...Read more
Compliance Corner
The Importance of Appointments - Maintaining a Valid License
Florida Statutes s. 626.112(1) makes it clear a license is considered invalid without an active appointment. This means a licensee cannot lawfully transact insurance business. It is the licensee's responsibility maintain at least one appointment, even though most appointments are made by insurance companies. Licensees should not assume an insurer or employer is maintaining an appointment...Read more
Case Notes
Case: An investigation was opened on an owner of an insurance agency and its agent in charge (AIC) for misappropriating insurance premiums. They engaged in a scheme to divert escrow checks they received from a title insurance agency into the bank account of their insurance agency...Read more
