Florida Hurricane Irma Emergency Order Cancellation and Non-Renewal Moratorium
In response to recent catastrophic events of Hurricane Irma, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation issued an Emergency Order suspending certain provisions of the Florida Insurance Code, including those related to cancellation and non-renewal of insurance policies. The Emergency Order is applicable to all lines of insurance coverage that are subject to regulation under Florida Insurance Law. Flood insurance policies issued pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are not subject to the Emergency Regulation.
In reviewing the Emergency Order, PFI wants to call your attention to Rule 69O-142.015(2)(d)-(h), which provides a temporary moratorium on cancellations or non-renewals of insurance policies between August 25, 2017 and October 15, 2017, covering a person, property or risk in Florida, except at the written request or concurrence of the policyholder. The Commissioner may extend this provision through an amended emergency order on or before October 12, 2017, if it is determined to be in the best interest of the policyholders.
PFI believes it is important to point out this information to ensure that clients do not process such notices of cancellation until after the moratorium ends. PFI will temporarily suspend hazard lender placement notification activity in Florida until after the moratorium is lifted. Lender placement notifications will resume once the moratorium is lifted. PFI encourages clients to review their internal insurance processing and lender placement notification procedures to ensure compliance with this rule.
Please visit PFI’s website at pfic.com under News and Press for future compliance updates that impact your business with PFI. Please contact your client representative if you have any questions.