This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance regulations and protections for insurance policyholders and claimants. Key provisions include the requirement for the Department of Financial Services to take immediate enforcement actions against adjusters without active licenses and the introduction of mandatory continuing education courses for non-resident adjusters. The bill expands the grounds for disciplinary actions against insurance personnel, including felonies and discriminatory practices during claims handling. It also prohibits insurers from excluding public adjusters' attorneys from meetings and mandates clear communication and repair plans to insureds prior to undertaking repairs.

Additionally, the bill addresses unfair claim settlement practices, requiring timely payments to third-party claimants and the use of appropriate replacement parts in vehicle repairs. Insurers must obtain written approval from insureds for certain actions, including vehicle valuation adjustments, and are mandated to compensate for diminished value while providing documentation for their determinations. In property insurance, the bill emphasizes matching replacement items to the quality and appearance of damaged items and establishes conditions under which insurers cannot deny coverage. It also revives and amends the statute regarding attorney fees, limiting recoverability to specific circumstances, and modifies the timeline for insurers to respond to claims. Overall, the bill aims to improve transparency, accountability, and fairness in the insurance claims process.

Statutes affected:
S 1268 Filed: 626.112, 626.854, 626.9541, 626.9744, 627.4025, 627.426, 627.70131, 627.70151