The Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate was created by the Florida Insurance Commissioner in 1990. In 1992, the Florida Legislature codified the position under Section 627.0613, Florida Statutes.  The Insurance Consumer Advocate reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer, but is not otherwise under the authority of the Department of Financial Services or any employee of the department.  The office generally represents the interest of the public and has the authority to intervene before the Division of Administrative Hearings, before the Department of Financial Services (DFS), the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) and before any forum in matters that arise under the jurisdiction of either DFS or OIR. 

Current responsibilities of the Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate include:

·         Representing the general public of the state before DFS and OIR

·         Recommending to DFS or OIR the commencement of any proceeding or action

·         Appearing in proceedings or actions before DFS, OIR, Division of Administrative Hearings or arbitration panel

·         Reviewing OIR rate, rule and form filings to ensure fairness

·         Recommending to DFS or OIR any position deemed by the Insurance Consumer Advocate to be in the public interest

·         Initiating, supporting and/or opposing proposed legislation

·         Increasing consumer awareness on important issues

·         Assisting consumers in finding solutions to insurance issues

·         Representing the public on appointed boards or applicable forums

·         Seeking public input as appropriate