House Bill 655 amends Florida Statutes to officially classify pet insurance as a form of property insurance and introduces regulations for pet wellness programs. The bill revises the definition of "property insurance" to include pet insurance that covers accidents and illnesses. It also establishes that certain sales practices related to pet wellness programs are considered unfair competition, ensuring these programs are marketed separately from pet insurance policies. Insurers are required to provide clear disclosures about policy exclusions, waiting periods, and claim payment bases, which must be accessible on their websites.

Additionally, the bill creates the "Pet Insurance Act," which sets forth a regulatory framework for pet insurance in Florida, including definitions for terms like "chronic condition" and "preexisting condition." It mandates that pet insurance policies include the agent's address and customer service number, and grants policyholders a 30-day review period for a full premium refund if unsatisfied. The bill also outlines conditions for excluding coverage for preexisting conditions, allows for a waiting period of up to 30 days for certain conditions, and requires training for pet insurance agents on relevant topics. The legislation is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 655 Filed: 624.604
H 655 er: 624.604