Florida Office of Insurance Regulation

Office address: 200 E Gaines St, Tallahassee, FL 32399 
Website: floir.com 
Year established: 2003 
Employees: 310+ 
Key people: Michael Yaworsky (commissioner), Kevin Jacobs (chief of staff), Sheryl Parker (deputy commissioner), Christina Jackson (deputy director), James Dunn (acting director), Alexander May (director) 
Operating budget: $53 million (2024) 

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FLOIR) oversees the state’s $209 billion insurance market, regulating over 4,800 entities and safeguarding 213,000 jobs. In 2024, FLOIR returned millions to consumers and issued $2.8 million in fines. 

History of Florida Office of Insurance Regulation 

Florida OIR was formed in 2003 to lead the state's oversight of insurers and health plans. It replaced the Florida Department of Insurance’s regulatory role to handle licenses, rate filings, and company solvency. 

Since then, the department has taken on critical industry challenges and shaped major reforms across Florida’s insurance system. Here are some defining events that show Florida Office of Insurance Regulation’s role: 

  • 2011: HB 408 passed to reduce fraud and tighten the claims and litigation process 
  • 2013: Citizens Property Insurance depopulation moved over 300,000 policies to private insurers 
  • 2019: HB 7065 reformed Assignment of Benefits (AOB) to prevent legal abuse and rising premiums 
  • 2022–2023: FLOIR oversaw policy transfers after multiple insurer insolvencies tied to hurricane losses 
  • 2024: FLOIR approved rate cuts for homeowners and received $237 million to expand its disaster programs 

It also recently secured major funding to boost insurance resilience and modernize regulatory tools. These steps show Florida OIR’s growing role in shaping how Florida’s insurance market protects people and stays strong. 

Mandate of Florida Office of Insurance Regulation 

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation operates under the Florida Insurance Code and Chapter 636, Florida Statutes. Its mission is to promote a stable and competitive insurance market for consumers. Some of its divisions include: 

  • life and health financial oversight: monitors financial condition of life and health insurance companies 
  • property and casualty: oversees market conduct, filings, and solvency for P&C insurers 
  • executive direction and support services: manages agency operations, communications, and administrative support functions 
  • legal services: provides legal advice, drafts rules, and supports enforcement actions 

The FLOIR is led by the Florida Insurance Commissioner, currently Michael Yaworsky, appointed by the Financial Services Commission (FSC). The FSC comprises the governor, CFO, attorney general, and commissioner of agriculture. 

Key responsibilities  

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation makes sure insurers follow the law and treat people fairly. Its mission is to promote a stable and competitive insurance market for consumers. Its duties include: 

  • reviews rate filings: checks if insurance prices are fair 
  • approves policy forms: makes sure contracts follow state rules 
  • monitors financial strength: watches insurers’ money to prevent failure 
  • licenses insurance companies: allows insurers to operate in Florida 
  • conducts market exams: checks if companies treat customers right 
  • supervises mergers: reviews deals to protect the market 
  • regulates viatical settlements: oversees early sale of life policies 
  • checks premium finance firms: reviews companies that help pay premiums 
  • issues penalties: takes action against rule-breakers 
  • handles disaster data: collects claim info after major storms 

These tasks help FLOIR protect policyholders and keep the market steady. The agency works to keep insurance fair and strong. 

Recent initiatives and regulatory focus 

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation is working to steady Florida’s insurance market, even as the state’s troubles begin to affect Louisiana. Its recent reforms have helped lower rate hike filings in 2024. These actions could now guide other states facing similar risks. 

FLOIR recently authorized the transfer of 51,500 Citizens policies to private insurers as part of its depopulation strategy. This initiative aims to reduce the state’s reliance on Citizens and grow private market participation.  

The department’s recent moves are helping calm Florida’s shaky insurance market. Its changes and policy shifts may guide other states soon. 

Consumer protection and outreach 

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation supports consumers through several tools and services. It provides the CHOICES rate tool to help people compare insurance rates. FLOIR also shares hurricane guides and checklists to support storm readiness. 

The Division of Consumer Services manages complaints and insurance questions on the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation’s behalf. Support is available through a statewide helpline and email. These services help people get answers and solve problems with insurers. 

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