Florida Lawmaker Sought Transparency on Insurance Fees
Florida homeowners face rising premiums as questions persist about payments insurers send to their own affiliate companies.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Insurance
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Should insurance companies be required to disclose payments made to their affiliated businesses?
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia has requested greater transparency regarding the fees that property insurance companies pay to their affiliated entities. The move follows reports of significant financial transfers occurring while insurers simultaneously claimed millions in losses.
Why it matters
Understanding these internal payments is critical because they affect how insurance companies account for losses and expenses, which ultimately influences the rates homeowners pay. Premiums across the state have surged by 75% between 2021 and 2025, heightening scrutiny of insurer business practices.
Between 2017 and 2019, insurers paid $1.3 billion to affiliates while reporting $432 million in losses. A 2022 regulatory analysis found 20 insurers with affiliate payments that exceeded reasonable industry benchmarks.
The players
Blaise Ingoglia
Florida Chief Financial Officer responsible for overseeing the state's insurance regulation and financial accountability.
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
The state agency tasked with regulating insurance companies and ensuring they maintain sufficient reserves to pay policyholder claims.
Tampa Bay Times
A regional newspaper that utilized public records processes to uncover and report on insurance affiliate payment data.
The details
Insurance companies often contract with affiliated service providers for various operations, a structure that critics argue can be used to shift funds out of a regulated insurance entity. When these fees are high, they may reduce the reported financial health of the insurance company itself. Legislation such as HB 1399 sought to implement a cap on these payments to help ensure transparency, though the bill failed to receive a Senate hearing after passing the House with a 106-3 vote.
Timeline
2017-2019: Period analyzed for insurance losses and affiliate payments.
2022: Florida Office of Insurance Regulation commissioned an analysis of affiliate payments.
February 2025: Tampa Bay Times reported on the previously secret affiliate payment analysis.
March 2025: State lawmakers held a committee meeting regarding the insurance analysis.
2026 legislative session: HB 1399 was proposed in the Florida House.
Money Landscape
The push for transparency regarding affiliate payments follows a period of extreme volatility in the Florida insurance market. This legislative debate sits within a broader cycle of regulatory attempts to stabilize costs for residents after a 75% increase in average premiums since 2021.
Homeowners should continue to monitor their policy renewals for premium hikes, as the underlying cost structures for many insurers remain unchanged. If you have concerns about your insurance costs, consult with a qualified financial or insurance professional to evaluate your coverage options.
The takeaway
The struggle for transparency in insurance affiliate fees highlights a major gap between reported industry losses and internal financial transfers. Homeowners should regularly review their annual insurance declarations and contact their provider to ensure they understand the coverage and fees included in their premiums.
Further reading
For broader context on how regulatory changes affect your budget, visit Florida Insurance.
Live Poll
Should insurance companies be required to disclose payments made to their affiliated businesses?
