Florida's Biggest Insurer's Victories Over Homeowners: What To Know

"Florida faces a dire home insurance crisis, forcing over half a million homeowners to rely on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation as the state's insurer of last resort. However, an alarming disparity has been uncovered in the legal process, revealing a system heavily favoring the insurer and leaving homeowners at a disadvantage. Amid a legislative push in 2023, disputes with policyholders were rerouted to the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH), stripping homeowners of their right to a jury trial and tilting the balance of power in favor of Citizens."

"Florida's insurance crisis has led to over 500,000 homeowners turning to Citizens Property Insurance Corporation as the only available option. Disputes between policyholders and Citizens are being rerouted to the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH), significantly favoring the insurer over homeowners. Citizens' win rate in DOAH cases surpasses 90%, a stark contrast to its 55% success rate in traditional circuit court trials where homeowners have more legal protections."

Florida is experiencing a home insurance crisis that has pushed more than 500,000 homeowners into Citizens Property Insurance Corporation as the insurer of last resort. A 2023 legislative change rerouted disputes with policyholders to the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH), removing homeowners' access to jury trials. The administrative process at DOAH produces a markedly higher win rate for Citizens—over 90%—compared with roughly 55% success for the insurer in circuit court. Settlements obtained through DOAH are generally much lower. The shift in venue has materially shifted leverage toward Citizens and away from policyholders.

Read at SFGATE