An emergency order preventing insurance companies from issuing non-renewal or cancellation notices to policyholders in hurricane-affected areas is set to expire today, Tuesday, December 10.

The order, which has been in effect since September 26, offered temporary relief to homeowners in areas impacted by storms. Once it expires, insurance companies may resume their standard practices regarding policy cancellations and renewals.

Process for Policy Termination

Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky emphasized that even after the expiration of the order, there are regulatory steps insurers must follow before terminating a homeowner’s policy.

“Insurance companies must provide timely notice, and homeowners will receive a legally triggered series of notifications in the mail,” Yaworsky explained in an interview with Bay News 9 Tampa.

Additionally, insurers planning to cancel more than 5,000 policies at once must notify the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR). “We subject these mass cancellations to extensive scrutiny to ensure compliance with Florida law,” Yaworsky added.

What to Do if Dropped

Yaworsky advised homeowners who feel a cancellation or non-renewal is unjust—or who are struggling to secure a new policy—to report their concerns to the OIR. Homeowners can call 850-413-3140 or email supporting documentation to HU-PCMR@FLOIR.com for assistance.

A Changing Insurance Landscape

While the possibility of losing coverage can be a significant source of stress, Yaworsky pointed to improvements in Florida’s insurance market, describing it as “much more competitive” than in recent years.

“We have 10 new entrants to our marketplace, and legacy carriers are actively writing policies again,” he said. “There are options available to consumers today that didn’t exist just a few years ago.”

These changes, he noted, are partly attributed to recent legislative efforts to reduce litigation abuse in the insurance industry.

Tips for Homeowners

Yaworsky also encouraged homeowners who have made significant upgrades to their property to review their insurance options. “You might qualify for additional credits that could lower your premiums,” he said.

With the emergency order ending, Florida homeowners are urged to stay informed about their rights and explore available options in the evolving insurance market.

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(Image credit: Michael O’Keene/stock.adobe.com)