The bill amends section 627.351 of the Florida Statutes to establish arbitration as an option for dispute resolution for policyholders of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. It requires that policy forms include a provision allowing insured individuals to select arbitration for resolving disputes related to claim determinations at the time of entering into the policy or upon renewal. Additionally, the bill mandates that each insured must receive written notification about this arbitration option, which must be presented in a specific format that emphasizes the choice to accept or decline arbitration.

The bill also removes obsolete language regarding the resolution of disputes and clarifies that arbitrations conducted under these policies will follow certain legal standards, treating them similarly to court proceedings. It specifies that the administrative law judge in these arbitrations will award attorney fees and other relief according to existing statutes, while prohibiting the corporation from seeking a maximum hourly rate for attorney fees. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 863 Filed: 627.351