DWC Releases Updated Report on Effects of COVID-19 on Florida’s Workers’ Compensation System - In December, the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) released an updated data summary report outlining the effects of COVID-19 on Florida’s workers’ compensation system. The DWC intends to continually update this report as new data is reported and analyzed. The 2020 report, as of November 30, 2020, can be found
here.
Governor Extends Emergency Declaration for COVID-19 - On November 3, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis issued
Executive Order 20-276 to extend the state of emergency declared for the entire state due to COVID-19. The order extends the state of emergency declared in
Executive Order 20-52, as extended by Executive Orders 20-144, 20-166, 20-192, and 20-213, for another 60 days, until January 2, 2021. Additionally, Governor DeSantis issued
Executive Order 20-297 on November 24, 2020 establishing the state will remain in Phase 3 of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery through the duration of the declared emergency.
Governor Extends Emergency Declaration for COVID-19 - On September 4, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis issued
Executive Order 20-213 to extend the state of emergency declared for the entire state due to COVID-19. The order extends the state of emergency declared in
Executive Order 20-52 for another 60 days, until November 3, 2020.
DWC Releases Updated Report on Effects of COVID-19 on Florida’s Workers’ Compensation System - In October, the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) released an updated data summary report outlining the effects of COVID-19 on Florida’s workers’ compensation system. The DWC intends to continually update this report as new data is reported and analyzed. The 2020 report, as of September 30, 2020, can be found
here .
OIR Provides Guidance to Insurers on Hurricane Preparedness and Response - In light of the anticipated above-average 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) issued an Informational Memorandum to provide insurers with guidance and instructions on claims handling and communications, encouraging compliance with COVID-19 response and safety protocols.
Click here to view Informational Memorandum OIR-20-07M.
Citizens Extends Cancellation Moratorium - Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens) paused cancellations and nonrenewal notices on
March 27, 2020 in response to COVID-19. On
July 9, 2020, Citizens announced that it would resume cancellations and nonrenewals on August 5, 2020; however, on
July 25, 2020, the cancellation moratorium was extended until the end of the year. The decision was the result from concerns raised by CFO Jimmy Patronis and discussions held with the Citizens Board of Governors over timing. Further details on the continued moratorium were released on
August 10, 2020. Customers with questions about premium payments can contact their agent or Citizens directly at 1.866.411.2742 or via email at
customer.care@citizensfla.com.
Governor Extends Emergency Declaration for COVID-19 - On July 7, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis Issued
Executive Order 20-166 to extend the state of emergency declared for the entire state due to COVID-19. The Order extends the state of emergency declared in
Executive Order 20-52 for 60 days, until September 5, 2020, and maintains Phase 2 of the Governor’s Reopening Plan, except for Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.
OIR Issues Memorandum Guidance to Health Insurers - In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has issued two memorandums intended to provide guidance to health insurers, health maintenance organizations, and other health entities authorized to conduct business in the state. The Informational Memorandums were issued on March 6, 2020 and March 10, 2020, respectively, and can be viewed in full here:
OIR-20-01M - Insurance Coverage for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
OIR-20-02M - Early Prescription Refills Pursuant to Executive Order 20-52
OIR Gives Guidance for Business Continuity and Continuity of Operations Plans - In response to Governor Ron DeSantis establishing COVID-19 response protocols and directing a public health emergency in Florida, the Office of Insurance Regulations (OIR) released the following: all companies regulated by the OIR are directed to review and update their Business Continuity Plans and/or Continuity of Operations Plans Immediately and should alert the OIR if they enact either one or both of those plans. More information on what these plans need to include can be found
here.
OIR Information Memorandum to All Insurers Provides Continued Guidance for COVID-19 Response - On March 25, 2020, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) issued
Informational Memorandum OIR 20-04M to all insurers in response to Executive Order 20-51 issued by Governor Ron DeSantis establishing COVID-19 response protocols and directing a public health emergency in Florida. The memorandum provides guidance on leniency on premium payments, removing exclusions on certain personal auto exclusions, underwriting and claims inspections, and other general considerations.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Guidance Related to COVID-19 Distributed by OIR - On April 6, 2020, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) distributed
Informational Memorandum OIR 20-05M to all regulated insurers and entities authorized to write workers’ compensation insurance. The memorandum reminds insurers to apply workers’ compensation coverage on a non-discriminatory basis and establishes the OIR’s expectation of insurers’ compliance with all provisions of Florida’s Workers’ Compensation Law.
OIR Issues Telehealth and Pharmacy Audit Guidance for Response to COVID-19 - The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) issued
Information Memorandum OIR 20-06M to encourage insurers, health maintenance organizations, and other health entities to broaden access to telehealth services and requests insurers and Pharmacy Benefit Mangers to transition to an electronic audit process in order to avoid unnecessary risk and maintain social distancing.