The bill amends section 627.7015 of the Florida Statutes to establish a mandatory procedure for resolving disputed property insurance claims, replacing the previous alternative procedure. Insurers are required to notify policyholders of this new procedure at the time of policy issuance and renewal, and the Department of Financial Services must prepare a consumer information pamphlet for distribution during these times and during state emergencies. The bill allows policyholders to file a petition with the Division of Administrative Hearings, detailing specific requirements for the petition's content and the insurer's response timeframe. It also outlines the role of the administrative law judge in reviewing petitions and dismissing those that do not meet established criteria.

Furthermore, the bill repeals several existing statutes related to appraisal clauses and alternative dispute resolution methods in property insurance contracts, introducing a new definition of "claim." It specifies that the dismissal of a petition is without prejudice, meaning it does not require a hearing. Insurers must pay the claim or respond to the petition within 14 days, and the administrative law judge is tasked with making a determination within 60 days of the petition's filing. The bill also repeals sections related to homeowner's insurance claims and introduces a new section that designates the homeowner's insurer as the primary insurer when a claim is submitted under a homeowner's policy alongside a separate windstorm or flood insurance policy. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1087 Filed: 627.7015, 627.351, 627.70131, 627.7074