FAIA 2025 Wrap Up

Last week, the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office (FSLSO) staff was able to attend the 2025 Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA) conference. During this two-day event our team met with hundreds of attendees on the tradeshow floor, offered CE courses to packed rooms, and most importantly, enjoyed talking about surplus lines over a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. Our team had a blast and can't wait to see everyone again at FAIA 2026!

Updated Disclosure Form

House Bill 1549 was signed into law, officially eliminating the "diligent effort" requirement for agents placing surplus lines insurance in Florida. The bill is effective July 1, 2025.

The bill also adds additional language to the disclosure form that must be signed by the insured before placement with a surplus lines carrier. The disclosure form will now include the language, “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. The new sample form can be found on our website under Forms & Publications.

30-Day Filing Requirement

As a reminder, all premium bearing policy transactions placed with a surplus lines insurer, taxable or non-taxable, must be electronically submitted to FSLSO via SLIP+ or Batch within 30 days of the transaction’s effective date. The 30-day countdown begins on the transaction’s effective date (the effective date is considered day one). For example, a policy with an effective date of December 1 would need to be filed no later than December 30. For a more detailed explanation of agent filing requirements, refer to the Agent Procedures Manual. 

Filing Non-Taxable Policies

Don't forget, non-taxable policies are still required to be filed in SLIP+ and must be done within 30 days of the effective date. This includes policies or policyholders that are exempt from surplus lines taxes such as wet marine risks and governmental entities. SLIP+ is programmed with various tax statuses to ensure the appropriate taxes, fees, and assessments are charged. There are six different tax status codes:

While there are five non-taxable categories, the fees and assessments associated with them vary. So, it is important to select the tax status that matches the coverage type or entity when filing policies in SLIP+ or Batch. Review our Tax Status Codes table for detailed descriptions of each tax status code.

Strengthening Florida’s Future:
Explore FSLA’s New Resilience Hub

The Florida Surplus Lines Association (FSLA) has launched an online Resilience Hub to help Floridians find the available initiatives and resources that support risk mitigation. As severe weather and other natural hazards continue to challenge homes and businesses, FSLA is highlighting how partners throughout the state are leading the way in proactive efforts that can help protect communities and reduce long-term losses.

The Resilience Hub — available at myFSLA.com/resilience — includes collected information on disaster preparedness, property protection, mitigation innovations and informative online tools. Whether you’re advising clients or underwriting complex risks, FSLA’s Resilience Hub offers an added way to stay informed and support the state’s long-term stability.

Surplus Lines Insurer Updates

1. TFG Indemnity Insurance Company (NAIC #: 17721) approved as Federally Authorized

2. State Farm Specialty Insurance Company (NAIC #: 17501) approved as Florida Eligible

3. Incline Americas Insurance Company (NAIC #: 17532) approved as Florida Eligible

4. (Alien Insurer) Cedar Hamilton Limited (NAIC#: AA3191434) was approved by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation to be listed as a Federally Authorized Surplus Lines carrier in Florida. NOTE: Cedar Hamilton Limited has been listed on the NAIC’s Quarterly Listing of Alien Insurers since July-2021.

5. HCC Reinsurance Company Ltd. has been added to the NAIC’s Quarterly Listing of Alien Insurers

MS Transverse Specialty Insurance Company Increases from A to A+

As of June 20, 2025, MS Transverse Specialty Insurance Company received increased ratings of excellent to superior from AM Best. Specifically, the company was recognized for their Financial Strength Rating (FSR) and Long-Term Issue Credit Rating (ICR). The upgrade reflects the assignment of full rating enhancement to MS Transverse due to the increased level of support by its ultimate parent, MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc. (MS&AD), and its lead insurance entity, MSI. MS Transverse has advanced its position in the U.S. managing general agent market and is now among the top five fronting carriers based on direct premiums written.

MS TRANSVERSE SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY

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.