DFS Issues Hurricane Debby Emergency Order
The Florida Department of Services has issued Emergency Order 2024-01 resulting from Hurricane Debby’s landfall.
With respect to public adjuster contracts, the Emergency Order provides that notwithstanding Section 626.854(7), a public adjuster contract based on a Hurricane Debby loss may be cancelled without penalty or obligation within 30 days of after the date of loss or 30 days after the date on which the contract is executed, whichever is longer.
The Emergency Order further specifies that for purposes of Section 627.70131, Florida Statutes, an independent adjuster working on behalf of one or more insurers is considered a representative of the insurer(s). The independent adjuster therefore is required to review and acknowledge receipt of communications from an insured regarding a Hurricane Debby claim within 7 calendar days of receipt.
Finally, the Emergency Order requires each adjuster verbally interacting with an insured to verbally identify himself or herself by adjuster appointment type (such as company adjuster, independent adjuster or public adjuster), explain his or her role in the claims process, and identify the party he or she represents.
The Emergency Order expires 60 days from issuance and is effective for specified counties impacted by Hurricane Debby.