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October 28, 2025
Lending a Hand Where It Matters Most
At FSLSO, community service is part of who we are. This fall, our staff stepped away from our desks and into the community—rolling up our sleeves to help those in need and give back to the place we call home.
Second Harvest of the Big Bend
Our team volunteered with Second Harvest of the Big Bend, a nonprofit dedicated to feeding the hungry and food-insecure across North Florida. Together, we packed 480 food boxes for seniors in need—each one filled with care, laughter, and teamwork. The experience was both fun and deeply rewarding, reminding us how small actions can make a big impact.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
We also joined the Tallahassee chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace for Bunks Across America, a nationwide day of service dedicated to building beds for children who don’t have one. Alongside local volunteers and sponsors, our FSLSO crew helped build 60 bunk beds—because no child should have to sleep on the floor in our town.
We’re proud to be part of a community that shows up, gives back, and works together to make a difference.
Don’t Forget:
The Disclosure Form Has Been Updated
House Bill 1549 was signed into law and took effect on July 1, 2025, officially eliminating the "diligent effort" requirement for agents placing surplus lines insurance in Florida.
The bill also added additional language to the surplus lines disclosure that must be signed, or acknowledged, by the insured before placement with a surplus lines carrier. The disclosure now includes:
“Additionally, surplus lines insurers' policy rates and forms are not approved by any Florida regulatory agency.”
FSLSO has updated the sample Surplus Lines Disclosure Form to include the updated language. You can find the new version under Forms on fslso.com or download a copy below.
Be sure to swap in the latest form for your records.
FIGA and Surplus Lines Policies
The Florida Insurance Guaranty Association (FIGA) Act applies only to admitted insurance policies, not surplus lines. Florida surplus lines insurers are not eligible for FIGA coverage.
If a FIGA assessment has been mistakenly applied to a Florida surplus lines policy, that charge must be refunded to the insured. For more information, visit www.figafacts.com.
One More Stop!
FSLSO On Tour Heads to Hollywood
You asked—we listened! Due to popular demand, we’ve added one final stop to the 2025 FSLSO On Tour customer forum series.
Where: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel – Hollywood, Florida
When: Wednesday, December 10
Doors open: 10:30 a.m. (EDT)
Program begins: 11:00 a.m. (EDT)
Join us for a fun and informative session featuring:
- A complimentary buffet lunch (yes, lunch is on us)
- Networking opportunities with industry peers
- Two hours of continuing education (CE) presented by FSLSO and Kevin C. Amrhein
Don’t miss the grand finale of our 2025 tour with great food, great conversation, and CE credits all in one. To learn more about the event or to register for your spot, visit:
Connecting with Future Industry Leaders
at FSU I-Days
Our team had an incredible time connecting with students during the VIP networking session and throughout the career fair at Florida State University’s
Dr. William T. Hold/The Alliance Program in Risk Management & Insurance (RMI).
With 55 companies in attendance and more than 270 students registered, this year’s event was a tremendous success—and the enthusiasm in the room was contagious. We loved meeting so many talented students, sharing insights about surplus lines, and introducing the opportunities available through FSLSO’s IGNITE internship program.
A special thank you to the FSU RMI faculty and organizers for hosting another outstanding event. We can’t wait to see the next generation of insurance professionals grow and make their mark in the industry!
New Surplus Lines Approvals
Auros Reciprocal Insurance Exchange (NAIC #17642) was recently approved by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation as a Federally Authorized Surplus Lines carrier.
In addition, the NAIC’s October 2025 Quarterly Listing of Alien Insurers includes two new additions:
- Convex Re Limited (AA-3191400)
- Fortegra Insurance UK Limited (AA-1120248)
Reminder:
EMPA Exemption Functionality Now Active
As a reminder, enhancements to the FSLSO SLIP+ system related to the Emergency Management Preparedness and Assistance (EMPA) surcharge went into effect on October 1, 2025.
A new feature now allows users to designate a policy as EMPA exempt when part of a multi-insurer (layered) policy, but only when the surcharge has already been applied to another insurer’s policy within that same structure.
Please note that this exemption should be used only in qualifying cases. Misuse of this feature may result in investigation or referral to the Florida Department of Financial Services, in accordance with Florida Statute 252.372.
Detailed filing and batch documentation, including XML and CSV layout updates, are available on the SLIP+ Batch Filing page and in the Help section within SLIP+.
For questions, contact Agent Services at agent.services@fslso.com or 800-562-4496 (option 1).
Are We Linked?
Make sure you're following the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office (FSLSO) LinkedIn for the latest updates and industry trends. You can see what our office is getting up to while getting an expert peek into the surplus lines market.
www.fslso.com
Have questions? Contact us at 800.562.4496, option 1 or email agent.services@fslso.com.
