summary
Introduced
02/07/2025
02/07/2025
In Committee
02/19/2025
02/19/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to the resolution of disputed property insurance claims; amending s. 627.7015, F.S.; requiring, rather than authorizing, parties in a property insurance claim dispute to participate in mediation; providing that mediation is a condition precedent to commencing litigation; deleting provisions relating to the eligibility of claims for mediation; providing that the parties may mutually agree to conduct the mediation by teleconference or other electronic means; requiring all insureds, or their representatives, to personally attend the mediation; revising and specifying duties relating to bearing certain costs of mediation; requiring, rather than authorizing, the Department of Financial Services to adopt certain rules; authorizing the department to adopt certain emergency rules; requiring the policyholder to provide the insurer with any information and certain documents within a specified timeframe after mediation is invoked; revising conditions under which a policyholder has a certain timeframe to rescind a settlement; revising the definition of the term "claim"; providing and revising construction; amending s. 627.7074, F.S.; conforming a provision to changes made by the act; providing an hb459-00 appropriation; providing effective dates.
AI Summary
This bill modifies Florida's property insurance dispute resolution process by making mediation mandatory rather than optional for resolving property insurance claim disputes. The bill requires all named insureds or their representatives to personally attend mediation, which is now a prerequisite to filing litigation. Mediation can be conducted in-person or electronically if both parties agree, and the insurer must bear most of the mediation costs. The policyholder must provide supporting documents for their claim within 10 days of invoking mediation, and if a settlement is reached without legal representation, the policyholder has 3 business days to rescind the agreement. The bill narrows the definition of eligible claims for mediation, excluding disputes involving potential fraud, claims under $500, or situations where the insurer has determined there is no policy coverage. The Department of Financial Services is now required to adopt rules for the mediation program and is authorized to create emergency rules, particularly for areas affected by natural disasters. The bill also includes a $1 million appropriation to support the implementation of these changes, with the majority of the provisions taking effect on January 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died in Insurance & Banking Subcommittee (on 06/16/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/459 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/459/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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