FL H0853

Creates the "Florida Title Insurance Act" as a new chapter 637 of the Florida Statutes, establishing a separate and comprehensive regulatory framework for title insurance, title insurers, title insurance agents, and title insurance agencies distinct from the general Florida Insurance Code

Transfers regulatory authority over title insurance from the Office of Insurance Regulation and the Financial Services Commission to the Department of Financial Services through a type two transfer, including all powers, duties, personnel, property, records, and unexpended funds

Preempts title insurance regulation to the state, prohibiting counties, cities, and other political subdivisions from imposing separate authorization, permit, or registration requirements on title insurers or agents

Establishes detailed licensing, examination, continuing education (10 hours every 2 years), and appointment requirements for title insurance agents and agencies, including a new "agent in charge" designation for each agency location responsible for escrow and policy issuance services

Imposes consumer protections including a Policyholders Bill of Rights, civil remedies against title insurers for unfair claim practices, anti-fraud investigative requirements, escrow fund safeguards, settlement statement disclosure requirements, and penalties ranging from administrative fines (up to $20,000 per willful violation) to felony charges for operating without proper authorization