Florida Bar to vote on new certification in insurance coverage law

Proposal backed by key legal groups, aims to elevate insurance law expertise

On Nov. 8, the Florida Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization and Education will vote on a proposed board certification program for insurance coverage law, which would recognize attorneys specializing in this area.

Submitted in August, the proposal has garnered support from over 260 lawyers who have expressed interest in the certification, according to a report from AM Best.

The Florida Defense Lawyers Association has endorsed the initiative, stating that it would encourage a deeper focus on insurance law and enhance the quality of attorneys practicing in this field. Other endorsements have come from United Policyholders, a consumer advocacy group, and the Florida Justice Association.

Board certification in Florida is a process that identifies lawyers who have demonstrated expertise in a specific area of law. Currently, the Florida Bar offers certification in 27 areas, including admiralty and maritime law, as well as workers’ compensation.

To establish a new certification program, it must be shown that the program benefits both the public and the bar and is expected to attract at least 75 members within three years.

As part of the application requirements, the certification program must secure letters of endorsement or petitions from at least 100 Florida Bar members who would qualify under the program’s standards and agree to seek certification. A letter of support from a Florida Bar section, division, or substantive law committee is also necessary.

Should the insurance coverage law certification program gain approval, it would require final endorsement from both the Florida Bar’s Board of Governors and the Florida Supreme Court.

This proposed certification program follows a series of insurance-focused tort reforms in Florida. Earlier this year, the Insurance Information Institute reported that legal system reforms contributed to an estimated 41% reduction in projected Florida home premiums for 2022 and an 80% reduction from initial 2023 projections.