Florida Insurance Law Cert Closer to Approval; Coverage College Set for March
Bona fide expertise in Florida property insurance law is inching closer to reality, with new rules and new education initiatives.
The Florida Bar’s Board of Governors in September approved proposed rules for a certification in insurance coverage law, and a comment period on the rules closed last week. The next step is review by the state Supreme Court.
A certification, as outlined in the proposed rules, would require a number of measures that show experience in insurance litigation. These include at least five years of legal practice with at least 40% of that in insurance coverage law (down from seven years initially planned), and proof that the lawyer has performed at least 30 insurance-related services, such as drafting insurance provisions in contracts and representing policyholders or insurers in court, administrative, regulatory or arbitration proceedings.
Applicants also would have to pass an examination that tests skills and proficiency.
The idea, in the works since 2018, will help distinguish between attorneys – plaintiffs’ or defense side – who specialize in insurance matters and those who only dabble in that area, promoters have said. If finalized, it will be one of 28 certifications offered by the Florida Bar.
To help educate Florida attorneys in the wide-ranging and still-evolving area of insurance law, a group of lawyers also is offering a Florida Insurance Coverage College seminar March 5 in Orlando.
The inaugural event, with continuing education credits, is held in conjunction with the Florida Construction Law Institute. It will cover recent legislative changes, landmark appellate court decisions, bad-faith issues and emerging trends in technology and coverage disputes.
“This is an advanced course, not a beginner’s course. It’s for judges, too,” said Debbie Crockett, a policyholder attorney with the Cheffy Passidomo law firm.
Crockett is co-chair of the event, along with attorney Michael Cassel. More information is available by emailing dscrockett@napleslaw.com or mcassel@cassel.law.