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GREENSPOON MARDER SHAREHOLDER STEVE GELLER SPEAKS ON FLORIDA’S WATER LOSS CRISIS AT THE FLORIDA INSURANCE CONSUMER ADVOCATE’S FORUM
FORT LAUDERDALE – June 21, 2016 – Steve Geller, a shareholder at Greenspoon Marder’s Fort Lauderdale office, was a presenter at the Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate’s forum on June 14th. The purpose of the forum was to address the rising number of non-weather-related water loss claims impacting Florida’s homeowner’s insurance industry. Insurers, regulators, consumer representatives, contractors, trade associations and other stakeholders were brought together to collaborate in an effort to find a mutually sound and consumer-focused solution.
On behalf of Greenspoon Marder’s client, Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (FAPIA), Mr. Geller discussed solutions that would provide good public policy protections. “Possibly the most important thing we think you can do is eliminate the referral fees” said Geller. By doing so, financial incentives which can lead to exaggerated claims would be minimized. Another suggested solution Mr. Geller discussed was requiring contractors to provide policy holders with an estimate before proceeding. Many times policy holders are signing agreements without knowledge of the hefty bill they will receive after the service is completed. FAPIA is looking to work with insurance companies, restoration companies, and the trial bar to band together and reach a reasonable solution.
Geller concentrates his practice in the areas of land use & zoning, lobbying, and gaming, representing numerous local and national clients. He has been a frequent speaker across the country on both gambling and insurance issues, and has spoken frequently in Florida on local government and growth management issues. In addition to his busy practice, Mr. Geller served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1988 to 1998, and was a member of the Florida Senate from 1998 to 2008.
About “Office of Insurance Consumer Advocate”
The Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate was created by the Florida Insurance Commissioner in 1990. The Insurance Consumer Advocate is committed to finding solutions to insurance issues facing Floridians, calling attention to questionable insurance practices, promoting a viable insurance market responsive to the needs of Florida’s diverse population and assuring that rates are fair and justified.