First District Court of Appeals issues Show Cause Order to Office of Insurance Regulation

Key West, Florida {June 21, 2017} – On June 1, 2017 the First District Court of Appeals issued a “show cause” order mandating that the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) respond within 10 days to legal motions filed by Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe (FIRM). FIRM requested that the court stay (halt from implementing) the latest round of rate increases and alleges that OIR had wrongfully denied FIRM its lawful right to present its case before an Administrative Law Court.

FIRM argued that OIR’s order should be considered a “Preliminary Order” and subject to administrative review. FIRM has long believed that the rate setting methodology utilized by Citizens Property Insurance (CPIC) and approved by OIR is flawed in many respects as it regards Monroe County. FIRM also alleges that OIR acted contrary to Florida law and administrative procedures in denying FIRM’s request for an Administrative hearing.

By issuing the “show cause” order, the First District Court of Appeals has indicated that, barring a compelling rebuttal from OIR and CPIC, it may be persuaded that FIRM has presented sufficient evidence for the court to take the significant step of staying the rate orders while it hears the appeal. As of this time, OIR and CPIC have filed their responses to the “show cause” order and the parties are waiting for the First District Court of Appeals to rule on the matter.

Legal challenges to state agency actions are very expensive. If you believe, as FIRM does, that wind insurance rates in Monroe County are excessive and unfair, please consider donating to FIRM. To donate to FIRM and/or see the legal documents issued to date, please go to FIRMKeys.org.

Contact: Mel Montagne, President, Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe, Inc.

422 Fleming Street, Room 5

Key West, FL 33040

305-294-3476 [email protected] www.firmkeys.org

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