Florida’s Citizens Suspends Binding on Policies as Another Storm Churns in the Gulf

Florida’s state-created Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the largest insurer in the state, has suspended binding on policies, statewide, as yet another hurricane approaches from the Carribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.

As of Monday, Nov. 4, “Agents may not bind applications for new coverage or policy changes for increased coverage, regardless of effective date, when a tropical storm or hurricane watch or warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for any part of the State of Florida,” reads the suspension bulletin from Citizens.

The National Hurricane Center said Monday that Hurricane Rafael had gained strength just south of Cuba and winds above 39 mph could affect parts of Florida as soon as Wednesday night. Rainfall could be as high as three inches in the Florida Keys.

The storm is tracking to the northwest. By Thursday night, winds and rain could reach the Louisiana coastline. But weather forecasters said drier air in the Gulf could help to weaken Rafael before landfall and it could veer westward toward south Texas by Friday, USA Today reported.

Citizens said it will provide further notification when the binding suspension is lifted.