Who we represent
- Life, health, property and casualty agents
- Public, independent and company adjusters
- Insurance agencies and agents in charge
- Title agents and agencies
- Bail bond agents
- Applicants with criminal history or prior discipline
Common DFS allegations
- Mishandling premiums and fiduciary funds
- Misrepresentation on applications or to insureds
- Churning, twisting and unsuitable sales
- Unlicensed activity and improper agency arrangements
- Public adjuster solicitation and contract violations
- Failure to report criminal charges, pleas or administrative actions
- Appointment and continuing education lapses
Mandatory versus discretionary grounds
Florida's insurance code separates grounds on which the Department must act from grounds on which it may act, and the difference drives everything from settlement leverage to the length of a suspension. We analyze the charges on that framework from the start and build the case around it.
Frequently asked questions
DFS sent me a letter asking for my files on a client. Is this an investigation?
Yes, usually. Requests for records and a written response are how DFS investigations begin. Have a lawyer review the request and your response before you send anything.
I was arrested but not convicted. Do I need to report it to DFS?
Florida requires licensees to report certain criminal matters and administrative actions within a set time, and the reporting duty can be triggered before any conviction. Missing the report is a violation on its own.
Can I get licensed with a past felony?
It depends on the offense and how long ago it occurred. Florida law sets waiting periods for some offenses and permanent bars for a few. We review the record and tell applicants where they stand before they apply.
Complaints against insurance agents & adjusters are handled by the Department of Financial Services. That page explains the agency's process in more detail.
This page is general information about Florida law, not legal advice. Deadlines and procedures vary by case and change over time.