Florida OIR Extends Order, Barring Policy Cancels or Nonrenews Until Dec. 10

Florida’s insurance commissioner this week issued emergency orders, extending some policyholder cancellation protections in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The orders, seen here and here, are in line with similar actions taken after hurricanes. The orders:

• Extend grace periods for any policy, provision, notice, correspondence, or law that imposes a time limit upon an insured to perform any act until December 10, 2024.

• Prohibit the cancellation or nonrenewal of a policy in an impacted area, except at the written request of the policyholder, until December 10, 2024.

• Prohibit the cancellation or nonrenewal of a personal residential or commercial residential property insurance policy covering a property repaired as a result of damage from Hurricane Helene for a period of 90 days after it has been repaired.

• Direct insurers, surplus lines and other regulated entities to implement processes and procedures to facilitate the efficient payment of claims.

The state Office of Insurance Regulation said that policyholders seeking assistance with insurance questions should contact the Department of Financial Services Consumer Services by visiting their website, or by contacting the DFS Consumer Services Assistance Line 1-877-693-5236.

Photo: Heavy damage from Hurricane Milton at a condominium on Siesta Key, Florida. (Photo by Matt Mercier, CBIZ)