Commissioner Yaworsky announces penalties against two additional insurance companies for mishandling claims after Hurricanes Ian and Idalia

Tallahassee, Florida – Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky has issued new penalties against two insurance companies for mishandling claims tied to Hurricanes Ian and Idalia, reinforcing the state’s ongoing effort to hold insurers accountable after catastrophic storms. The penalties, announced this week, target Kin Interinsurance Network and Slide Insurance Company, each facing fines of $250,000 for violations discovered through post-storm market conduct examinations.

With these actions, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has now completed its reviews of ten insurance companies whose claims-handling practices came under scrutiny following the two devastating hurricanes. In total, those examinations have resulted in $2,575,000 in penalties and several findings that point to violations of Florida’s Insurance Code. Officials emphasize that these fines do not impact policyholder rates — a key difference from litigation costs that often drive premiums higher.

“I made a promise to all Floridians that, as Chief Financial Officer, I would be an advocate for insurance policyholders and hold insurance companies accountable to the contract they have signed,” said Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia. “After a storm, the last thing that a policyholder should have to deal with is an insurance company that is not holding up their end of the deal. I will continue to work with the Office of Insurance Regulation to ensure that Florida’s insurance market is working for its insurance policyholders and that insurance companies are adhering to their requirements.”

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The fines stem from a detailed investigation conducted by OIR’s Market Conduct Unit, which reviewed how insurers managed claims after the major hurricanes that struck Florida in 2022 and 2023. These storms left billions of dollars in damage across the state, leading to a flood of insurance claims and widespread frustration among homeowners seeking relief.

For Kin Interinsurance Network, regulators found that the company failed to provide required disclosure statements for both hurricanes and did not pay or deny certain claims within the 90-day timeframe mandated by state law for Hurricane Ian. Slide Insurance Company was found to have used unappointed adjusters to handle claims and also failed to provide necessary disclosure statements following both Hurricanes Ian and Idalia.

“Claims management practices must always be efficient and fair, especially after Hurricanes,” said Commissioner Mike Yaworsky. “I have said it before, and will say it again, the Office of Insurance Regulation takes consumer protection very seriously. I implore all insurers to review their practices and perform at the high caliber we expect. I am also very proud of our team’s efforts in holding insurers accountable and want to commend their efforts—OIR’s Market Conduct Unit has initiated over 100 examinations, completed more than 340 investigations and secured $14.5 million in consumer restitution.”

Yaworsky’s comments reflect the state’s sharpened focus on enforcing insurance laws and protecting consumers in the aftermath of Florida’s historic insurance reforms. Those reforms, enacted over the past two years, gave OIR stronger regulatory powers to crack down on poor claims-handling practices and to oversee insurers more effectively.

The Office of Insurance Regulation’s Market Conduct Unit has been central to this enforcement effort, launching more than 100 market conduct examinations and completing over 340 investigations since the reforms took effect. In addition to imposing penalties, the office has secured roughly $14.5 million in restitution for consumers whose claims were mishandled or unfairly delayed.

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The fines against Kin and Slide follow earlier enforcement actions against eight other insurers whose post-hurricane performance failed to meet state standards. Together, these actions mark one of the most extensive regulatory responses in Florida’s recent insurance history, as the state seeks to restore public confidence in an industry still recovering from years of instability.

Officials say the penalties are not just about punishment but also about prevention. By holding insurers publicly accountable and enforcing existing laws, OIR hopes to create a more reliable and transparent insurance market — one that can better withstand the pressures of future storms.

Hurricanes Ian and Idalia both left lasting marks on Florida’s economy and insurance market. Hurricane Ian, which made landfall in September 2022 as one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the state, caused catastrophic flooding and wind damage across Southwest Florida. Less than a year later, Hurricane Idalia struck the Big Bend region, bringing another wave of destruction to homeowners and businesses.

As residents continue to rebuild, the state’s top insurance officials are signaling that accountability will remain a top priority. The OIR’s investigations make it clear that insurers are expected to meet their contractual obligations promptly and transparently, even in the wake of large-scale disasters.

With a strengthened regulatory framework and growing oversight, Florida’s insurance market is gradually stabilizing. Still, regulators acknowledge that rebuilding public trust takes time — and vigilance. These new penalties serve as another reminder that state officials intend to maintain pressure on the industry to ensure fair treatment for policyholders when they need it most.