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Planning, Communications, Advocacy

DEEP WATER HORIZON…for agents, a sticky proposition!

- Opinion by Scott Johnson Leave a Comment

It’s been less than a year since oil from BP’s Deep Water Horizon rig ravaged Gulf Coast businesses, including many in Florida. Still…according to government inspections, our beaches are clean and our scrumptious seafood is safe to eat.

Last month, after inspectors raked a few tar balls found on barely one mile of sand, all of Florida’s panhandle was certified to be as pristine as it was prior to the April, 2010 spill–a fact BP  has expended nearly $30 million to spread far and wide.

Unfortunately, some damage is proving to be stickier than tar balls! [Read more…] about DEEP WATER HORIZON…for agents, a sticky proposition!

No PIP Or The PIP We’ve Got?

- Opinion by Scott Johnson 1 Comment

After some rejoicing on the passage of CS/HB-119 out of the House Civil Justice Committee and all the hoopla that followed, I cautioned…”We’ve been this far before, even further”.  You can check the post titled, PIP Reform–A Big Week for the details on what happened and how CS/HB-119 is what’s needed to solve Florida’s PIP problem. [Read more…] about No PIP Or The PIP We’ve Got?

Citizens Commissions…Three Realities!

- Opinion by Scott Johnson Leave a Comment

During his December 6th cabinet presentation, Citizens Chairman Carlos Lacasa responded to a question from Governor Scott about agents’ commissions. In essence he said he thought commissions  impacted depopulation and that the Citizens board would examine the issue, including consideration of a “flat” fee.  Rumors have swirled ever since; mostly about proposals and approaches to reduce what, as with any insurer, is a significant Citizens budget item. [Read more…] about Citizens Commissions…Three Realities!

PIP Reform…A Big Week!

- Opinion by Scott Johnson Leave a Comment

Last Wednesday CS/HB-119 cleared its second hurdle passing 10 to 5 out of the House Civil Justice  Committee. In doing so, and with the possible exception of outright repeal, it became Florida’s best hope in the fight against a $1 billion criminal industry. Better than all the other approaches, it scalpels only the malignancies directly responsible for hundreds of seedy criminal enterprises across our state. [Read more…] about PIP Reform…A Big Week!

FOR MY READERS…A Simple Pledge!

- Opinion by Scott Johnson Leave a Comment

I propose a pact. From now on,  insurance agents, independent adjusters, business groups, private citizens, insurers, friends and family, all those who read my blog; let’s pledge that when articles are published, similar to the January 3rd “advertorial” for Public Adjusters in the Tallahassee Democrat, we will all do what we can to get the whole truth published in response. This post,  numerous previous ones, and documents found in the “Library” tab above, should give you more than enough information to help set the record straight. [Read more…] about FOR MY READERS…A Simple Pledge!

Florida’s Property Market…”Day One”

- Opinion by Scott Johnson 2 Comments

Today is day one, 2012.  Lawmakers are less than a fortnight from the annual opportunity to cure causes that consistently leave Florida as America’s least desirable property insurance market.

Redistricting will bog things down a bit; in part, because it’s the perfect excuse for doing less.  So, too, will gambling and an occasional petty distraction from a term-limited officeholder. [Read more…] about Florida’s Property Market…”Day One”

Tis the political season…

- Opinion by Scott Johnson Leave a Comment

Tis the night before Christmas and all through the capitol, political creatures are stirring… especially in the Senate where Senator Mike Fasano handed the media a letter requesting the Chairman of the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee (B&I) to summon the president of Citizens to be grilled on camera (my words) about “…coverage changes and homeowner policy practices that will take effect on January 1.” [Read more…] about Tis the political season…

INDEPENDENT AGENTS…Be Forever Vigilant!

- Opinion by Scott Johnson Leave a Comment

A recent article in the Insurance Journal, “Florida Agents Concerned About Homeowners Choice Contract”, touched so lightly on issues basic to the independent agent delivery system that many, obviously those at Homeowners Choice, may not fully recognize what’s at stake.

It reminded me of trying to explain to lawmakers that agents own their  book of business or why the policyholders’ information “belongs” to, or is owned by, the agent.   Reactions to my explanations ranged from incredulity to blank stares.

Perhaps more compelling, especially for agents who would sign a contract like the one Homeowners Choice offered, is…“why does ownership of information matter?” [Read more…] about INDEPENDENT AGENTS…Be Forever Vigilant!