Key Takeaways
- Florida P&C producers must act with honesty and good faith toward clients and insurers
- Producers must disclose material information about policies, including exclusions and limitations
- Premium handling must follow strict procedures including prompt remittance to insurers
- Records must be maintained for at least 5 years
- Florida CE includes mandatory 3 hours of ethics training every renewal period
Last updated: January 2026
Producer Conduct and Responsibilities
Florida P&C insurance producers have legal and ethical obligations that govern their professional conduct.
Fiduciary Duties
Florida producers owe duties to their clients and insurers:
Key Duties
| Duty | Description |
|---|---|
| Honesty | Act honestly in all dealings |
| Good Faith | Fair dealing with all parties |
| Disclosure | Reveal material information about policies |
| Competence | Maintain professional knowledge |
| Care | Exercise reasonable care in placing coverage |
Agent Responsibilities
- Represent insurer's interests
- Act within scope of authority
- Transmit information accurately
- Collect and remit premiums properly
Disclosure Requirements
Florida P&C producers must disclose:
Required Disclosures
- Coverage limits, deductibles, and premiums
- Policy exclusions and limitations (especially hurricane/wind)
- Sinkhole coverage options and CGCC differences
- Flood exclusion and NFIP availability
- Material terms and conditions
- Surplus lines status (if applicable)
- Named storm deductibles
Hurricane/Wind Disclosures
Florida requires specific disclosures for wind coverage:
- Separate hurricane deductibles
- Wind exclusion in some areas
- Citizens availability
- FHCF assessment potential
Premium Handling
Producers must handle premiums properly:
Requirements
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Collection | Only collect authorized amounts |
| Deposit | Promptly to insurer or trust account |
| Commingling | Prohibited with personal funds |
| Conversion | Using premiums for personal use prohibited |
| Records | Detailed records required |
| Remittance | Per agreement with insurer |
Trust Accounts
If holding premiums:
- Must be in separate trust account
- Cannot mix with personal or business funds
- Detailed records required
- Subject to DFS examination
Record Keeping
Florida requires producers to maintain records:
Required Records
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Applications | 5 years |
| Policy documents | 5 years |
| Client correspondence | 5 years |
| Premium records | 5 years |
| Claims records | 5 years |
Exam Tip: Florida requires 5-year record retention. This is longer than some other states.
Access to Records
- DFS can examine during investigations
- Must provide upon request
- Failure to maintain is a violation
Ethics Requirements
Continuing Education
Florida requires ethics training:
- 3 hours of ethics each 2-year renewal period
- Part of 24-hour CE requirement (44 hours first renewal)
- Must be DFS-approved course
Professional Standards
- Treat all clients fairly
- Maintain professional competence
- Avoid conflicts of interest
- Protect client confidentiality
- Report illegal or unethical conduct
Company Appointments
Appointment Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Timing | Within 30 days of first transaction |
| Fee | Paid by appointing insurer |
| Duration | Until terminated |
| Termination | Reported to DFS within 30 days |
| For Cause | Must be reported with explanation |
Termination for Cause
When an insurer terminates a producer for cause:
- Must notify DFS within 30 days
- Must provide reason for termination
- May trigger DFS investigation
- Producer may respond to allegations
Test Your Knowledge
How long must Florida P&C insurance producers retain client records?
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D
Test Your Knowledge
How many hours of ethics CE does Florida require every 2-year renewal period?
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D