summary
Introduced
02/25/2025
02/25/2025
In Committee
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to pet insurance and wellness programs; amending s. 624.604, F.S.; revising the definition of the term “property insurance” to include a pet insurance option; amending s. 626.9541, F.S.; providing that certain practices relating to pet wellness programs are unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices; creating s. 627.71545, F.S.; providing a short title; providing a purpose; providing applicability; providing construction; defining terms; requiring pet insurers that use such terms in their pet insurance policies to use and include the statutory definitions in such policies; requiring pet insurers to also make such definitions available on their websites or their program administrators’ websites; requiring pet insurers to make certain disclosures to pet insurance applicants and policyholders; requiring pet insurers to provide a summary of their bases or formulas for determination of claim payments under a pet insurance policy on their websites or their program administrators’ websites; requiring pet insurers to disclose certain requirements for required medical examinations of a pet by a veterinarian; requiring pet insurers to create a document with a summary of certain disclosures, to post such document on their websites or their program administrators’ websites, and, upon issuance or delivery of a policy to a policyholder, to provide such document to the policyholder; requiring that pet insurers make certain additional written disclosures; providing that certain required disclosures are in addition to disclosures required by the Florida Insurance Code or the Financial Services Commission rules; authorizing pet insurance applicants and policyholders to examine and return insurance policies and riders under certain circumstances; requiring that premiums be refunded under certain circumstances; requiring that pet insurance policies and riders have a specified notice printed on or attached to the first page; authorizing pet insurers to issue policies that exclude coverage on the basis of preexisting conditions with appropriate written disclosure to the applicant or policyholder; providing that pet insurers have a specified burden of proof with regard to such exclusions; authorizing pet insurers to issue new policies that impose a waiting period of up to a specified period of time for specified illnesses, diseases, or conditions; prohibiting pet insurers from issuing policies imposing a waiting period for accidents; requiring pet insurers that issue a policy that imposes a waiting period to include a provision allowing for waiver of the waiting period upon completion of a medical examination of the covered pet by a veterinarian; authorizing pet insurers to require that an examination be conducted by a veterinarian after the purchase of the policy; providing requirements and authorizations relating to such examination; prohibiting a pet insurer from requiring a medical examination of the covered pet to renew a policy; requiring that certain benefits comply with certain provisions of the Florida Insurance Code; prohibiting insurance applicants’ eligibility from being based on participation or lack of participation in wellness programs; requiring pet insurers to ensure that their agents are trained on specified topics; providing rulemaking authority; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill creates a comprehensive regulatory framework for pet insurance in Florida, establishing clear guidelines for how pet insurance policies can be sold, marketed, and structured. The legislation defines key terms like "pet insurance," "preexisting condition," and "wellness program," and requires pet insurers to provide transparent disclosures about their policies. Specifically, insurers must clearly explain policy exclusions, waiting periods, claim payment methods, and any limitations on coverage for conditions like chronic illnesses, congenital disorders, and hereditary conditions. The bill mandates that pet insurance agents cannot market wellness programs as insurance and must keep wellness program costs and terms separate from insurance policies. Insurers must also train their agents on important policy details and provide customers with a 30-day review period during which they can return a policy for a full premium refund. The bill allows insurers to exclude coverage for preexisting conditions but places the burden of proof on the insurer to demonstrate such exclusions. Additionally, pet insurance policies can impose up to a 30-day waiting period for illnesses and orthopedic conditions, but not for accidents, and policyholders can potentially waive this waiting period through a veterinary examination. The legislation aims to protect consumers by ensuring clear, standardized information and fair practices in the pet insurance market.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Laid on Table, companion bill(s) passed, see HB 655 (Ch. 2025-11) (on 04/09/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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