Which Companies Can I Place
Surplus Lines Business With?

Surplus lines business placed by an insurance agent should only be placed with surplus lines companies eligible to do business in Florida. This rule does not apply to independently procured coverage (IPC) which is subject to Florida Statute 626.938.

In Florida, independently procured coverage (IPC) is reserved for sophisticated buyers (insureds) who have a direct relationship with an insurer and do not need the assistance of a surplus lines agent or retail agent to secure coverage from a non-admitted insurer.

If an agent is involved in the placement of coverage, both the retail and surplus lines agent should hold the appropriate licenses. The surplus lines agent involved in the placement of the policy is responsible for filing the policy with our office.

Below are links to Florida Eligible, Federally Authorized, Aviation/Wet Marine, and NAIC International Insurers Department (IID) companies. These are the surplus lines companies that are eligible to do business in the State of Florida.

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) lists:

• Surplus Lines Company Directory
• Surplus Lines Company Directory - Federally Authorized
• Surplus Lines Company Directory - Aviation/Wet Marine
• Surplus Lines Definitions

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Quarterly Listing of Alien Insurers:

• https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/publication-qls-as-quarterly-alien-insurers-january-2026.pdf

Unique Market Reference (UMR) Requirements

As previously announced, beginning July 1, 2026, the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office (FSLSO) will implement updated data requirements for SLIP+ and batch filing for agents and independently procured coverage (IPC) filers. This update includes a new required data element and a mandatory version upgrade for batch filing.

Starting July 1, 2026, a Unique Market Reference (UMR) must be provided for all transaction data submissions where Underwriters at Lloyd’s, London (NAIC AA1122000) is the designated insurer.

If there are multiple UMRs for the policy, you will need to file separate transactions for each unique UMR. See example below for policy123 with a total premium of $6,000.  

The UMR will be required for all transactions submitted on or after July 1, 2026, regardless of the policy effective date. Again, the UMR will only be required for transactions where Lloyd’s is the designated insurer.

To ensure a seamless transition, IT staff and system administrators should prepare for the following batch schema and layout updates:

• XML Batch Filings: Updated to version v2.4.
• CSV Batch Filings: Updated to version v1.2.
• Production Deployment: The new formats will be required in the Production system starting July 1, 2026. Please note that the system will not accept these formats prior to this date.
• Testing Environment: The FSLSO SLIP+ TEST system will support the new formats for validation starting April 1, 2026.

Updated batch documentation is currently available for download via the Batch Files page within the FSLSO SLIP+ interface.

If you have any questions, please contact Agent Services at agent.services@fslso.com or 800-562-4496, option 1.

Service Office Fee Decrease
From 0.06% to 0.03%

Effective July 1, 2026, the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office (FSLSO) service fee will decrease from 0.06% to 0.03%. 

All new and renewal policies with an effective date on or after July 1, 2026 will incur a service fee of 0.03% of the total gross premium as defined in Florida Statute 626.9325. The service fee percentage charged on the premium is based on the effective date of the policy and is charged on all applicable Florida policies.

The service fee for all endorsements, audits, installments, cancellations, or return premium transactions applicable to policies effective prior to 07/01/2026 will be the same percentage as the inception date of the policy being endorsed. To read the full bulletin, click the button below.

2025 Annual Stamping Office Report

AM Best Increases Ratings for
Capitol Specialty Insurance Corporation

AM Best has increased the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) and Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) for Capitol Specialty Insurance Corporation.

• FSR increased from A to A+
• Long-Term ICR increased from a+ to aa-

The rating upgrades are reflected by balance sheet strength, adequate operating performance, neutral business profile, and appropriate enterprise risk management.

Capitol Specialty Insurance Corporation

FL DPW:

TOTAL DPW:

TOP 3 LINES OF BUSINESS | 2024

www.fslso.com

Have questions? Contact us at 800.562.4496, option 1 or email agent.services@fslso.com.