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.
 

Hung Out to Dry: Property Insurance Cancellation

June 24, 2021
Gina Clausen Lozier  |  Hurricane Preparedness, Atlantic Hurricane Season, Policy Cancellation

Following the recent wave of policy cancellations and non-renewals, many of Florida’s property owners are left wondering whether cancellation of their policy is imminent and, if so, how long will they have to find new insurance. The cancellation of an insurance policy always a concerns but even more time-sensitive during hurricane season. Fortunately, the cancellation of certain property insurance policies during a hurricane event is governed by Florida Statute Section 627.4133(2)(d), which outlines the various requirements and time frames Florida’s insurers must follow.

Storm Season Water Quality Outlook in South Florida

June 21, 2021
Sidney C. Bigham, III  |  Hurricane Preparedness Week , Hurricane Preparedness, Atlantic Hurricane Season, Lake Okeechobee

In May of 2021, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed concerns about water levels at Lake Okeechobee, stating that: “with the lake at the level it is now, we're really concerned and bracing for the Corps to discharge. And that's not, we think, the way we want to go forward." With the onset of the wet season and what could be an active hurricane season this year, the Governor and some lawmakers are urging the Army Corps not to discharge Lake Okeechobee to canals and rivers to the east and west, but to send the water south to the Everglades. The reason is simple: toxic algae bloom in the waters of Lake Okeechobee, spurred on by the summer heat, threatens to impact residents and tourists who use south Florida waterways for business and recreation. 

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

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