Bill > H0651

This bill makes several changes to Florida law, primarily concerning the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and insurance regulations. It authorizes the DFS to establish an internet-based system for accepting service of process, which is the formal delivery of legal documents, as an alternative to traditional mail or in-person delivery. The bill also extends the exemption of medical malpractice insurance premiums from certain emergency assessments for the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund until May 31, 2019, after which these premiums will be subject to such assessments. Additionally, it establishes a Firefighter Assistance Program to provide grants for training and equipment to volunteer and combination fire departments, and it modifies various provisions related to insurance, including rules for public adjusters, surplus lines agents, and the regulation of insurance rates for certain commercial lines of insurance, such as travel insurance. The bill also adjusts the threshold for state single audits for nonstate entities and clarifies rules for higher education entities receiving state financial assistance.