Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 By Senator Truenow 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 1 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. A bill to be entitled 1

An act relating to the Department of Financial 2 Services; amending s. 215.422, F.S.; revising the 3 Chief Financial Officer’s rulemaking authority; 4 amending s. 215.5586, F.S.; defining terms; revising 5 eligibility requirements for a hurricane mitigation 6 inspection under the My Safe Florida Home Program; 7 revising the circumstances under which applicants may 8 submit a subsequent hurricane mitigation inspection; 9 deleting the requirement that licensed inspectors must 10 determine mitigation measures during initial 11 inspections of eligible homes; deleting inspectors’ 12 authorization to inspect townhouses; revising the 13 criteria for eligibility for a hurricane mitigation 14 grant; revising the grant’s applicant requirements; 15 revising the improvements that grants may be used for; 16 requiring that improvements be identified in the final 17 hurricane mitigation inspection to receive grant 18 funds; deleting a provision related to grants for 19 townhouses; authorizing the program to accept a 20 specified certification directly from applicants; 21 requiring applicants who receive grants to finalize 22 construction and request a final inspection within a 23 specified timeframe; specifying that an application is 24 deemed abandoned, rather than withdrawn, under certain 25 circumstances; amending s. 215.96, F.S.; revising the 26 composition of the coordinating council; deleting a 27 requirement for the design and coordination staff; 28 requiring minutes of meetings to be available to 29

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 2 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. interested persons; revising the composition of ex 30 officio members of the council; revising the duties, 31 powers, and responsibilities of the council; amending 32 s. 284.08, F.S.; authorizing the department to 33 determine what property insurance coverage is 34 necessary; authorizing the department to purchase 35 certain insurance coverages; authorizing the 36 department to contract with insurance or reinsurance 37 brokers for certain purposes; amending s. 284.33, 38 F.S.; authorizing the department to purchase certain 39 insurance coverages; authorizing the department to 40 contract with insurance or reinsurance brokers for 41 certain purposes; amending s. 440.13, F.S.; revising 42 the timeframe in which health care providers must 43 petition the department to resolve utilization and 44 reimbursement disputes; revising petition service 45 requirements; revising the timeframe in which the 46 panel determining the statewide

schedule of maximum 47 reimbursement allowances must submit certain 48 recommendations to the Legislature; creating s. 49 497.1411, F.S.; defining the term “applicant”; 50 specifying that certain applicants are permanently 51 barred from licensure; specifying that certain 52 applicants are subject to disqualifying periods; 53 requiring the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer 54 Services to adopt rules; specifying requirements, 55 authorizations, and prohibitions for such rules; 56 specifying when a disqualifying period begins; 57 specifying that the applicant has certain burdens to 58

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 3 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. demonstrate that he or she is qualified for licensure; 59 specifying that certain applicants who have been 60 granted a pardon or restoration of civil rights are 61 not barred or disqualified from licensure; specifying 62 that such pardon or restoration does not require the 63 board to award a license; authorizing the board to 64 grant an exemption from disqualification under certain 65 circumstances; specifying requirements for the 66 applicant in order for the board to grant an 67 exemption; specifying that the board has discretion to 68 grant or deny an exemption; specifying that certain 69 decisions are subject to ch. 120, F.S.; providing 70 applicability and construction; amending s. 497.142, 71 F.S.; prohibiting an application from being deemed 72 complete under certain circumstances; revising the 73 list of crimes to be disclosed on a license 74 application; amending s. 626.171, F.S.; deleting 75 reinsurance intermediaries from certain application 76 requirements; revising the list of persons from whom 77 the department is required to accept uniform 78 applications; making clarifying changes regarding the 79 voluntary submission of cellular telephone numbers; 80 revising the exemption from the application filing fee 81 for members of the United States Armed Forces; 82 amending s. 626.292, F.S.; revising applicant 83 requirements for a license transfer; amending s. 84 626.611, F.S.; requiring the department to require 85 license reexamination of certain persons, and suspend 86 or revoke the eligibility to hold a license or 87

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 4 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. appointment of such persons under certain 88 circumstances; amending the grounds for suspension or 89 revocation; amending 626.621, F.S.; authorizing the 90 department to require an reexamination of certain 91 persons; amending s. 626.731, F.S.; revising the 92 qualifications for a general lines agent’s license; 93 amending s. 626.785, F.S.; revising the qualifications 94 for a life agent’s license; amending s. 626.831, F.S.; 95 revising the qualifications for a health agent’s 96 license; amending s. 626.854, F.S.; requiring a public 97 adjuster, public adjuster apprentice, or public 98 adjusting firm to respond with specific information 99 within a specified timeframe and document in the file 100 the response or information provided; amending s. 101 648.34, F.S.; revising requirements for bail bond 102 agent applicants; amending s. 648.382, F.S.; requiring 103 officers or officials of the appointing insurer to 104 obtain, rather than submit, certain information; 105 amending s. 717.001, F.S.; revising the

short title; 106 amending s. 717.101, F.S.; revising and adding 107

definitions; amending s. 717.102, F.S.; providing that 108 certain intangible property is presumed abandoned; 109 deleting a provision relating to the presumption that 110 certain intangible property is presumed unclaimed; 111 specifying the dormancy period for property presumed 112 abandoned; requiring that property be considered 113 payable or distributable under certain circumstances; 114 deleting a provision relating to when property is 115 payable or distributable; revising a presumption; 116

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 5 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. providing that property shall be presumed abandoned 117 under certain circumstances; providing an exception; 118 amending s. 717.103, F.S.; requiring that intangible 119 property be subject to the custody of the department 120 under certain circumstances; amending criteria for 121 when intangible property is subject to the custody of 122 the department; repealing s. 717.1035, F.S., relating 123 to property originated or issued by this state, any 124 political subdivision of this state, or any entity 125 incorporated, organized, created, or otherwise located 126 in the state; amending ss. 717.104, 717.1045, 717.105, 127 717.106, 717.107, 717.1071, 717.108, and 717.109, 128 F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the 129 act; amending s. 717.1101, F.S.; revising the 130 timelines and conditions under which stock, other 131 equity interests, or debt of a business association is 132 considered abandoned; requiring the holder to attempt 133 to confirm the apparent owner’s interest in the equity 134 interest by sending an e-mail communication under 135 certain circumstances; requiring the holder to attempt 136 to contract the apparent owner by first-class United 137 States mail under certain circumstances; specifying 138 that equity interest is presumed abandoned under 139 certain circumstances; revising when unmatured, 140 unredeemed, matured, or redeemed debt is presumed 141 abandoned; specifying that the applicable dormancy 142 period ceases under certain circumstances; revising 143 the timeframe that a sum held for or owing by a 144 business association is presumed abandoned; amending 145

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 6 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. ss. 717.111, 717.112, 717.1125, 717.113, 717.115, and 146 717.116, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made 147 by the act; amending s. 717.117, F.S.; specifying that 148 property is presumed abandoned upon the expiration of 149 the applicable dormancy periods; specifying that 150 property is not deemed abandoned for certain purposes 151 until the holder meets certain requirements; requiring 152 holders of property presumed abandoned that has a 153 specified value to use due diligence to locate and 154 notify the apparent owner; requiring, before a 155 specified timeframe, a holder in possession of 156 presumed abandoned property to send a specified 157 written notice to the apparent owner; specifying the 158 method of delivery of such notice; requiring, before a 159 specified timeframe, the holder to send a second 160 written notice under certain circumstances; 161 authorizing the reasonable cost for the notice to be 162 deducted from the property; specifying that a signed 163 return receipt constitutes an affirmative 164 demonstration of continued interest; specifying 165 requirements of the written notice; requiring holders 166 of abandoned property to submit a specified report to 167 the department; prohibiting certain balances, 168 overpayments, deposits, and refunds from being 169 reported as abandoned property; prohibiting certain 170 securities from being included in the report; 171 requiring the holder to report and deliver such 172 securities under certain circumstances; requiring the 173 report to be signed and verified and contain a 174

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 7 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. specified statement; deleting certain provisions 175 relating to the due diligence and notices to apparent 176 owners; amending s. 717.118, F.S.; revising the 177 state’s obligation to notify apparent owners that 178 their abandoned property has been reported and 179 remitted to the department; requiring the department 180 to use a cost-effective means to make an attempt to 181 notify certain apparent owners; specifying 182 requirements for the notice; requiring the department 183 to maintain a specified website; revising 184 applicability; amending s. 717.119, F.S.; conforming 185 provisions to changes made by the act; revising 186 requirements for firearms or ammunition found in an 187 abandoned safe-deposit box or safekeeping repository; 188 revising requirements if a will or trust instrument is 189 included among the contents of an abandoned safe-190 deposit box or safekeeping repository; amending ss. 191 717.1201 and 717.122, F.S.; conforming provisions to 192 changes made by the act; amending s. 717.123, F.S.; 193 conforming provisions to changes made by the act; 194 revising the name of a certain trust fund; revising 195 the amount the department must retain from certain 196 funds received; revising a required transfer of funds 197 to the State School Fund; amending s. 717.1235, F.S.; 198 conforming provisions to changes made by the act; 199 amending s. 717.124, F.S.; conforming provisions to 200 changes made by the act; deleting provisions related 201 to requirements of claimant’s representatives; 202 specifying that the department is authorized to make a 203

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 8 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. distribution of property or money in accordance with a 204 specified agreement under certain circumstances; 205 requiring shares of securities to be delivered 206 directly to the claimant under certain circumstances; 207 deleting a provision authorizing the department to 208 develop a process by which a buyer of unclaimed 209 property may electronically submit certain images and 210 documents; deleting provisions relating to a buyer of 211 unclaimed property’s filing of a claim; amending s. 212 717.12403, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made 213 by the act; amending s. 717.12404, F.S.; requiring 214 claims on behalf of an active corporation to include a 215 specified driver license; conforming provisions to 216 changes made by the act; amending ss. 717.12405 and 217 717.12406, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made 218 by the act; amending s. 717.1241, F.S.; defining the 219 term “conflicting claim”; conforming provisions to 220 changes made by the act; revising requirements for 221 remitting property when conflicting claims have been 222 received by the department; amending ss. 717.1242, 223 717.1243, 717.1244, 717.1245, 717.125, 717.126, 224 717.1261, 717.1262, 717.129, 717.1301, 717.1315, and 225 717.132, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made 226 by the act; amending s. 717.1322, F.S.; revising the 227 acts that constitute grounds for administrative 228 enforcement action by the department; conforming 229 provisions to changes made by the act; amending ss. 230 717.133, 717.1333, and 717.1341, F.S.; conforming 231 provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 232

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 9 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. 717.135, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made 233 by the act; deleting applicability; creating s. 234 717.1356, F.S.; specifying that agreements for the 235 purchase of abandoned property reported to the 236 department are valid only under certain circumstances; 237 authorizing the seller to cancel a purchase agreement 238 without penalty or obligation within a specified 239 timeframe; specifying that the agreement must contain 240 certain language; requiring a copy of an executed 241 Florida Abandoned Property Purchase Agreement be filed 242 with the purchaser’s claim; prohibiting the department 243 from approving the claim under certain circumstances; 244 specifying that certain purchase agreements are 245 enforceable only by the seller; amending s. 717.138, 246 F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the 247 act; amending s. 717.1382, F.S.; conforming provisions 248 to changes made by the act; conforming a cross-249 reference; amending s. 717.139, F.S.; providing 250 legislative findings; revising a statement of public 251 policy; deleting a legislative declaration; providing 252 legislative intent; prohibiting title to abandoned 253 property from transferring to the state except under 254 certain circumstances; amending s. 717.1400, F.S.; 255 requiring an individual to meet certain requirements 256 in order to file claims as a claimant representative; 257 revising application requirements for registering as a 258 claimant representative; requiring claimant 259 representatives to file and obtain payment on a 260 specified number of claims within a specified 261

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 10 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. timeframe to maintain active registration; requiring 262 the department to notify the claimant representative 263 in writing and provide a certain timeframe to 264 demonstrate compliance or good cause for noncompliance 265 under certain circumstances; requiring the department 266 to revoke a registration under certain circumstances; 267 prohibiting a claimant representative from reapplying 268 under certain circumstances; amending ss. 197.582 and 269 626.9541, F.S.; conforming cross-references; 270 reenacting s. 772.13(6)(a), F.S., relating to 271 postjudgment execution proceedings to enforce a 272 judgment entered against a terrorist party, to 273 incorporate the amendment made to s. 717.101, F.S., in 274 a reference thereto; providing an effective date. 275 276 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: 277 278

Section 1. Subsection (15) of

section 215.422, Florida 279 Statutes, is amended to read: 280 215.422 Payments, warrants, and invoices; processing time 281 limits; dispute resolution; agency or judicial branch 282 compliance.— 283

(15) The Chief Financial Officer may adopt rules to 284 authorize advance payments for goods and services, including, 285 but not limited to, maintenance agreements and subscriptions, 286 such as prepaid multiyear software licenses. Such rules shall 287 provide objective criteria for determining when it is in the 288 best interest of the state to make payments in advance and shall 289 also provide for adequate protection to ensure that such goods 290

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 11 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. or services will be provided. 291

Section 2. Paragraphs (

a) through (

e) of subsection (1), 292 subsections (2) and (3), paragraph (

a) of subsection (8), and 293 subsection (10) of

section 215.5586, Florida Statutes, are 294 amended to read: 295 215.5586 My Safe Florida Home Program.—There is established 296 within the Department of Financial Services the My Safe Florida 297 Home Program. The department shall provide fiscal 298 accountability, contract management, and strategic leadership 299 for the program, consistent with this section. This

section does 300 not create an entitlement for property owners or obligate the 301 state in any way to fund the inspection or retrofitting of 302 residential property in this state. Implementation of this 303 program is subject to annual legislative appropriations. It is 304 the intent of the Legislature that, subject to the availability 305 of funds, the My Safe Florida Home Program provide licensed 306 inspectors to perform hurricane mitigation inspections of 307 eligible homes and grants to fund hurricane mitigation projects 308 on those homes.

The department shall implement the program in 309 such a manner that the total amount of funding requested by 310 accepted applications, whether for inspections, grants, or other 311 services or assistance, does not exceed the total amount of 312 available funds. If, after applications are processed and 313 approved, funds remain available, the department may accept 314 applications up to the available amount. The program shall 315 develop and implement a comprehensive and coordinated approach 316 for hurricane damage mitigation pursuant to the requirements 317 provided in this section. 318

(1) HURRICANE MITIGATION INSPECTIONS.— 319

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 12 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. (a)1. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term: 320 a. “Attached” means a dwelling unit that shares a wall with 321 another dwelling unit. 322 b. “Detached” means a dwelling that does not share a wall 323 with another dwelling unit or building and has greater than zero 324 clearance between it and any other building.

This term includes 325 a garage that is located under a contiguous roof with a 326 residence. 327 c. “Single-family” means a residence designed for and 328 containing only one dwelling unit. 329 2. An applicant is To be eligible for a hurricane 330 mitigation inspection under the program if all of the following 331 conditions are met: 332 a.1. The A home for which the inspection is sought is must 333 be a single-family, unit on an individual parcel of land that 334 is: 335 (

I) A detached residential property; or 336 (II) An attached residential property not exceeding three 337 stories. A townhouse as defined in s. 481.203; 338 b.2. The A home for which the inspection is sought is must 339 be site-built and owner-occupied.; and 340 c.3. The applicant is homeowner must have been granted a 341 homestead exemption on the home under

chapter 196. 342 (b)1. An application for a hurricane mitigation inspection 343 must contain a signed or electronically verified statement made 344 under penalty of perjury that the applicant has submitted only 345 one inspection application on the home or that the application 346 is allowed under subparagraph 2., and the application must have 347 documents attached which demonstrate that the applicant meets 348

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 13 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. the requirements of paragraph (a). 349 2. An applicant may submit a subsequent hurricane 350 mitigation inspection application for the same home only if: 351 a. The original hurricane mitigation inspection application 352 has been denied or withdrawn because of material errors or 353 omissions in the application; 354 b.

The original hurricane mitigation inspection application 355 was denied or withdrawn because the applicant home did not meet 356 the eligibility criteria for an inspection at the time of the 357 previous application, and the applicant homeowner reasonably 358 believes that he or she is the home now is eligible for an 359 inspection; or 360 c. The program’s eligibility requirements for an inspection 361 have changed since the original application date, and the 362 applicant reasonably believes that her or she the home is 363 eligible under the new requirements; or. 364 d.

More than 24 months have passed since the applicant 365 received a hurricane mitigation inspection under this section, 366 and the applicant has not received a grant payment through the 367 program for that inspection. 368 (

c) An applicant meeting the requirements of paragraph (a) 369 may receive an inspection of the a home through under the 370 program without being eligible for a grant under subsection (2) 371 or applying for such grant. 372 (

d) Licensed inspectors are to provide initial home 373 inspections of eligible homes to determine what mitigation 374 measures are needed, what insurance premium discounts may be 375 available, and what improvements to existing residential 376 properties are needed to reduce the property’s vulnerability to 377

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 14 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hurricane damage. An inspector may inspect a townhouse as 378 defined in s. 481.203 to determine if opening protection 379 mitigation as listed in subparagraph (2)(e)1. would provide 380 improvements to mitigate hurricane damage. 381 (

e) The department shall contract with wind certification 382 entities to provide hurricane mitigation inspections. The 383 initial inspections provided to applicants homeowners, at a 384 minimum, must include: 385 1. A home inspection and report that summarizes the 386 inspection results and identifies recommended improvements an 387 applicant a homeowner may make take to mitigate hurricane 388 damage. 389 2. A range of cost estimates regarding the recommended 390 mitigation improvements. 391 3. Information regarding estimated premium discounts, 392 correlated to the current mitigation features and the 393 recommended mitigation improvements identified by the 394 inspection. 395

(2) HURRICANE MITIGATION GRANTS.—Financial grants shall be 396 used by applicants homeowners to make improvements recommended 397 by an initial inspection which increase a home’s resistance to 398 hurricane damage. 399 (

a) An applicant A homeowner is eligible for a hurricane 400 mitigation grant if all of the following criteria are met: 401 1. The applicant home must be eligible for an inspection 402 under subsection (1). 403 2. The home must be a dwelling with an insured value of 404 $700,000 or less. Applicants Homeowners who are low-income 405 persons, as defined in s. 420.0004(11), are exempt from this 406

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 15 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. requirement. 407 3. The home must undergo an initial acceptable hurricane 408 mitigation inspection through the program as provided in 409 subsection (1). 410 4. The building permit application for initial construction 411 of the home must have been built made before January 1, 2008, as 412 reflected on the county property appraiser’s website. 413 5.

The applicant homeowner must agree to make his or her 414 home available for a final inspection once a mitigation project 415 is completed. 416 6. The applicant homeowner must agree to provide to the 417 department information received from the applicant’s homeowner’s 418 insurer identifying the discounts realized by the applicant 419 homeowner because of the mitigation improvements funded through 420 the program. 421 7.a. The applicant homeowner must be a low-income person or 422 moderate-income person as defined in s. 420.0004. 423 b.

The hurricane mitigation inspection must have occurred 424 within the previous 24 months from the date of application. 425 c. Notwithstanding subparagraph 2., applicants homeowners 426 who are low-income persons, as defined in s. 420.0004(11), are 427 not exempt from the requirement that the home must be a dwelling 428 with an insured value of $700,000 or less. 429 d. This subparagraph expires July 1, 2026. 430 (b)1.

An application for a grant must contain a signed or 431 electronically verified statement made under penalty of perjury 432 that the applicant has submitted only one grant application or 433 that the application is allowed under subparagraph 2., and the 434 application must have documents attached demonstrating that the 435

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 16 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. applicant meets the requirements of paragraph (a). 436 2. An applicant may submit a subsequent grant application 437 if: 438 a. The original grant application was denied or withdrawn 439 because the application contained errors or omissions; 440 b.

The original grant application was denied or withdrawn 441 because the applicant home did not meet the eligibility criteria 442 for a grant at the time of the previous application, and the 443 applicant homeowner reasonably believes that he or she is the 444 home now is eligible for a grant; or 445 c. The program’s eligibility requirements for a grant have 446 changed since the original application date, and the applicant 447 reasonably believes that he or she is an eligible homeowner 448 under the new requirements. 449 3.

A grant application must include a statement from the 450 applicant homeowner which contains the name and state license 451 number of the contractor that the applicant homeowner 452 acknowledges as the intended contractor for the mitigation work. 453 The program must electronically verify that the contractor’s 454 state license number is valid accurate and up to date before 455 grant approval. 456 (

c) All grants must be matched on the basis of $1 provided 457 by the applicant for $2 provided by the state up to a maximum 458 state contribution of $10,000 toward the actual cost of the 459 mitigation project, except as provided in paragraph (h). 460 (

d) All hurricane mitigation performed under the program 461 must be based upon the securing of all required local permits 462 and inspections and must be performed by properly licensed 463 contractors. 464

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 17 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. (

e) When recommended by an initial a hurricane mitigation 465 inspection, grants for eligible applicants homes may be used for 466 all of the following improvements: 467 1. Opening protection improvements, including: 468 a. Exterior doors., 469 b. Garage doors., 470 c. Windows., and 471 d. Skylights. 472 2. Roof improvements, including: 473 a. Reinforcing roof-to-wall connections. 474 b.3. Improving the strength of roof-deck attachments. 475 c.4. Installing secondary water resistance for roof and 476 replacing the roof covering. 477 (

f) Improvements must be identified by the final hurricane 478 mitigation inspection to receive grant funds When recommended by 479 a hurricane mitigation inspection, grants for townhouses, as 480 defined in s. 481.203, may only be used for opening protection. 481 (

g) The department may require that improvements be made to 482 all openings, including exterior doors, garage doors, windows, 483 and skylights, as a condition of reimbursing an applicant a 484 homeowner approved for a grant. The department may adopt, by 485 rule, the maximum grant allowances for any improvement allowable 486 under paragraph (

e) or paragraph (f). 487 (

h) Low-income applicants homeowners, as defined in s. 488 420.0004(11), who otherwise meet the applicable requirements of 489 this subsection are eligible for a grant of up to $10,000 and 490 are not required to provide a matching amount to receive the 491 grant. 492 (i)1. The department shall develop a process that ensures 493

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 18 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. the most efficient means to collect and verify inspection 494 applications and grant applications to determine eligibility. 495 The department may direct hurricane mitigation inspectors to 496 collect and verify grant application information or use the 497 Internet or other electronic means to collect information and 498 determine eligibility. 499 2.

The department shall prioritize the review and approval 500 of such inspection applications and grant applications in the 501 following order: 502 a. First, applications from low-income persons, as defined 503 in s. 420.0004, who are at least 60 years old; 504 b. Second, applications from all other low-income persons, 505 as defined in s. 420.0004; 506 c. Third, applications from moderate-income persons, as 507 defined in s. 420.0004, who are at least 60 years old; 508 d. Fourth, applications from all other moderate-income 509 persons, as defined in s. 420.0004; and 510 e. Last, all other applications. 511 3.

The department shall start accepting inspection 512 applications and grant applications no earlier than the 513 effective date of a legislative appropriation funding 514 inspections and grants, as follows: 515 a. Initially, from applicants prioritized under sub-516 subparagraph 2.a.; 517 b. From applicants prioritized under sub-subparagraph 2.b., 518 beginning 15 days after the program initially starts accepting 519 applications; 520 c. From applicants prioritized under sub-subparagraph 2.c., 521 beginning 30 days after the program initially starts accepting 522

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 19 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. applications; 523 d. From applicants described in sub-subparagraph 2.d., 524 beginning 45 days after the program initially starts accepting 525 applications; and 526 e. From all other applicants, beginning 60 days after the 527 program initially starts accepting applications. 528 4.

The program may accept a certification directly from a 529 low-income applicant homeowner or moderate-income applicant 530 homeowner who meets the requirements of s. 420.0004(11) or (12), 531 respectively, if the applicant homeowner provides such 532 certification in a signed or electronically verified statement 533 made under penalty of perjury. 534 5. The program may accept a certification directly from an 535 applicant attesting to his or her age if the applicant provides 536 such certification in a signed or electronically verified 537 statement made under penalty of perjury. 538 (

j) An applicant A homeowner who receives a grant shall 539 finalize construction and request a final inspection, or request 540 an extension for an additional 6 months, within 18 months 1 year 541 after grant application approval. If an applicant a homeowner 542 fails to comply with this paragraph, his or her application is 543 deemed abandoned and the grant money reverts to the department. 544

(3) REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION.—The department may request 545 that an applicant provide additional information. An application 546 is deemed abandoned withdrawn by the applicant if the department 547 does not receive a response to its request for additional 548 information within 60 days after the notification of any 549 apparent error or omission. 550

(8) CONTRACT MANAGEMENT.— 551

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a) The department may contract with third parties for 552 grants management, inspection services, contractor services for 553 low-income applicants homeowners, information technology, 554 educational outreach, and auditing services. Such contracts are 555 considered direct costs of the program and are not subject to 556 administrative cost limits. The department shall contract with 557 providers that have a demonstrated record of successful business 558 operations in areas directly related to the services to be 559 provided and shall ensure the highest accountability for use of 560 state funds, consistent with this section. 561

(10) REPORTS.—The department shall make an annual report on 562 the activities of the program that shall account for the use of 563 state funds and indicate the number of inspections requested, 564 the number of inspections performed, the number of grant 565 applications received, the number and value of grants approved, 566 and the estimated average annual amount of insurance premium 567 discounts and total estimated annual amount of insurance premium 568 discounts applicants homeowners received from insurers as a 569 result of mitigation funded through the program.

The report must 570 be delivered to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of 571 the House of Representatives by February 1 of each year. 572

Section 3. Subsections (2) and (3) of

section 215.96, 573 Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 574 215.96 Coordinating council and design and coordination 575 staff.— 576

(2) The coordinating council shall consist of the Chief 577 Financial Officer; the Commissioner of Agriculture; the Attorney 578 General; the Secretary of Management Services; the state chief 579 information officer; the executive director of the Department of 580

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 21 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. Revenue; and the Director of Planning and Budgeting, Executive 581 Office of the Governor, or their designees. The Chief Financial 582 Officer, or his or her designee, shall be chair of the council, 583 and the design and coordination staff shall provide 584 administrative and clerical support to the council and the 585 board. The design and coordination staff shall maintain the 586 Minutes of each meeting shall be and make such minutes available 587 to any interested person.

The Auditor General, the State Courts 588 Administrator, a an executive officer of the Florida Association 589 of state agency administrative services director selected by the 590 council Directors, and a an executive officer of the Florida 591 Association of state budget officer selected by the council 592 Officers, or their designees, shall serve without voting rights 593 as ex officio members of the council.

The chair may call 594 meetings of the council as often as necessary to transact 595 business; however, the council shall meet at least once a year. 596 Action of the council shall be by motion, duly made, seconded 597 and passed by a majority of the council voting in the 598 affirmative for approval of items that are to be recommended for 599 approval to the Financial Management Information Board. 600

(3) The coordinating council, assisted by the design and 601 coordination staff, shall have the following duties, powers, and 602 responsibilities pertaining to the Florida Financial Management 603 Information System: 604 (

a) To review and coordinate annual workplans to ensure 605 that the Florida Financial Management Information System remains 606 aligned across participating entities. The coordination council 607 shall ensure that each participating entity submits an annual 608 workplan by October 1 of each year. The coordinating council 609

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 23 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. Management Information System and the functional owner 639 subsystems in regard to the provisions of s. 215.91. The 640 coordinating council, as part of the review process, may make 641 recommendations for modifications to the functional owner 642 information subsystems annual work plans. 643

Section

Section 284.08, Florida Statutes, is amended to 644 read: 645 284.08 Purchase of insurance, excess insurance, 646 reinsurance, and services Reinsurance on excess coverage and 647 approval by Department of Management Services.—Notwithstanding 648 the requirements of s. 287.022(1), the Department of Financial 649 Services shall determine what property insurance excess coverage 650 is necessary and may purchase insurance, excess insurance, and 651 reinsurance as necessary to provide insurance coverages 652 authorized by this part thereon upon approval by the Department 653 of Management Services.

The Department of Financial Services may 654 contract with an insurance or reinsurance broker to market the 655 insurance program and facilitate the purchase of insurance, 656 excess insurance, and reinsurance on behalf of the department. 657

Section

Section 284.33, Florida Statutes, is amended to 658 read: 659 284.33 Purchase of insurance, reinsurance, excess 660 insurance, and services.— 661

(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of s. 287.022(1), the 662 Department of Financial Services is authorized to purchase 663 provide insurance, specific excess insurance, and reinsurance 664 aggregate excess insurance through the Department of Management 665 Services, pursuant to the provisions of

part I of

chapter 287, 666 as necessary to provide insurance coverages authorized by this 667

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 24 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. part, consistent with market availability. The Department of 668 Financial Services may contract with an insurance or reinsurance 669 broker to market the insurance program and facilitate the 670 purchase of insurance, excess insurance, and reinsurance on 671 behalf of the department.

However, The Department of Financial 672 Services may directly purchase annuities by using a structured 673 settlement insurance consulting firm selected by the department 674 to assist in the settlement of claims being handled by the 675 Division of Risk Management. The selection of the structured 676 settlement insurance services consultant shall be made by using 677 competitive sealed proposals.

The consulting firm shall act as 678 an agent of record for the department in procuring the best 679 annuity products available to facilitate structured settlement 680 of claims, considering price, insurer financial strength, and 681 the best interests of the state risk management program. 682 Purchase of annuities by the department using a structured 683 settlement method is excepted from competitive sealed bidding or 684 proposal requirements.

The Department of Financial Services is 685 further authorized to purchase such risk management services, 686 including, but not limited to, risk and claims control; safety 687 management; and legal, investigative, and adjustment services, 688 as may be required and pay claims. The department may contract 689 with a service organization for such services and advance money 690 to such service organization for deposit in a special checking 691 account for paying claims made against the state under the 692 provisions of this part.

The special checking account shall be 693 maintained in this state in a bank or savings association 694 organized under the laws of this state or of the United States. 695 The department may replenish such account as often as necessary 696

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 25 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. upon the presentation by the service organization of 697 documentation for payments of claims equal to the amount of the 698 requested reimbursement. 699

(2) Nothing contained in

Chapter 287 may not shall be 700 construed as requiring written agreements for health and mental 701 health services or drugs in the examinations, diagnoses, or 702 treatments of sick or injured employees or other benefits as 703 required by the provisions of

chapter 440. 704

Section 6. Paragraph (

a) of subsection (7) and paragraph 705 (

j) of subsection (12) of

section 440.13, Florida Statutes, are 706 amended to read: 707 440.13 Medical services and supplies; penalty for 708 violations; limitations.— 709

(7) UTILIZATION AND REIMBURSEMENT DISPUTES.— 710 (

a) Any health care provider who elects to contest the 711 disallowance or adjustment of payment by a carrier under 712 subsection (6) must, within 60 45 days after receipt of notice 713 of disallowance or adjustment of payment, petition the 714 department to resolve the dispute. The petitioner must serve, by 715 the United States Postal Service certified mail or by common 716 carrier with verifiable tracking methods, a copy of the petition 717 on the carrier and on all affected parties listed on the notice 718 of disallowance or adjustment by certified mail.

The petition 719 must be accompanied by all documents and records that support 720 the allegations contained in the petition. Failure of a 721 petitioner to submit such documentation to the department 722 results in dismissal of the petition. 723

(12) CREATION OF THREE-MEMBER PANEL; GUIDES OF MAXIMUM 724 REIMBURSEMENT ALLOWANCES.— 725

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j) In addition to establishing the uniform

schedule of 726 maximum reimbursement allowances, the panel shall: 727 1. Take testimony, receive records, and collect data to 728 evaluate the adequacy of the workers’ compensation fee schedule, 729 nationally recognized fee schedules and alternative methods of 730 reimbursement to health care providers and health care 731 facilities for inpatient and outpatient treatment and care. 732 2. Survey health care providers and health care facilities 733 to determine the availability and accessibility of workers’ 734 compensation health care delivery systems for injured workers. 735 3.

Survey carriers to determine the estimated impact on 736 carrier costs and workers’ compensation premium rates by 737 implementing changes to the carrier reimbursement

schedule or 738 implementing alternative reimbursement methods. 739 4. Submit recommendations on or before January 15, 2031 740 2017, and every 5 years biennially thereafter, to the President 741 of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on 742 methods to improve the workers’ compensation health care 743 delivery system. 744 745 The department, as requested, shall provide data to the panel, 746 including, but not limited to, utilization trends in the 747 workers’ compensation health care delivery system.

The 748 department shall provide the panel with an annual report 749 regarding the resolution of medical reimbursement disputes and 750 any actions pursuant to subsection (8). The department shall 751 provide administrative support and service to the panel to the 752 extent requested by the panel. The department may adopt rules 753 pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement this 754

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 27 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. subsection. For prescription medication purchased under the 755 requirements of this subsection, a dispensing practitioner shall 756 not possess such medication unless payment has been made by the 757 practitioner, the practitioner’s professional practice, or the 758 practitioner’s practice management company or employer to the 759 supplying manufacturer, wholesaler, distributor, or drug 760 repackager within 60 days of the dispensing practitioner taking 761 possession of that medication. 762

Section

Section 497.1411, Florida Statutes, is created 763 to read: 764 497.1411 Disqualification of applicants and licenses; 765 penalties against licensees; rulemaking.— 766

(1) For purposes of this section, the term “applicant” 767 means an individual applying for licensure or relicensure under 768 this chapter, or an officer, director, majority owner, partner, 769 manager, or other person who manages or controls an entity 770 applying for licensure or relicensure under this chapter. 771

(2) An applicant who has been found guilty of or has 772 pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to any of the following 773 offenses, regardless of adjudication, is permanently barred from 774 licensure under this chapter: 775 (

a) A felony of the first degree. 776 (

b) A felony involving conduct prohibited under

chapter 777 497,

chapter 787,

chapter 794,

chapter 796,

chapter 800,

chapter 778 825,

chapter 827, or

chapter 847. 779 (

c) A felony involving moral turpitude. 780

(3) An applicant who has been found guilty of, or has 781 entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to an offense not 782 subject to the permanent bar under subsection (2), regardless of 783

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 28 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. adjudication, is subject to the following disqualifying periods: 784 (

a) A 10-year disqualifying period for any felony to which 785 the permanent bar in subsection (2) does not apply. 786 Notwithstanding subsection (4), an applicant who has completed 787 at least one-half of the disqualifying period may apply for a 788 probationary license for the remainder of the disqualifying 789 period if, during that time, the applicant has not been found 790 guilty of, or has not entered a plea of guilty or nolo 791 contendere to, any offense. 792 (

b) A 5-year disqualifying period for all misdemeanors 793 directly related to

chapter 497. 794

(4) The board shall adopt rules to administer this section. 795 Such rules must provide additional disqualifying periods for 796 applicants who have committed multiple criminal offenses and may 797 provide additional factors for disqualification reasonably 798 related to the applicant’s criminal history. The rules must also 799 establish mitigating and aggravating factors. However, 800 mitigation may not reduce any disqualifying period to less than 801 5 years and may not be applied to reduce the 5-year 802 disqualifying period provided in paragraph (3)(b). 803

(5) For purposes of this section, a disqualifying period 804 begins upon the applicant’s final release from supervision or 805 upon completion of the applicant’s criminal sentence. The board 806 may not approve issuance of a license to an applicant until the 807 applicant provides proof that all related fines, court costs, 808 fees, and court-ordered restitution have been paid. 809

(6) After the disqualifying period has expired, the burden 810 is on the applicant to demonstrate to the board that he or she 811 has been rehabilitated, does not pose a risk to the public, is 812

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 29 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. fit and trustworthy to engage in business regulated by this 813 chapter, and is otherwise qualified for licensure. 814

(7) Notwithstanding subsections (2) and (3), an applicant 815 who has been found guilty of, or has pleaded guilty or nolo 816 contendere to, a crime in subsection (2) or subsection (3), and 817 who has subsequently been granted a pardon or the restoration of 818 civil rights pursuant to

chapter 940 and s. 8, Art. IV of the 819 State Constitution, or a pardon or the restoration of civil 820 rights under the laws of another jurisdiction with respect to a 821 conviction in that jurisdiction, is not barred or disqualified 822 from licensure under this chapter; however, such a pardon or 823 restoration of civil rights does not require the board to award 824 such license. 825 (8)(

a) The board may grant an exemption from 826 disqualification to any person disqualified from licensure under 827 subsection (3) if: 828 1. The applicant has paid in full any fee, fine, fund, 829 lien, civil judgment, restitution, or cost of prosecution 830 imposed by the court as part of the judgment and sentence for 831 any disqualifying offense; and 832 2. At least 2 years have elapsed since the applicant 833 completed or has been lawfully released from confinement, 834 supervision, or any nonmonetary condition imposed by the court 835 for a disqualifying offense. 836 (

b) For the board to grant an exemption under this 837 subsection, the applicant must clearly and convincingly 838 demonstrate that he or she would not pose a risk to persons or 839 property if licensed under this chapter, evidence of which must 840 include, but need not be limited to, facts and circumstances 841

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 30 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. surrounding the disqualifying offense, the time that has elapsed 842 since the offense, the nature of the offense and harm caused to 843 the victim, the applicant’s history before and after the 844 offense, and any other evidence or circumstances indicating that 845 the applicant will not present a danger if licensed or 846 certified. 847 (

c) The board has discretion whether to grant or deny an 848 exemption under this subsection. The board’s decision is subject 849 to

chapter 120. 850

(9) The disqualification periods provided in this

section 851 do not apply to the renewal of a license or to a new application 852 for licensure if the applicant has an active license as of July 853 1, 2026, and the applicable criminal history was considered by 854 the board on the prior approval of any active license held by 855 the applicant. This

section does not affect any criminal history 856 disclosure requirements of this chapter. 857

Section 8. Subsection (9) and paragraph (

c) of subsection 858 (10) of

section 497.142, Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 859 497.142 Licensing; fingerprinting and criminal background 860 checks.— 861

(9) If any applicant under this

chapter has been, within 862 the 10 years preceding the application under this chapter, 863 convicted or found guilty of, or entered a plea of nolo 864 contendere to, regardless of adjudication, any crime in any 865 jurisdiction, the application may shall not be deemed complete 866 until such time as the applicant provides such certified true 867 copies of the court records evidencing the conviction, finding, 868 or plea, as required in this

section or as the licensing 869 authority may by rule require. 870

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 31 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. (10) 871 (

c) Crimes to be disclosed are: 872 1. Any felony or misdemeanor, no matter when committed, 873 that was directly or indirectly related to or involving any 874 aspect of the practice or business of funeral directing, 875 embalming, direct disposition, cremation, funeral or cemetery 876 preneed sales, funeral establishment operations, cemetery 877 operations, or cemetery monument or marker sales or 878 installation. 879 2. Any misdemeanor, no matter when committed, that was 880 directly or indirectly related to the practice or activities 881 regulated under this

chapter Any other felony not already 882 disclosed under subparagraph 1. that was committed within the 20 883 years immediately preceding the application under this chapter. 884 3. Any other misdemeanor not already disclosed under 885 subparagraph 2. which subparagraph 1. that was committed within 886 the 5 years immediately preceding the application under this 887 chapter. 888

Section

Section 626.171, Florida Statutes, is amended to 889 read: 890 626.171 Application for license as an agent, customer 891 representative, adjuster, or service representative, or 892 reinsurance intermediary.— 893

(1) The department may not issue a license as agent, 894 customer representative, adjuster, or service representative, or 895 reinsurance intermediary to any person except upon written 896 application filed with the department, meeting the 897 qualifications for the license applied for as determined by the 898 department, and payment in advance of all applicable fees. The 899

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 32 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. application must be made under the oath of the applicant and be 900 signed by the applicant. An applicant may permit a third party 901 to complete, submit, and sign an application on the applicant’s 902 behalf, but is responsible for ensuring that the information on 903 the application is true and correct and is accountable for any 904 misstatements or misrepresentations.

The department shall accept 905 the uniform application for resident and nonresident agent and 906 adjuster licensing. The department may adopt revised versions of 907 the uniform application by rule. 908

(2) In the application, the applicant must include all of 909 the following shall set forth: 910 (

a) The applicant’s His or her full name, age, social 911 security number, residence address, business address, mailing 912 address, contact telephone numbers, including a business 913 telephone number, and e-mail address. 914 (

b) A statement indicating the method the applicant used or 915 is using to meet any required prelicensing education, knowledge, 916 experience, or instructional requirements for the type of 917 license applied for. 918 (

c) Whether the applicant he or she has been refused or has 919 voluntarily surrendered or has had suspended or revoked a 920 license to solicit insurance by the department or by the 921 supervising officials of any state. 922 (

d) Whether any insurer or any managing general agent 923 claims the applicant is indebted under any agency contract or 924 otherwise and, if so, the name of the claimant, the nature of 925 the claim, and the applicant’s defense thereto, if any. 926 (

e) Proof that the applicant meets the requirements for the 927 type of license for which he or she is applying. 928

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f) The applicant’s gender (male or female). 929 (

g) The applicant’s native language. 930 (

h) The highest level of education achieved by the 931 applicant. 932 (

i) The applicant’s race or ethnicity (African American, 933 white, American Indian, Asian, Hispanic, or other). 934 (

j) Such other or additional information as the department 935 may deem proper to enable it to determine the character, 936 experience, ability, and other qualifications of the applicant 937 to hold himself or herself out to the public as an insurance 938 representative. 939 940 However, the application must contain a statement that an 941 applicant is not required to disclose his or her race or 942 ethnicity, gender, or native language, that he or she will not 943 be penalized for not doing so, and that the department will use 944 this information exclusively for research and statistical 945 purposes and to improve the quality and fairness of the 946 examinations.

The department may shall make provisions for 947 applicants to voluntarily submit their cellular telephone 948 numbers as part of the application process solely on a voluntary 949 basis only for the purpose of two-factor authentication of 950 secure login credentials only. 951

(3) Each application must be accompanied by payment of any 952 applicable fee. 953

(4) An applicant for a license issued by the department 954 under this

chapter must submit a set of the individual 955 applicant’s fingerprints, or, if the applicant is not an 956 individual, a set of the fingerprints of the sole proprietor, 957

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 34 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. majority owner, partners, officers, and directors, to the 958 department and must pay the fingerprint processing fee set forth 959 in s. 624.501. Fingerprints must be processed in accordance with 960 s. 624.34 and used to investigate the applicant’s qualifications 961 pursuant to s. 626.201. The fingerprints must be taken by a law 962 enforcement agency or other department-approved entity.

The 963 department may not approve an application for licensure as an 964 agent, customer service representative, adjuster, or service 965 representative, or reinsurance intermediary if fingerprints have 966 not been submitted. 967

(5) The application for license filing fee prescribed in s. 968 624.501 is not subject to refund. 969

(6) Members of the United States Armed Forces and their 970 spouses, and veterans of the United States Armed Forces who have 971 separated from service within 24 months before application for 972 licensure, are exempt from the application filing fee prescribed 973 in s. 624.501. Qualified individuals must provide a copy of a 974 military identification card, military dependent identification 975 card, military service record, military personnel file, veteran 976 record, discharge paper or separation document that indicates 977 such members are currently in good standing or such veterans 978 were honorably discharged. 979

(7) Pursuant to the federal Personal Responsibility and 980 Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, each party is 981 required to provide his or her social security number in 982 accordance with this section. Disclosure of social security 983 numbers obtained through this requirement must be limited to the 984 purpose of administration of the Title IV-D program for child 985 support enforcement. 986

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Section 10. Paragraph (

c) of subsection (2) of

section 987 626.292, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 988 626.292 Transfer of license from another state.— 989

(2) To qualify for a license transfer, an individual 990 applicant must meet the following requirements: 991 (

c) The individual must submit a completed application for 992 this state which is received by the department within 90 days 993 after the date the individual became a resident of this state, 994 along with payment of the applicable fees set forth in s. 995 624.501 and submission of the following documents: 996 1.

A certification issued by the appropriate official of 997 the applicant’s home state identifying the type of license and 998 lines of authority under the license and stating that, at the 999 time the license from the home state was canceled, the applicant 1000 was in good standing in that state or that the state’s Producer 1001 Database records, maintained by the National Association of 1002 Insurance Commissioners, its affiliates, or subsidiaries, 1003 indicate that the agent or all-lines adjuster is or was licensed 1004 in good standing for the line of authority requested.

An 1005 applicant may hold a resident license in another state for 30 1006 days after the Florida resident license has been issued to 1007 facilitate the transfer of licensure between states. 1008 2. A set of the applicant’s fingerprints in accordance with 1009 s. 626.171(4). 1010

Section 11. Subsection (1) of

section 626.611, Florida 1011 Statutes, is amended to read: 1012 626.611 Grounds for compulsory refusal, suspension, or 1013 revocation of agent’s, title agency’s, adjuster’s, customer 1014 representative’s, service representative’s, or managing general 1015

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 36 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. agent’s license or appointment.— 1016

(1) The department shall require license reexamination, 1017 deny an application for, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew or 1018 continue the license or appointment of any applicant, agent, 1019 title agency, adjuster, customer representative, service 1020 representative, or managing general agent, and it shall suspend 1021 or revoke the eligibility to hold a license or appointment of 1022 any such person, if it finds that as to the applicant, licensee, 1023 or appointee any one or more of the following applicable grounds 1024 exist: 1025 (

a) Lack of one or more of the qualifications for the 1026 license or appointment as specified in this code. 1027 (

b) Material misstatement, misrepresentation, or fraud in 1028 obtaining the license or appointment or in attempting to obtain 1029 the license or appointment. 1030 (

c) Failure to pass to the satisfaction of the department 1031 any examination required under this code, including cheating on 1032 an examination required for licensure or violating test center 1033 or examination procedures published orally, in writing, or 1034 electronically at the test site by authorized representatives of 1035 the examination program administrator. 1036 (

d) If the license or appointment is willfully used, or to 1037 be used, to circumvent any of the requirements or prohibitions 1038 of this code. 1039 (

e) Willful misrepresentation of any insurance policy or 1040 annuity contract or willful deception with regard to any such 1041 policy or contract, done either in person or by any form of 1042 dissemination of information or advertising. 1043 (

f) If, as an adjuster, or agent licensed and appointed to 1044

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 37 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. adjust claims under this code, he or she has materially 1045 misrepresented to an insured or other interested party the terms 1046 and coverage of an insurance contract with intent and for the 1047 purpose of effecting settlement of claim for loss or damage or 1048 benefit under such contract on less favorable terms than those 1049 provided in and contemplated by the contract. 1050 (

g) Demonstrated lack of fitness or trustworthiness to 1051 engage in the business of insurance. 1052 (

h) Demonstrated lack of reasonably adequate knowledge and 1053 technical competence to engage in the transactions authorized by 1054 the license or appointment. 1055 (

i) Fraudulent or dishonest practices in the conduct of 1056 business under the license or appointment. 1057 (

j) Misappropriation, conversion, or unlawful withholding 1058 of moneys belonging to insurers or insureds or beneficiaries or 1059 to others and received in conduct of business under the license 1060 or appointment. 1061 (

k) Unlawfully rebating, attempting to unlawfully rebate, 1062 or unlawfully dividing or offering to divide his or her 1063 commission with another. 1064 (

l) Having obtained or attempted to obtain, or having used 1065 or using, a license or appointment as agent or customer 1066 representative for the purpose of soliciting or handling 1067 “controlled business” as defined in s. 626.730 with respect to 1068 general lines agents, s. 626.784 with respect to life agents, 1069 and s. 626.830 with respect to health agents. 1070 (

m) Willful failure to comply with, or willful violation 1071 of, any proper order or rule of the department or willful 1072 violation of any provision of this code. 1073

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n) Having been found guilty of or having pleaded guilty or 1074 nolo contendere to a misdemeanor directly related to the 1075 financial services business, any felony, or any crime punishable 1076 by imprisonment of 1 year or more under the law of the United 1077 States of America or of any state thereof or under the law of 1078 any other country, without regard to whether a judgment of 1079 conviction has been entered by the court having jurisdiction of 1080 such cases. 1081 (

o) Fraudulent or dishonest practice in submitting or 1082 aiding or abetting any person in the submission of an 1083 application for workers’ compensation coverage under

chapter 440 1084 containing false or misleading information as to employee 1085 payroll or classification for the purpose of avoiding or 1086 reducing the amount of premium due for such coverage. 1087 (

p) Sale of an unregistered security that was required to 1088 be registered, pursuant to

chapter 517. 1089 (

q) In transactions related to viatical settlement 1090 contracts as defined in s. 626.9911: 1091 1. Commission of a fraudulent or dishonest act. 1092 2. No longer meeting the requirements for initial 1093 licensure. 1094 3. Having received a fee, commission, or other valuable 1095 consideration for his or her services with respect to viatical 1096 settlements that involved unlicensed viatical settlement 1097 providers or persons who offered or attempted to negotiate on 1098 behalf of another person a viatical settlement contract as 1099 defined in s. 626.9911 and who were not licensed life agents. 1100 4. Dealing in bad faith with viators. 1101

Section

Section 626.621, Florida Statutes, is amended 1102

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 39 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. to read: 1103 626.621 Grounds for discretionary refusal, suspension, or 1104 revocation of agent’s, adjuster’s, customer representative’s, 1105 service representative’s, or managing general agent’s license or 1106 appointment.—The department may, in its discretion, require a 1107 license reexamination, deny an application for, suspend, revoke, 1108 or refuse to renew or continue the license or appointment of any 1109 applicant, agent, adjuster, customer representative, service 1110 representative, or managing general agent, and it may suspend or 1111 revoke the eligibility to hold a license or appointment of any 1112 such person, if it finds that as to the applicant, licensee, or 1113 appointee any one or more of the following applicable grounds 1114 exist under circumstances for which such denial, suspension, 1115 revocation, or refusal is not mandatory under s. 626.611: 1116

(1) Any cause for which issuance of the license or 1117 appointment could have been refused had it then existed and been 1118 known to the department. 1119

(2) Violation of any provision of this code or of any other 1120 law applicable to the business of insurance in the course of 1121 dealing under the license or appointment. 1122

(3) Violation of any lawful order or rule of the 1123 department, commission, or office. 1124

(4) Failure or refusal, upon demand, to pay over to any 1125 insurer he or she represents or has represented any money coming 1126 into his or her hands belonging to the insurer. 1127

(5) Violation of the provision against twisting, as defined 1128 in s. 626.9541(1)(l). 1129

(6) In the conduct of business under the license or 1130 appointment, engaging in unfair methods of competition or in 1131

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 40 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. unfair or deceptive acts or practices, as prohibited under

part 1132 IX of this chapter, or having otherwise shown himself or herself 1133 to be a source of injury or loss to the public. 1134

(7) Willful overinsurance of any property or health 1135 insurance risk. 1136

(8) If a life agent, violation of the code of ethics. 1137

(9) Cheating on an examination required for licensure or 1138 violating test center or examination procedures published 1139 orally, in writing, or electronically at the test site by 1140 authorized representatives of the examination program 1141 administrator. Communication of test center and examination 1142 procedures must be clearly established and documented. 1143

(10) Failure to inform the department in writing within 30 1144 days after pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, or being 1145 convicted or found guilty of, any felony or a crime punishable 1146 by imprisonment of 1 year or more under the law of the United 1147 States or of any state thereof, or under the law of any other 1148 country without regard to whether a judgment of conviction has 1149 been entered by the court having jurisdiction of the case. 1150

(11) Knowingly aiding, assisting, procuring, advising, or 1151 abetting any person in the violation of or to violate a 1152 provision of the insurance code or any order or rule of the 1153 department, commission, or office. 1154

(12) Has been the subject of or has had a license, permit, 1155 appointment, registration, or other authority to conduct 1156 business subject to any decision, finding, injunction, 1157 suspension, prohibition, revocation, denial, judgment, final 1158 agency action, or administrative order by any court of competent 1159 jurisdiction, administrative law proceeding, state agency, 1160

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 41 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. federal agency, national securities, commodities, or option 1161 exchange, or national securities, commodities, or option 1162 association involving a violation of any federal or state 1163 securities or commodities law or any rule or regulation adopted 1164 thereunder, or a violation of any rule or regulation of any 1165 national securities, commodities, or options exchange or 1166 national securities, commodities, or options association. 1167

(13) Failure to comply with any civil, criminal, or 1168 administrative action taken by the child support enforcement 1169 program under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1170 ss. 651 et seq., to determine paternity or to establish, modify, 1171 enforce, or collect support. 1172

(14) Directly or indirectly accepting any compensation, 1173 inducement, or reward from an inspector for the referral of the 1174 owner of the inspected property to the inspector or inspection 1175 company. This prohibition applies to an inspection intended for 1176 submission to an insurer in order to obtain property insurance 1177 coverage or establish the applicable property insurance premium. 1178

(15) Denial, suspension, or revocation of, or any other 1179 adverse administrative action against, a license to practice or 1180 conduct any regulated profession, business, or vocation by this 1181 state, any other state, any nation, any possession or district 1182 of the United States, any court, or any lawful agency thereof. 1183

(16) Taking an action that allows the personal financial or 1184 medical information of a consumer or customer to be made 1185 available or accessible to the general public, regardless of the 1186 format in which the record is stored. 1187

(17) Initiating in-person or telephone solicitation after 9 1188 p.m. or before 8 a.m. local time of the prospective customer 1189

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 42 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. unless requested by the prospective customer. 1190

(18) Cancellation of the applicant’s, licensee’s, or 1191 appointee’s resident license in a state other than Florida. 1192

Section 13. Subsection (1) of

section 626.731, Florida 1193 Statutes, is amended to read: 1194 626.731 Qualifications for general lines agent’s license.— 1195

(1) The department may shall not grant or issue a license 1196 as general lines agent to any individual found by it to be 1197 untrustworthy or incompetent or who does not meet each all of 1198 the following qualifications: 1199 (

a) The applicant is a natural person at least 18 years of 1200 age. 1201 (

b) The applicant is a United States citizen or legal alien 1202 who possesses work authorization from the United States Bureau 1203 of Citizenship and Immigration Services and is a bona fide 1204 resident of this state.

An individual who is a bona fide 1205 resident of this state shall be deemed to meet the residence 1206 requirement of this paragraph, notwithstanding the existence at 1207 the time of application for license of a license in his or her 1208 name on the records of another state as a resident licensee of 1209 such other state, if the applicant furnishes a letter of 1210 clearance satisfactory to the department that the resident 1211 licenses have been canceled or changed to a nonresident basis 1212 and that he or she is in good standing. 1213 (

c) The applicant’s place of business will be located in 1214 this state and he or she will be actively engaged in the 1215 business of insurance and will maintain a place of business, the 1216 location of which is identifiable by and accessible to the 1217 public. 1218

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d) The license is not being sought for the purpose of 1219 writing or handling controlled business, in violation of s. 1220 626.730. 1221 (

e) The applicant is qualified as to knowledge, experience, 1222 or instruction in the business of insurance and meets the 1223 requirements provided in s. 626.732. 1224 (

f) The applicant has passed any required examination for 1225 license required under s. 626.221. 1226

Section 14. Subsection (2) of

section 626.785, Florida 1227 Statutes, is amended to read: 1228 626.785 Qualifications for license.— 1229

(2) An individual who is a bona fide resident of this state 1230 shall be deemed to meet the residence requirement of paragraph 1231 (1)(b), notwithstanding the existence at the time of application 1232 for license of a license in his or her name on the records of 1233 another state as a resident licensee of such other state, if the 1234 applicant furnishes a letter of clearance satisfactory to the 1235 department that the resident licenses have been canceled or 1236 changed to a nonresident basis and that he or she is in good 1237 standing. 1238

Section

Section 626.831, Florida Statutes, is amended 1239 to read: 1240 626.831 Qualifications for license.— 1241

(1) The department may shall not grant or issue a license 1242 as health agent as to any individual found by it to be 1243 untrustworthy or incompetent, or who does not meet all of the 1244 following qualifications: 1245 (1)(

a) Is Must be a natural person of at least 18 years of 1246 age. 1247

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 44 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. (2)(

b) Is Must be a United States citizen or legal alien 1248 who possesses work authorization from the United States Bureau 1249 of Citizenship and Immigration Services and is a bona fide 1250 resident of this state. 1251 (3)(

c) Is Must not be an employee of the United States 1252 Department of Veterans Affairs or state service office, as 1253 referred to in s. 626.833. 1254 (4)(

d) Has taken Must take and passed pass any examination 1255 for license required under s. 626.221. 1256 (5)(

e) Is Must be qualified as to knowledge, experience, or 1257 instruction in the business of insurance and meets meet the 1258 requirements relative thereto provided in s. 626.8311. 1259

(2) An individual who is a bona fide resident of this state 1260 shall be deemed to meet the residence requirement of paragraph 1261 (1)(b), notwithstanding the existence at the time of application 1262 for license of a license in his or her name on the records of 1263 another state as a resident licensee of such other state, if the 1264 applicant furnishes a letter of clearance satisfactory to the 1265 department that the resident licenses have been canceled or 1266 changed to a nonresident basis and that he or she is in good 1267 standing. 1268

Section 16. Subsection (24) is added to

section 626.854, 1269 Florida Statutes, to read: 1270 626.854 “Public adjuster” defined; prohibitions.—The 1271 Legislature finds that it is necessary for the protection of the 1272 public to regulate public insurance adjusters and to prevent the 1273 unauthorized practice of law. 1274

(24) A public adjuster, public adjuster apprentice, or 1275 public adjusting firm must respond with specific information to 1276

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Section 17. Subsection (4) of

section 648.34, Florida 1281 Statutes, is amended to read: 1282 648.34 Bail bond agents; qualifications.— 1283

(4) The applicant shall furnish, with his or her 1284 application, a complete set of his or her fingerprints in 1285 accordance with s. 626.171(4) and a recent credential-sized, 1286 fullface photograph of the applicant. The department may shall 1287 not authorize an applicant to take the required examination 1288 until the department has received a report from the Department 1289 of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation 1290 relative to the existence or nonexistence of a criminal history 1291 report based on the applicant’s fingerprints. 1292

Section 18. Subsection (2) of

section 648.382, Florida 1293 Statutes, is amended to read: 1294 648.382 Appointment of bail bond agents and bail bond 1295 agencies; effective date of appointment.— 1296

(2) Before any appointment, an appropriate officer or 1297 official of the appointing insurer must obtain all of the 1298 following information submit: 1299 (

a) A certified statement or affidavit to the department 1300 stating what investigation has been made concerning the proposed 1301 appointee and the proposed appointee’s background and the 1302 appointing person’s opinion to the best of his or her knowledge 1303 and belief as to the moral character and reputation of the 1304 proposed appointee. In lieu of such certified statement or 1305

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 46 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. affidavit, by authorizing the effectuation of an appointment for 1306 a licensee, the appointing entity certifies to the department 1307 that such investigation has been made and that the results of 1308 the investigation and the appointing person’s opinion is that 1309 the proposed appointee is a person of good moral character and 1310 reputation and is fit to engage in the bail bond business.; 1311 (

b) An affidavit under oath on a form prescribed by the 1312 department, signed by the proposed appointee, stating that 1313 premiums are not owed to any insurer and that the appointee will 1314 discharge all outstanding forfeitures and judgments on bonds 1315 previously written.

If the appointee does not satisfy or 1316 discharge such forfeitures or judgments, the former insurer 1317 shall file a notice, with supporting documents, with the 1318 appointing insurer, the former agent or agency, and the 1319 department, stating under oath that the licensee has failed to 1320 timely satisfy forfeitures and judgments on bonds written and 1321 that the insurer has satisfied the forfeiture or judgment from 1322 its own funds. Upon receipt of such notification and supporting 1323 documents, the appointing insurer shall immediately cancel the 1324 licensee’s appointment.

The licensee may be reappointed only 1325 upon certification by the former insurer that all forfeitures 1326 and judgments on bonds written by the licensee have been 1327 discharged. The appointing insurer or former agent or agency 1328 may, within 10 days, file a petition with the department seeking 1329 relief from this paragraph. Filing of the petition stays the 1330 duty of the appointing insurer to cancel the appointment until 1331 the department grants or denies the petition.; 1332 (

c) Any other information that the department reasonably 1333 requires concerning the proposed appointee.; and 1334

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d) Effective January 1, 2025, a certification that the 1335 appointing entity obtained from each appointee the following 1336 sworn statement: 1337 1338 Pursuant to

section 648.382(2)(b), Florida Statutes, I 1339 do solemnly swear that I owe no premium to any insurer 1340 or agency and that I will discharge all outstanding 1341 forfeitures and judgments on bonds that have been 1342 previously written. I acknowledge that failure to do 1343 this will result in my active appointments being 1344 canceled. 1345 1346 An appointed bail bond agency must have the attestation under 1347 this paragraph signed by its owner. 1348

Section

Section 717.001, Florida Statutes, is amended 1349 to read: 1350 717.001

Short title.—This

chapter may be cited as the 1351 “Florida Disposition of Abandoned Personal Unclaimed Property 1352 Act.” 1353

Section 20. Present subsections (1) through (4), (5) 1354 through (8), (10) through (13), (15) through (20), (21), (22) 1355 through (28), and (31), (32), and (33) of

section 717.101, 1356 Florida Statutes, are redesignated as subsections (4) through 1357 (7), (9) through (12), (13) through (16), (17) through (22), 1358 (24), (26) through (32), and (33), (34), and (35), respectively, 1359 new subsections (1), (2), (3), (8), (23), and (25) are added to 1360 that section, and present subsections (1), (2), (5), (6), (8), 1361 (9), (12), (14), (16), (18), (19), (20), (22), (25), (29), and 1362 (30) of that

section are amended, to read: 1363

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Definitions.—As used in this chapter, unless the 1364 context otherwise requires: 1365 (1) “Abandoned property” means property held by a holder 1366 for which all of the following are true: 1367 (

a) The apparent owner has shown no activity or indication 1368 of interest for the duration of the applicable dormancy period 1369 established under this chapter. 1370 (

b) The holder has complied with the due diligence 1371 requirements set forth in this chapter, including the issuance 1372 of notice to the apparent owner, and has received no response or 1373 contact sufficient to demonstrate continued interest in the 1374 property. 1375 (2) “Abandoned Property Purchase Agreement” means the form 1376 adopted by the department pursuant to s. 717.135 which must be 1377 used, without modification or amendment, by a claimant 1378 representative to purchase abandoned property from an owner. 1379 (3) “Abandoned Property Recovery Agreement” means the form 1380 adopted by the department pursuant to s. 717.135 which must be 1381 used, without modification or amendment, by a claimant 1382 representative to obtain consent and authority to recover 1383 abandoned property on behalf of a person. 1384 (4)(1) “Aggregate” means the amounts reported for owners of 1385 abandoned unclaimed property of less than $10 or where there is 1386 no name for the individual or entity listed on the holder’s 1387 records, regardless of the amount to be reported. 1388 (5)(2) “Apparent owner” means the person whose name appears 1389 on the records of the holder as the owner of the abandoned 1390 property, but whose status as the true owner entitled to receive 1391 the property may be subject to change due to the passage of time 1392

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 49 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. or changes in circumstances person entitled to property held, 1393 issued, or owing by the holder. 1394 (8) “Authorized representative” means a person or entity 1395 legally empowered to act on behalf of the apparent owner or his 1396 or estate, including, but not limited to, an agent, a fiduciary, 1397 a personal representative, a trustee, a legal heir, a guardian, 1398 or any other individual or entity authorized by law or 1399 agreement. 1400 (9)(5) “Banking or financial organization” means any and 1401 all banks, trust companies, private bankers, savings banks, 1402 industrial banks, safe-deposit companies, savings and loan 1403 associations, credit unions, savings associations, banking 1404 organizations, international bank agencies, cooperative banks, 1405 building and loan associations, and investment companies in this 1406 state, organized under or subject to the laws of this state or 1407 of the United States, including entities organized under 12 1408 U.S.C. s. 611, but does not include federal reserve banks.

The 1409 term also includes any corporation, business association, or 1410 other organization that: 1411 (

a) Is a wholly or partially owned subsidiary of any 1412 banking, banking corporation, or bank holding company that 1413 performs any or all of the functions of a banking organization; 1414 or 1415 (

b) Performs functions pursuant to the terms of a contract 1416 with any banking organization. 1417 (10)(6) “Business association” means any for-profit or 1418 nonprofit corporation other than a public corporation; joint 1419 stock company; investment company; unincorporated association or 1420 association of two or more individuals for business purposes, 1421

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 50 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. whether or not for profit; partnership; joint venture; limited 1422 liability company; sole proprietorship; business trust; trust 1423 company; land bank; safe-deposit company; safekeeping 1424 depository; banking or financial organization; insurance 1425 company; federally chartered entity; utility company; transfer 1426 agent; or other business entity, whether or not for profit. 1427 (12)(8) “Claimant Claimant’s representative” means an 1428 attorney who is a member in good standing with of The Florida 1429 Bar, a certified public accountant licensed in this state, or a 1430 private investigator who is duly licensed to do business in this 1431 the state, who is registered with the department, and authorized 1432 to file claims on behalf of persons with the department by the 1433 claimant to claim unclaimed property on the claimant’s behalf. 1434 The term does not include a person acting in a representative or 1435 fiduciary capacity, such as a personal representative, guardian, 1436 trustee, or attorney, whose representation is not contingent 1437 upon the discovery or location of abandoned unclaimed property, 1438 and it expressly excludes locators, who engage in locating 1439 owners of abandoned property for a fee but are not registered 1440 with the department; provided, however, that any agreement 1441 entered into for the purpose of evading s. 717.135 is invalid 1442 and unenforceable. 1443 (9) “Credit balance” means an account balance in the 1444 customer’s favor. 1445 (15)(12) “Due diligence” means the use of reasonable and 1446 prudent methods under particular circumstances to locate 1447 apparent owners of presumed abandoned property inactive accounts 1448 using the taxpayer identification number or social security 1449 number, if known, which may include, but are not limited to, 1450

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 51 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. using a nationwide database, cross-indexing with other records 1451 of the holder, mailing to the last known address unless the last 1452 known address is known to be inaccurate, providing written 1453 notice as described in this

chapter by electronic mail if an 1454 apparent owner has elected such delivery, or engaging a licensed 1455 agency or company capable of conducting such search and 1456 providing updated addresses. 1457 (14) “Financial organization” means a savings association, 1458 savings and loan association, savings bank, industrial bank, 1459 bank, banking organization, trust company, international bank 1460 agency, cooperative bank, building and loan association, or 1461 credit union. 1462 (18)(16) “Holder” means a person who is in possession of 1463 property belonging to another or who owes a debt or an 1464 obligation to another person, including, but not limited to, 1465 financial institutions, insurance companies, corporations, 1466 partnerships, fiduciaries, and government agencies: 1467 (

a) A person who is in possession or control or has custody 1468 of property or the rights to property belonging to another; is 1469 indebted to another on an obligation; or is obligated to hold 1470 for the account of, or to deliver or pay to, the owner, property 1471 subject to this chapter; or 1472 (

b) A trustee in case of a trust. 1473 (20)(18) “Intangible property” includes, by way of 1474 illustration and not limitation: 1475 (

a) Moneys, checks, virtual currency, drafts, deposits, 1476 interest, dividends, and income. 1477 (

b) Credit balances, customer overpayments, security 1478 deposits and other instruments as defined by

chapter 679, 1479

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 52 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. refunds, unpaid wages, unused airline tickets, and unidentified 1480 remittances. 1481 (

c) Stocks, and other intangible ownership interests in 1482 business associations except for: 1483 1. A non-freely transferable security; or 1484 2. A security that is subject to a lien, legal hold, or 1485 restriction evidenced on the records of the holder or imposed by 1486 operation of law, if the lien, legal hold, or restriction 1487 restricts the holder’s or owner’s ability to receive, transfer, 1488 sell, or otherwise negotiate the security. 1489 (

d) Moneys deposited to redeem stocks, bonds, bearer bonds, 1490 original issue discount bonds, coupons, and other securities, or 1491 to make distributions. 1492 (

e) Amounts due and payable under the terms of insurance 1493 policies. 1494 (

f) Amounts distributable from a trust or custodial fund 1495 established under a plan to provide any health, welfare, 1496 pension, vacation, severance, retirement, death, stock purchase, 1497 profit sharing, employee savings, supplemental unemployment 1498 insurance, or similar benefit. 1499 (21)(19) “Last known address” means a description of the 1500 location of the apparent owner sufficient for the purpose of the 1501 delivery of mail.

For the purposes of identifying, reporting, 1502 and remitting property to the department which is presumed to be 1503 unclaimed, the term “last known address” includes any partial 1504 description of the location of the apparent owner sufficient to 1505 establish the apparent owner was a resident of this state at the 1506 time of last contact with the apparent owner or at the time the 1507 property became due and payable. 1508

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 53 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. (22)(20) “Lawful charges” means charges against the 1509 property or the account in which the property is held dormant 1510 accounts that are authorized by statute for the purpose of 1511 offsetting the costs of maintaining the property or the account 1512 in which the property is held dormant account. 1513 (23) “Locator” means a private individual or business that 1514 locates owners of abandoned property in exchange for a fee, 1515 typically a percentage of the recovered property.

Locators are 1516 not employees or agents of the state and are not registered with 1517 the department. 1518 (25) ”Non-freely transferable security” means a security 1519 that cannot be delivered to the administrator by the Depository 1520 Trust Clearing Corporation or similar custodian of securities 1521 providing post-trade clearing and settlement services to 1522 financial markets or cannot be delivered because there is no 1523 agent to effect transfer.

The term includes a worthless 1524 security. 1525 (26)(22) “Owner” means the a person, or the person’s legal 1526 representative, entitled to receive or having a legal or 1527 equitable interest in the abandoned property.

An owner 1528 establishes his or her entitlement by filing a valid claim with 1529 the department pursuant or claim against property subject to 1530 this chapter; a depositor in the case of a deposit; a 1531 beneficiary in the case of a trust or a deposit in trust; or a 1532 payee in the case of a negotiable instrument or other intangible 1533 property. 1534 (29)(25) “Record” means information that is captured or 1535 maintained in any format, including written, printed, 1536 electronic, audio, visual, or other forms, and that can be made 1537

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 54 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. perceptible or understandable to a person, either directly or 1538 through technological means, including assistive technologies 1539 inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an 1540 electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable 1541 form. 1542 (29) “Unclaimed Property Purchase Agreement” means the form 1543 adopted by the department pursuant to s. 717.135 which must be 1544 used, without modification or amendment, by a claimant’s 1545 representative to purchase unclaimed property from an owner. 1546 (30) “Unclaimed Property Recovery Agreement” means the form 1547 adopted by the department pursuant to s. 717.135 which must be 1548 used, without modification or amendment, by a claimant’s 1549 representative to obtain an owner’s consent and authority to 1550 recover unclaimed property on the owner’s behalf. 1551

Section

Section 717.102, Florida Statutes, is amended 1552 to read: 1553 717.102 Property presumed abandoned unclaimed; general 1554 rule.— 1555

(1) Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, all 1556 intangible property, including any income or increment thereon 1557 less any lawful charges, that is held, issued, or owing in the 1558 ordinary course of the holder’s business and for which the 1559 apparent owner or authorized representative fails to demonstrate 1560 continued interest for more than the applicable dormancy period 1561 prescribed by this

chapter shall be presumed abandoned claim 1562 such property for more than 5 years after the property becomes 1563 payable or distributable is presumed unclaimed, except as 1564 otherwise provided by this chapter. Unless otherwise specified 1565 by law, the dormancy period shall be 5 years from the date the 1566

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 55 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. property becomes payable or distributable. For the purposes of 1567 this chapter, property shall be considered payable or 1568 distributable once the holder’s obligation to pay or deliver the 1569 property arises, regardless of whether the apparent owner or 1570 authorized representative has failed to demand or to present 1571 documents required to receive payment. 1572

(2) Property is payable or distributable for the purpose of 1573 this

chapter notwithstanding the owner’s failure to make demand 1574 or to present any instrument or document required to receive 1575 payment. 1576

(3) A presumption that property is abandoned may be 1577 unclaimed is rebutted by the affirmative demonstration of 1578 continued interest by the apparent owner or authorized 1579 representative an apparent owner’s expression of interest in the 1580 property. Such demonstration An owner’s expression of continued 1581 interest in property includes, but is not limited to, any of the 1582 following: 1583 (

a) A record communicated by the apparent owner or 1584 authorized representative to the holder or its agent of the 1585 holder concerning the property or the account in which the 1586 property is held.; 1587 (

b) An oral communication by the apparent owner or 1588 authorized representative to the holder or its agent of the 1589 holder concerning the property or the account in which the 1590 property is held, if the holder or its agent contemporaneously 1591 records makes and preserves evidence a record of the fact of the 1592 apparent owner’s communication.; 1593 (

c) Presentment of a check or other instrument for of 1594 payment of a dividends dividend, interest payment, or other 1595

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d) Any account activity initiated directed by an apparent 1599 owner or authorized representative in the account in which the 1600 property is held, including accessing the account or directing 1601 changes to information concerning the account, or to the amount 1602 or type of property held, excluding routine automatic 1603 transactions previously authorized, a direction by the apparent 1604 owner to increase, decrease, or otherwise change the amount or 1605 type of property held in the account.; 1606 (

e) Any A deposit into or withdrawal from the property or 1607 the an account in which the property is held at a financial 1608 organization, excluding an automatic deposits, withdrawals, or 1609 reinvestments deposit or withdrawal previously authorized by the 1610 apparent owner or authorized representative. an automatic 1611 reinvestment of dividends or interest, which does not constitute 1612 an expression of interest; or 1613 (

f) Any other action by the apparent owner or authorized 1614 representative which reasonably demonstrates to the holder that 1615 the apparent owner or authorized representative is aware of and 1616 maintains an interest in knows that the property exists. 1617 (3)

(4) If a holder learns or receives confirmation of an 1618 apparent owner’s death, the property shall be presumed abandoned 1619 unclaimed 2 years after the date of death, unless an authorized 1620 representative makes an affirmative demonstration a fiduciary 1621 appointed to represent the estate of the apparent owner has made 1622 an expression of interest in the property before the expiration 1623 of the 2-year period. This subsection may not be construed to 1624

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Section

Section 717.103, Florida Statutes, is amended 1627 to read: 1628 717.103 General rules for taking custody of intangible 1629 abandoned unclaimed property.—Unless otherwise provided in this 1630

chapter or by other statute of this state, intangible property 1631 is subject to the custody of the department as abandoned 1632 unclaimed property when if the conditions leading to a 1633 presumption that the property is abandoned unclaimed as 1634 described in ss. 717.102 and 717.105-717.116 are satisfied and 1635 the holder has fulfilled all required due diligence obligations 1636 without receiving any response or claim from the apparent owner, 1637 and one or more of the following criteria apply: 1638

(1) The last known address, as shown on the records of the 1639 holder, of the apparent owner is in this state.; 1640

(2) The records of the holder do not identify the name of 1641 the apparent owner, but do reflect the identity of the person 1642 entitled to the property, and it is established that the last 1643 known address of the apparent owner person entitled to the 1644 property is in this state.; 1645

(3) The records of the holder do not reflect the last known 1646 address of the apparent owner, but and it is established that 1647 either of the following conditions apply: 1648 (

a) The last known address of the apparent owner person 1649 entitled to the property is in this state.; or 1650 (

b) The holder is domiciled in this state, a domiciliary or 1651 is a government entity or governmental subdivision or agency of 1652 this state, and has not previously paid the property to the 1653

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(4) The last known address, as shown on the records of the 1656 holder, of the apparent owner or other person entitled to the 1657 property is in a jurisdiction state that does not have 1658 applicable provide by law for the escheat, abandoned, or 1659 unclaimed property laws custodial taking of the property, or its 1660 escheat or unclaimed property law is not applicable to the 1661 property, and the holder is domiciled in this state a 1662 domiciliary or is a government entity or governmental 1663 subdivision or agency of this state.; 1664

(5) The last known address, as shown on the records of the 1665 holder, of the apparent owner is in a foreign nation and the 1666 holder is domiciled in this state a domiciliary or is a 1667 government entity or governmental subdivision or agency of this 1668 state.; or 1669

(6) The transaction out of which the property arose 1670 occurred in this state, and both of the following are true:; 1671 (a)1. The last known address of the apparent owner or other 1672 person entitled to the property is unknown.; or 1673 2. The last known address of the apparent owner or other 1674 person entitled to the property is in a state that does not 1675 provide by law for the escheat or custodial taking of the 1676 property, or its escheat or unclaimed property law is not 1677 applicable to the property; and 1678 (

b) The holder is domiciled in a jurisdiction a domiciliary 1679 of a state that does not have applicable provide by law for the 1680 escheat, abandoned, or custodial taking of the property, or its 1681 escheat or unclaimed property laws law is not applicable to the 1682

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Section

Section 717.1035, Florida Statutes, is 1684 repealed. 1685

Section

Section 717.104, Florida Statutes, is amended 1686 to read: 1687 717.104 Traveler’s checks and money orders.— 1688

(1) Subject to subsection (4), any sum payable on a 1689 traveler’s check that has been outstanding for more than 15 1690 years after its issuance is presumed abandoned unclaimed unless 1691 the apparent owner or authorized representative, within 15 1692 years, has demonstrated a continued interest in the property in 1693 accordance with s. 717.102 communicated in writing with the 1694 issuer concerning it or otherwise indicated an interest as 1695 evidenced by a memorandum or other record on file with the 1696 issuer. 1697

(2) Subject to subsection (4), any sum payable on a money 1698 order or similar written instrument, other than a third party 1699 bank check, that has been outstanding for more than 7 years 1700 after its issuance is presumed abandoned unclaimed unless the 1701 apparent owner or authorized representative, within 7 years, has 1702 demonstrated a continued interest in the property in accordance 1703 with s. 717.102 communicated in writing with the issuer 1704 concerning it or otherwise indicated an interest as evidenced by 1705 a memorandum or other record on file with the issuer. 1706

(3) A No holder may not deduct from the amount of any 1707 traveler’s check or money order any charges imposed by reason of 1708 the failure to present those instruments for payment unless 1709 there is a valid and enforceable written contract between the 1710 holder issuer and the apparent owner of the property pursuant to 1711

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 60 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. which the holder issuer may impose those charges and the holder 1712 issuer regularly imposes those charges and does not regularly 1713 reverse or otherwise cancel those charges with respect to the 1714 property. 1715

(4) No sum payable on a traveler’s check, money order, or 1716 similar written instrument, other than a third party bank check, 1717 described in subsections (1) and (2) may be subjected to the 1718 custody of this state as abandoned unclaimed property unless any 1719 of the following conditions are met: 1720 (

a) The records of the holder issuer show that the 1721 traveler’s check, money order, or similar written instrument was 1722 purchased in this state.; 1723 (

b) The holder issuer has its principal place of business 1724 in this state and its the records of the issuer do not show the 1725 state in which the traveler’s check, money order, or similar 1726 written instrument was purchased.; or 1727 (

c) The holder issuer has its principal place of business 1728 in this state; the holder’s records of the issuer show the state 1729 in which the traveler’s check, money order, or similar written 1730 instrument was purchased; and the laws of the state of purchase 1731 does not provide applicable do not provide for the escheat, 1732 abandoned, or unclaimed property laws or custodial taking of the 1733 property, or its escheat or unclaimed property law is not 1734 applicable to the property. 1735

(5) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, 1736 subsection (4) applies to sums payable on traveler’s checks, 1737 money orders, and similar written instruments presumed abandoned 1738 unclaimed on or after February 1, 1965, except to the extent 1739 that those sums have been paid over to a state prior to January 1740

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Section

Section 717.1045, Florida Statutes, is amended 1742 to read: 1743 717.1045 Gift certificates and similar credit items.—1744 Notwithstanding s. 717.117, an unredeemed gift certificate or 1745 credit memo as defined in s. 501.95 is not required to be 1746 reported as abandoned unclaimed property. 1747

(1) The consideration paid for an unredeemed gift 1748 certificate or credit memo is the property of the issuer of the 1749 unredeemed gift certificate or credit memo. 1750

(2) An unredeemed gift certificate or credit memo is 1751 subject only to any rights of a purchaser or owner thereof and 1752 is not subject to a claim made by any state acting on behalf of 1753 a purchaser or owner. 1754

(3) It is the intent of the Legislature that this

section 1755 apply to the custodial holding of unredeemed gift certificates 1756 and credit memos. 1757

(4) However, a gift certificate or credit memo described in 1758 s. 501.95(2)(

b) shall be reported as abandoned unclaimed 1759 property. The consideration paid for such a gift certificate or 1760 credit memo is the property of the owner of the gift certificate 1761 or credit memo. 1762

Section

Section 717.105, Florida Statutes, is amended 1763 to read: 1764 717.105 Checks, drafts, and similar instruments issued or 1765 certified by banking and financial organizations.— 1766

(1) Any sum payable on a check, draft, or similar 1767 instrument, except those subject to ss. 717.104 and 717.115, on 1768 which a banking or financial organization is directly liable, 1769

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 62 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. including, but not limited to, a cashier’s check or a certified 1770 check, which has been outstanding for more than 5 years after it 1771 was payable or after its issuance if payable on demand, is 1772 presumed abandoned unclaimed unless the apparent owner or 1773 authorized representative, within 5 years, has communicated in 1774 writing with the banking or financial organization concerning it 1775 or otherwise demonstrated a continued interest in the property 1776 in accordance with s. 717.102 indicated an interest as evidenced 1777 by a memorandum or other record on file with the banking or 1778 financial organization. 1779

(2) A No holder may not deduct from the amount of any 1780 instrument subject to this

section any charges imposed by reason 1781 of the failure to present the instrument for encashment unless 1782 there is a valid and enforceable written contract between the 1783 holder and the apparent owner of the instrument pursuant to 1784 which the holder may impose those charges and does not regularly 1785 reverse or otherwise cancel those charges with respect to the 1786 instrument. 1787

Section 27. Subsection (1), paragraphs (

a) and (

b) of 1788 subsection (3), and subsections (4) and (5) of

section 717.106, 1789 Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 1790 717.106 Bank deposits and funds in financial 1791 organizations.— 1792

(1) Any demand, savings, or matured time deposit with a 1793 banking or financial organization, including deposits that are 1794 automatically renewable, and any funds paid toward the purchase 1795 of shares, a mutual investment certificate, or any other 1796 interest in a banking or financial organization is presumed 1797 abandoned unclaimed unless the apparent owner or authorized 1798

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 63 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. representative has, within 5 years, engaged in any of the 1799 following activities: 1800 (

a) Increased or decreased the amount of the deposit or 1801 presented the passbook or other similar evidence of the deposit 1802 for the crediting of interest.; 1803 (

b) Communicated in writing or by documented telephone 1804 contact with the banking or financial organization concerning 1805 the property.; 1806 (

c) Otherwise demonstrated a continued indicated an 1807 interest in the property as evidenced by a memorandum or other 1808 record on file with the banking or financial organization.; 1809 (

d) Owned other property to which paragraph (a), paragraph 1810 (b), or paragraph (

c) is applicable and if the banking or 1811 financial organization communicates in writing with the owner 1812 with regard to the property that would otherwise be presumed 1813 abandoned unclaimed under this subsection at the address to 1814 which communications regarding the other property regularly are 1815 sent.; or 1816 (

e) Had another relationship with the banking or financial 1817 organization concerning which the apparent owner has: 1818 1. Communicated in writing with the banking or financial 1819 organization; or 1820 2. Otherwise demonstrated a continued indicated an interest 1821 as evidenced by a memorandum or other record on file with the 1822 banking or financial organization and if the banking or 1823 financial organization communicates in writing with the apparent 1824 owner or authorized representative with regard to the property 1825 that would otherwise be presumed abandoned unclaimed under this 1826 subsection at the address to which communications regarding the 1827

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 64 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. other relationship regularly are sent. 1828

(3) A No holder may not impose with respect to property 1829 described in subsection (1) any charges due to dormancy or 1830 inactivity or cease payment of interest unless: 1831 (

a) There is an enforceable written contract between the 1832 holder and the apparent owner of the property pursuant to which 1833 the holder may impose those charges or cease payment of 1834 interest. 1835 (

b) For property in excess of $2, the holder, no more than 1836 3 months prior to the initial imposition of those charges or 1837 cessation of interest, has given written notice to the apparent 1838 owner of the amount of those charges at the last known address 1839 of the apparent owner stating that those charges shall be 1840 imposed or that interest shall cease, but the notice provided in 1841 this

section need not be given with respect to charges imposed 1842 or interest ceased before July 1, 1987. 1843

(4) Any property described in subsection (1) that is 1844 automatically renewable is matured for purposes of subsection 1845 (1) upon the expiration of its initial time period except that, 1846 in the case of any renewal to which the apparent owner consents 1847 at or about the time of renewal by communicating in writing with 1848 the banking or financial organization or otherwise indicating 1849 consent as evidenced by a memorandum or other record on file 1850 prepared by an employee of the organization, the property is 1851 matured upon the expiration of the last time period for which 1852 consent was given.

If, at the time provided for delivery in s. 1853 717.119, a penalty or forfeiture in the payment of interest 1854 would result from the delivery of the property, the time for 1855 delivery is extended until the time when no penalty or 1856

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 65 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. forfeiture would result. 1857

(5) If the documents establishing a deposit described in 1858 subsection (1) state the address of a beneficiary of the 1859 deposit, and the account has a value of at least $50, notice 1860 shall be given to the beneficiary as provided for notice to the 1861 apparent owner under s. 717.117 s. 717.117(6). This subsection 1862 shall apply to accounts opened on or after October 1, 1990. 1863

Section 28. Subsection (1) of

section 717.107, Florida 1864 Statutes, is amended to read: 1865 717.107 Funds owing under life insurance policies, annuity 1866 contracts, and retained asset accounts; fines, penalties, and 1867 interest; United States Social Security Administration Death 1868 Master File.— 1869

(1) Funds held or owing under any life or endowment 1870 insurance policy or annuity contract which has matured or 1871 terminated are presumed abandoned unclaimed if unclaimed for 1872 more than 5 years after the date of death of the insured, the 1873 annuitant, or the retained asset account holder, but property 1874 described in paragraph (3)(

d) is presumed abandoned unclaimed if 1875 such property is not claimed for more than 2 years. The amount 1876 presumed abandoned unclaimed shall include any amount due and 1877 payable under s. 627.4615. 1878

Section

Section 717.1071, Florida Statutes, is amended 1879 to read: 1880 717.1071 Lost owners of abandoned unclaimed 1881 demutualization, rehabilitation, or related reorganization 1882 proceeds.— 1883

(1) Property distributable in the course of a 1884 demutualization, rehabilitation, or related reorganization of an 1885

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1452 13-01051B-26 20261452__ Page 66 of 138 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. insurance company is deemed abandoned 2 years after the date the 1886 property is first distributable if, at the time of the first 1887 distribution, the last known address of the apparent owner on 1888 the books and records of the holder is known to be incorrect or 1889 the distribution or statements are returned by the post office 1890 as undeliverable; and the apparent owner or authorized 1891 representative owner has not communicated in writing with the 1892 holder or its agent regarding the interest or otherwise 1893 communicated with the holder regarding the interest as evidenced 1894 by a memorandum or other record on file with the holder or its 1895 agent. 1896

(2) Property distributable in the course of 1897 demutualization, rehabilitation, or related reorganization of a 1898 mutual insurance company that is not subject to subsection (1) 1899 shall be reportable as otherwise provided by this chapter. 1900

(3) Property subject to this

section shall be reported and 1901 delivered no later than May 1 as of the preceding December 31; 1902 however, the initial report under this

section shall be filed no 1903 later than November 1, 2003, as of December 31, 2002. 1904

Section

Section 717.108, Florida Statutes, is amended 1905 to read: 1906 717.108 Deposits held by utilities.—Any deposit, including 1907 any interest thereon, made by a subscriber with a utility to 1908 secure payment or any sum paid in advance for utility services 1909 to be furnished, less any lawful charges, that remains unclaimed 1910 by the apparent owner for more than 1 year after termination of 1911 the services for which the deposit or advance payment was mad