FL S1318

Requires Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to adopt policy forms with detailed appraisal procedures when the only dispute between insured and corporation involves actual cash value, amount of loss, or repair/replacement costs.

Either party may demand appraisal in writing; corporation may refuse only if insured materially fails to meet proof-of-loss obligations, and corporation waives its appraisal right if not invoked within 30 days of insured's substantial compliance.

Each party selects an appraiser within 20 days of demand; appraisers select an impartial umpire within 15 days or either party may petition county/circuit court for umpire designation.

Appraisal proceedings are informal (no formal discovery, rules of evidence, or court reporters) unless parties agree otherwise; each appraiser must submit written report within 60 days (or 120 days for large commercial properties or hurricane-related claims).

Appraisal award is binding on both parties regarding loss amount; if final determination exceeds corporation's preappraisal estimate by 50% or more, corporation pays all appraiser fees and umpire expenses; specified provisions of Florida Arbitration Code apply to the appraisal process.