New Emergency Order Stops Insurance Cancellations for Floridians Hit by Helene

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Governor Ron DeSantis announced updates for Florida policyholders, including an emergency order from the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) aimed at safeguarding those impacted by the storm.

The OIR has issued Emergency Order 400385-24, offering relief to policyholders affected by Hurricane Helene across multiple Florida counties. The order applies to all insurers in the state and specifically covers policyholders in Alachua, Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Franklin, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla counties.

The provisions include:

• Extending grace periods for any insurance-related deadlines until November 26, 2024.
• Prohibiting policy cancellations or nonrenewals in impacted areas, unless requested by the policyholder, through November 26, 2024.
• Preventing the cancellation or nonrenewal of residential property insurance policies for 90 days after repairs are completed for damages caused by Hurricane Helene.
• Requiring insurers and other regulated entities to streamline processes to ensure timely payment of claims.

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For Floridians needing assistance with insurance questions, the Department of Financial Services Consumer Services is available through their website or the DFS Consumer Services Assistance Line at 1-877-693-5236, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.