If you’ve been hearing about a “Florida insurance law certification” lately, you’re not alone. Great Florida Insurance is here to break it down. In the wake of major storms, rising claim complexity, and ongoing changes in Florida’s insurance environment, attention has turned to a new professional credential that could affect how consumers find legal help: a proposed Insurance Coverage Law board certification through The Florida Bar.
This article breaks down what’s happening, what the certification is (and isn’t), who it applies to, and what it could mean for homeowners and policyholders navigating the claims process. We’ll also clarify a common point of confusion: Florida’s Department of Financial Services (DFS) has separate “law & ethics” education requirements for licensed insurance agents and adjusters—those are different from the Florida Bar’s board certification for attorneys.
What is the “Insurance Coverage Law” certification in Florida?
The Florida Bar has a long-standing board certification program that recognizes attorneys with special knowledge, skill, and proficiency in specific practice areas. In September 2025, The Florida Bar’s Board of Governors voted unanimously to approve a proposal to add a new board certification area called “Insurance Coverage Law.”
Supporters say the designation would make it easier for consumers to find lawyers with deep experience navigating insurance coverage disputes—especially after storm-related losses.
Where the proposal stands right now
As of early 2026, the proposed certification has advanced through internal Florida Bar approvals and is now in the stage where the Florida Supreme Court makes the final determination.
The Florida Bar also published proposed rule language as part of its rules proposals, including a new section labeled 6-32 Insurance Coverage Law.
In January 2026, industry reporting noted that the Board of Governors approved proposed rules, the public comment period closed, and the next step is Supreme Court review.
Why this certification is getting attention now
Florida’s storm frequency is a big part of the story. The Florida Bar’s coverage explained that the certification proposal followed back-to-back hurricanes and was positioned as a way to help consumers find experienced lawyers for the claims process.
The proposal also drew broad endorsements—from groups that don’t always align—highlighting that this isn’t framed as a one-sided industry move. The Florida Bar reported endorsements from the Florida Justice Association’s Property Insurance Section, the Florida Defense Lawyers Association, and United Policyholders.
What board certification means (in plain English)
Board certification is not a license to practice law (all attorneys must already be licensed). It’s a professional credential meant to signal that an attorney has met additional standards set by The Florida Bar, typically around:
- Substantial involvement and experience in the specialty area
- Peer review
- Testing/examination (depending on the specialty standards)
- Professionalism and ethics expectations
In other words, it’s designed to help the public identify attorneys who have been evaluated against specialty criteria—beyond basic licensure.
What this could mean for Florida policyholders
For many Floridians, insurance “coverage law” becomes relevant when there’s a dispute—such as:
- A claim denial or partial denial
- A disagreement over scope of repairs or damage valuation
- Complex policy language questions (exclusions, endorsements, deductibles)
- Disputes about timelines, documentation, or compliance with policy conditions
If the new certification is finalized by the Supreme Court, consumers may have one more helpful filter when comparing legal options: “Is this attorney board certified in insurance coverage law?”
Important: A certification is not a guarantee of outcome. It’s a credential that may indicate training and experience, but every claim is fact-specific.
What it does NOT mean (and common misconceptions)
- It does not mean the lawyer works for the insurer or against the insurer. Board certification is a professional standard, not a “side.”
- It does not replace doing your homework. You should still ask about experience, fees, communication expectations, and timelines.
- It does not apply to insurance agents or adjusters. This Florida Bar certification is an attorney credential.
Don’t confuse this with Florida’s insurance CE “law & ethics” requirements
Separately from attorney board certification, Florida requires licensed insurance professionals (agents, adjusters, etc.) to meet continuing education rules. Florida DFS reminds licensees that a 4-hour update course is required every two years for most licensees (with specifics depending on license type).
Florida Statutes also reference the update-course requirement in the CE section for licensees.
These DFS education requirements are about maintaining an insurance license and staying compliant as a regulated insurance professional. They’re not the same as The Florida Bar’s board certification program for lawyers.
How to use “certification” information safely as a consumer
If you’re evaluating help with an insurance question (especially after a storm), a simple approach is:
- Start with the basics: Confirm the professional’s role (agent vs. adjuster vs. attorney). Each does different work.
- Verify credentials: If someone claims to be “board certified,” verify through official sources when possible.
- Ask practical questions: Have they handled claims like yours (roof, water damage, hurricane, liability, etc.)? What’s the typical timeline? How do they communicate?
- Understand fees before you sign: Get the fee arrangement in writing and ask what costs you may still be responsible for.
Why this matters to insurance buyers (even if you never hire a lawyer)
The bigger picture is that “insurance coverage law” is complicated—and complexity often shows up when people least want it: after a loss. One of the simplest ways to reduce stress later is to make sure your coverage is clear now:
- Know your deductibles (including hurricane/named storm deductibles where applicable)
- Understand what is excluded (flood is the most common surprise for homeowners)
- Keep current photos of your home and valuables
- Store policy documents where you can access them quickly
A local agent can help you understand your coverage before storm season and make sure your policy aligns with your real-world risks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Florida’s “Insurance Coverage Law” certification?
It’s a proposed new Florida Bar board certification area meant to recognize attorneys with significant experience and expertise in insurance coverage law.
2. Has Florida officially launched the Insurance Coverage Law board certification yet?
Not fully. The Florida Bar’s Board of Governors approved the program and it is pending final determination by the Florida Supreme Court.
3. Why did Florida propose this certification now?
The Florida Bar reported that the proposal was driven in part by Florida’s frequent severe storms and the need for consumers to find experienced legal help navigating insurance claims and coverage disputes.
4. Does board certification mean an attorney will win my case?
No. Board certification is a credential showing specialty standards have been met, but outcomes depend on facts, evidence, policy language, and timelines.
5. How is Florida Bar board certification different from an insurance license?
Board certification is an attorney specialty credential. An insurance license is issued and regulated by Florida DFS for agents and adjusters.
6. What’s the difference between an insurance agent, an adjuster, and an attorney?
An agent helps you buy and manage coverage, an adjuster evaluates and processes claims, and an attorney advises or represents clients in legal disputes—often when coverage or claim handling is contested.
7. Is “law and ethics” training the same as this certification?
No. Florida DFS requires many licensees to take a periodic law-and-ethics update course for continuing education, which is separate from Florida Bar board certification for attorneys.
8. How can a consumer verify a lawyer’s board certification status?
You can typically verify board certification through official Florida Bar public resources or attorney profiles where certification status is listed according to Bar advertising rules.
9. What types of insurance disputes might involve insurance coverage law?
Common examples include claim denials, disputes about repair scope or valuation, policy interpretation issues, exclusions, deadlines, or alleged noncompliance with policy conditions.
10. What should I do now if I’m worried about claim issues during storm season?
Review your policy now, document your property, and talk with a local insurance agent about deductibles, exclusions, and flood exposure—before a storm forms.
