CS for CS for SB 336 Summary

• Establishes comprehensive licensing and regulatory framework for property insurance appraisal umpires under Florida law, requiring licensure, appointment, and compliance with ethical standards set by the Department of Financial Services.

• Creates qualification requirements for umpire licensure including: licensed engineers, contractors, architects, Florida Bar members, or adjusters with 5+ years experience; requires 19 hours claims estimating education and 5 hours insurance law/ethics education (except retired judges).

• Sets ethical standards for umpires including hourly billing only (no contingency fees), $500 maximum fee cap for claims under $2,500, prohibition of ex parte communications, and conflict-of-interest disqualification criteria.

• Authorizes department to refuse, suspend, or revoke umpire licenses for misconduct, contingent fee arrangements, false reporting, failure to communicate within 10 business days, or violations of ethical standards.

• Appropriates $24,000 from Insurance Regulatory Trust Fund and $112,337 from Administrative Trust Fund for fiscal year 2016-2017, plus one full-time position, to implement licensing and oversight of property insurance appraisal umpires; effective October 1, 2016.