Industry Insight: Florida Approves Insurance Coverage Law Certification

Background: A Long-Awaited Specialty Credential

On October 8, 2026, the Florida Supreme Court issued an order approving a new board certification area in insurance coverage law. The court made only minor changes to the proposal the Florida Bar submitted in Case No. SC2025-1956. The certification takes effect January 1, 2027, and it will be the 28th certification area offered by the Florida Bar.

The concept is not new. According to reporting on the approval, the idea began in 2018, just as Florida's insurance litigation disputes and property insurance crisis were intensifying. The COVID-19 pandemic put the effort on hold for a couple of years. In 2024, Tampa attorney Debbie Crockett of Cheffy Passidomo, who is credited with spearheading the initiative, and others built broad support and drafted a formal proposal. Reportedly, only Ohio and Texas offer similar certificates in insurance law, which makes Florida one of just a few states to formally recognize the specialty.

Key Requirements for Certification

Based on the Supreme Court's October 8 order, as summarized in published reports, attorneys seeking certification in insurance coverage law must satisfy several criteria:

• Experience: at least five years of practice, with at least 40% of that practice devoted to insurance work during that time.
• Continuing legal education: at least 50 hours of CLE in the field.
• Examination: passage of an exam, which a Bar committee will devise.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience: in a range of insurance matters, including insurance provisions in contracts and representing policyholders or insurers.
• Peer and practice showing: the Bar's standard certification framework will apply to the review process.

Lawyers who have specialized in insurance law for at least 20 years will be eligible for an exemption. The Bar is accepting submissions for appointment to the exam-development committee until November 15.

Who the Certification Is Meant to Serve

Importantly, the certification is not limited to one side of the aisle. Lawyers representing policyholders and lawyers representing insurers may both pursue it. Crockett has said the credential should also be useful to corporate risk management attorneys, mediators, law professors, and those who help policyholders navigate the claims process.

Plaintiffs' attorney Chip Merlin said in 2024 that the stamp of approval may help curb claims by lawyers who hold themselves out as “insurance specialists” but have spent little time in the field. As he put it, “It takes years – decades, really – to get really good at something.”

Why This Matters for Public Adjusters

For public adjusters and claims professionals, the new certification may become a practical screening tool when referring clients to counsel. Property insurance disputes in Florida turn on policy language, statutory notice requirements, appraisal and mediation procedures, and a body of case law that changes frequently. A recognized credential gives PAs an objective benchmark in addition to reputation, results, and referrals.

Potential Effects on the Market

• Clearer marketing claims: Under Florida Bar rules, only lawyers who are actually certified may describe themselves as “board certified.” That should make credentials easier to verify.
• Timing: The first certified attorneys will not appear until the program is operational, the exam is developed, and applicants complete the process. PAs should not expect an immediate pool of certified lawyers on January 1, 2027.
• Not a prerequisite for competence: Many highly experienced coverage lawyers will not be certified, particularly early on. Certification is a voluntary credential, not a license requirement.

Practical Takeaways

• Verify, don't assume. When an attorney claims to be a specialist, confirm whether the claim refers to formal Florida Bar certification or to general experience.
• Ask about the practice mix. The 40% threshold reflects the Bar's view that real specialization requires sustained focus. Ask how much of a firm's work is first-party property coverage.
• Look at the whole record. Trial and appellate experience, appraisal and mediation familiarity, and responsiveness to your clients remain important regardless of certification status.
• Watch the calendar. The effective date is January 1, 2027, and the committee-appointment deadline is November 15, 2026. Details on application procedures should be confirmed directly with the Florida Bar.

How Louis Law Group Can Help

Louis Law Group focuses on Florida property damage and first-party insurance claims, including disputes over coverage, underpayment, and claim denials. We work alongside public adjusters and policyholders to evaluate claims, address coverage issues, and pursue fair resolutions. If you have a pending or disputed claim, or want a second look at a carrier's coverage position, call us at (833) 657-4812 for a consultation.

This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Certification requirements are summarized from published reports and should be confirmed with the Florida Bar and the Supreme Court's order.

Source: Insurance Journal - Florida Supreme Court Approves Board Certification in Insurance Law