Doing Business in Florida Blog

Berger Singerman’s 2021 Annual Hurricane Season Survey

June 25, 2021
Hurricane Preparedness Week , Atlantic Hurricane Season, Insurance, Hurricane Insurance Claims

Berger Singerman’s 2021 Annual Hurricane Season Survey polled more than 1,800 business owners and residents in South Florida. The results are alarming and prove that many are not ready to brace the season.
 

Protecting Trade Secrets When a Hurricane Hits During a Pandemic

July 15, 2020
Gavin C. Gaukroger  |  Trade Secrets , Hurricane Preparedness, Atlantic Hurricane Season, Hurricane Insurance Claims

With more and more employees working from home or other places remotely from their normal brick and mortar office buildings, employers with protectable trade secrets have an added stress when a hurricane looms -- to safeguard their valuable confidential business and professional information from exposure or loss.  The Covid-19 pandemic presents many similarities to the burdens caused by a pending hurricane.  
 

Learn Your ABC’s: Understanding Your Basic Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage

July 14, 2020
Gina Clausen Lozier  |  Hurricane Preparedness, Atlantic Hurricane Season, Hurricane Insurance Claims

Third DCA rules Pre-2018 policy renewals only require Notice of Policy Change and Notice of Mediation Rights is only required once dispute arises

July 13, 2020
Madelyn Rodriguez  |  Hurricane Insurance Claims, Hurricane Preparedness

In its recent decision in People’s Trust Insurance Company v. Lavadie, Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal addressed the requirements for notice of policy changes and notice of mediation availability. The underlying loss involved damage to the insureds’ home caused by a water leak in April 2016. The insurance company acknowledged coverage for the loss and notified the insured homeowners that it would be using its contractor to repair the damage. The homeowners provided the insurance company with their contractor’s estimate, which was significantly higher than the insurance company’s estimate. In response, the insurance company sent a letter advising the homeowners of mediation’s availability to attempt to resolve the dispute. The insurance company also sent a letter demanding an appraisal of the claim. After the homeowners refused to proceed with the appraisal, the insurance company filed suit. 

Alternative Dispute Resolution For Your Hurricane Claim

June 12, 2019
Christopher B. Choquette  |  Insurance, Hurricane Insurance Claims

It has been almost two years since Hurricane Irma hit and eight months since Hurricane Michael. While some Florida policyholders are still waiting for a decision from their insurance company, the majority of claims have either been paid or denied

After Hurricane Irma: Weathering Your Insurance Claim

September 12, 2017
Michael J. Higer and Gina Clausen Lozier  |  Atlantic Hurricane Season, Florida Insurance Litigation, Hurricane Insurance Claims, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Preparedness, Insurance

As Hurricane Irma barreled through Florida, it left a path of destruction and uncertainty.   First and foremost, we hope that you and your families are safe and recovering well from the storm. We also want you to know that, if you sustained any damage, we are here to provide you with guidance and counsel during the insurance claim process and help ease