CFO Atwater Praises Homeowners Bill of Rights

By  //  May 2, 2014

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TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Below is a statement from Florida CFO Jeff Atwater regarding a series of bills aimed at protecting consumer rights and fighting fraud.

Jeff Atwater
Jeff Atwater

“I am very pleased to share with you that all of the legislation our office prioritized this year has been passed by both chambers of the Florida Legislature and will be sent to Governor Scott to be signed into law. Collectively, these bills help ensure consumer rights and protections, reduce regulatory burdens and fight fraud.

One of the most significant ways these bills will benefit Floridians is through the creation of a Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights. This much-needed bill of rights will notify Florida homeowners of their rights and responsibilities when filing an insurance claim and give them the confidence that they will be treated fairly during a stressful situation involving their home.

The Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights will be provided to any policyholder who files a claim and will reference current Florida law in order to provide policyholders with information about their rights in the claims process. The bill of rights will also inform policyholders about what they should expect and provide advice on the steps they should take in the claims process.

Additional bills passed during this year’s legislative session, which concludes today, include a bill to more appropriately penalize employers lacking workers’ compensation coverage while helping them get back to work faster once they have obtained coverage and come into compliance with Florida law. Other bills will improve administrative processes and consumer services within the Division of Insurance Agent and Agency Services, provide more efficiency for investigations led by the Division of Public Assistance Fraud and improve the Treasury’s ability to administer the Security for Deposits Program.

I am very appreciative of the efforts of all of our bill sponsors as well as Senate President Don Gaetz and House Speaker Will Weatherford whose leadership made the passage of these bills possible.”