The Bar’s Program Evaluation Committee later this week will consider a proposal to create a new “Insurance Coverage Law” board certification area.

The Board of Legal Specialization Committee narrowly approved the proposal, 8-6, in January, after asking sponsors in November to revise certain standards.

Covering 27 practice areas, Florida’s board certification program is one of the most comprehensive in the nation. But sponsors with the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section say the new certification program is needed to fill a “void” in insurance law.

“Insurance Coverage is a specialized and highly nuanced area of law which goes beyond the existing certification areas,” sponsors wrote. “Insurance Coverage could not and should not be incorporated within existing certification areas as a subspecialty because it is its own area of expertise with significant law from both the Florida Statutes and existing case law.”

A special RPPTL committee that crafted the proposal spent months surveying Florida Bar divisions, sections and committees.

Tampa insurance lawyer Debby Crockett, who chaired the committee, said last November that the new certification area would aid consumers.

“And certainly, after every hurricane season, it becomes more and more apparent that Florida consumers need to be able to seek out experienced board-certified attorneys for help when insurance

Sponsors say more than 258 lawyers signed a petition pledging to pursue certification if the program is approved.

The proposal is endorsed by the non-profit, consumer advocacy group United Policy Holders. The Florida Justice Association’s Property Insurance Section, and the Defense Lawyers Association are also on board.