Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report – Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Sep 13, 2017
Rick Scott Blocks Insurance Premium Hikes, Cancellations During Irma Recovery
Florida Governor Rick Scott has ordered a Three-Month Freeze on Insurance Rate Increases for Homeowners struggling to recover from Hurricane Irma — plus a Three-Month Grace Period for Policyholders who received Non-Renewal or Cancellation Notices just before the storm hit. Michael Moline reports for FloridaPolitics.com.
Water Recedes, Leaving Different Realities for Jacksonville After Hurricane Irma
Flooding caused such catastrophic damage in the North and South Prongs of Black Creek — Rural Communities in Clay County — it stunned longtime Residents and left County Officials still unable to provide an Assessment of how extensive the wreckage is. Nate Monroe reports for the Florida Times-Union.
Florida on Alert for AOB Abuse as Irma Recovery Begins
Agents and Carriers are just starting to deploy resources to affected areas, and Stakeholders say timing will be of the essence as “Bad Actors” will be on the prowl for Homeowners willing to Assign to them the right to obtain Insurance Benefits to deal with damage to their homes. Amy O’Connor reports for Insurance Journal.
The Strange Story of How Florida’s Lawmakers Subsidized Hurricane Insurance
Don’t be surprised if, once again, Florida’s Homeowners are able to pressure their Politicians into abandoning their Support for Private Insurance Markets, instead subsidizing Hurricane Risks. A researcher tells the Washington Post.
At Least 5 Dead in Florida Nursing Home Left With No A/C After Irma
The Deaths may be due to the Loss of the Home’s Air-Conditioning after Hurricane Irma struck Sunday, CNN reports.
Local Insurer: “Florida Got Lucky”
Despite some Homes and Businesses locally suffering damage from flooding and/or heavy winds, the losses in the Volusia-Flagler area, at least according to early reports, appeared far less than for Hurricane Matthew even though the Number of Claims Statewide are expected to be much higher. Security First officials said. Clayton Park reports for the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
As We Count Cost of Hurricane Irma, Insurer Urges: “File a Claim. It Won’t Count Against You”
The notion that filing an insurance claim will increase premiums in the future is an urban myth, Security First’s Locke Burt says. The Sun-Sentinel’s Ron Hurtibise reports.
Insurance Agencies, Consumers Take Stock of Hurricane Irma Damage
Now that the dust has begun to settle following Hurricane Irma, Floridians are returning home to assess any Damage and begin the Insurance Claims Process. Malena Carollo reports for the Tampa Bay Times.
Forty years ago, a battle over this Beachfront Community changed the way Florida Builds. After Irma, could it happen again? Henry Grabar reports for Slate.com.
55 Feet High and Rising? I-75 Bridge Could Be In Trouble
Rain from Hurricane Irma has engorged the Santa Fe River, imperiling an Interstate 75 Bridge that traverses the Waterway. The Florida Department of Transportation said. SunshineStateNews.com notes the SaintPetersBlog.com story.
Irma Made For Bizarre Storm Surge
Hurricane Irma’s Devastating Storm Surge came with weird twists that Scientists attribute to the Storm’s Girth, Path and some Geographic Quirks. The Associated Press reports via FloridaPolitics.com.
FEMA Estimates 25 Percent Of Florida Keys Homes Are Gone
Search-and-Rescue Crews have made their way into the Florida Keys’ farthest reaches Tuesday, while Authorities rushed to repair the Lone Highway connecting the Islands and deliver Aid to Hurricane Irma’s Victims. The Associated Press reports via Crain’s Miami.
Constitution Revision Commission Cancels Committee Week
Florida’s Constitution Revision Commission has canceled its First Committee Week previously scheduled for September 18-19.
More Than 5M Remain Without Power As FPL Asks For Patience
More than Half of Florida’s Utility Customers remained without Power Statewide Tuesday morning following Hurricane Irma’s devastating march across the State. Bruce Ritchie reports for Politico Florida.
Florida Presses For Federal Dollars After Irma, But Budget Hawks Resist
Despite the Opposition, Miami-Dade’s Congressional Delegation, including Ros-Lehtinen, Curbelo, Wasserman Schultz, Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, Representative Frederica Wilson, and Senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson are United in getting attention and Funding for Florida. The Miami Herald’s Alex Daugherty reports via the “Naked Politics” blog.
South Florida Delegation Fights to Keep NOAA Facility in Virginia Key
Members of the Florida Delegation Led by U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch successfully ensured that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Fisheries Headquarters will remain in the Sunshine State.
Senator Rob Bradley: People Will Be Stunned By Rural Impacts Of Irma
Many of those Counties are in his District, which includes Swaths of Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Suwannee, and Union Counties. A. G. Gancarski reports for FloridaPolitics.com.
Hurricane Irma: Don’t Have Internet, Cable Or Cell Service? Here’s Why
Wi-Fi and Cellphone Coverage Remains Spotty throughout South Florida, and there’s a simple reason: Like everyone else, the Companies that provide it don’t have power, thanks to Hurricane Irma. Lawrence Mower reports for the Palm Beach Post.
Dealership Defends Sheltering Cars In Public Garages
Ed Napleton is Defending his Company’s Decision to Park its New Cars at CityPlace Garages in West Palm Beach and at a Garage at Florida State University before Hurricane Irma’s Arrival. The Palm Beach Post reports via Crain’s Miami.
Insurance Rates Likely To Rise After Hurricanes, Execs Say
The Insurance Industry is dealing with a High Volume of Claims after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma Hit the US, but Reserves are likely sufficient to Cover Payouts and Premiums are likely to Increase, Executives say. The Washington Post reports via Crain’s Miami.
Pension Funds, Managers Avoid Large Disruptions From Irma
Hurricane Irma created some Headaches for Pension Plans and Money Managers in South Florida, but Emergency Preparedness prevented too much disruption. Pensions & Investments Magazines reports via Crain’s Miami.
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