Archive: June 2025

Self-dealing is a very serious allegation in the insurance industry. If your organization has been accused of this misconduct, the first step is to gain a solid understanding of what “self-dealing” actually means. How might an insurance representative engage in this misconduct? What are the potential consequences, and can a Tampa insurance defense lawyer help you avoid these penalties?

In Florida, allegations involving self-dealing are relatively common across the insurance industry. In April of 2025, Insurance Business reported that the lack of transparency in this industry had become concerning. The report also cited numerous investigations that uncovered “widespread” self-dealing by insurers. Some say that this practice, which involves draining money out of insurance companies through affiliates, has caused premiums to increase.

Another report by Insurance Journal in May of 2025 highlighted an incident involving alleged self-dealing by a major insurance company’s CEP. The CEO is accused of charging $400,000 for questionable IT services, and paying her own company this sum. The report implies that this is an example of “self-dealing” in the insurance world.

We are excited to announce that Craig Zyburo is now a partner at HD Law Partners.

Craig is a zealous legal advocate for his clients and has a wide range of experience, from personal injury to contract and family law. He represents insurance companies and their insureds, businesses, homeowners’ insurance coverage and other clients in cases involving insurance disputes, injury litigations with property and casualty, vehicle repossessions, and debt collections.

Mr. Zyburo is also co-founder of TheLawFL.com, where he brings his litigation experience and deep knowledge of legal workflows to the development of AI-powered legal research tools for Florida law firms and his clients.

He holds a B.A. in Psychology from Boston College and earned his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law, graduating second in his class. He earned one of the highest scores on the Florida Bar Exam statewide and was invited to speak at the Second District Court of Appeal’s swearing-in ceremony, an honor extended only to the top-scoring examinees.

The “option to repair” is a common clause in Florida property insurance policies, and it allows insurers to avoid paying out cash settlements in many cases. But are these clauses sometimes unenforceable? This is a common issue for insurers, as many homeowners prefer cash payouts. A recent case in Florida provides some degree of optimism for insurers, especially those who work with experienced insurance defense attorneys in Orlando.

Insurance Company Wins Appellate Victory Over “Option to Repair” 

In May of 2025, Insurance Business reported that a major insurer in Florida had won an important appellate victory. This case revolved around the insurer’s “option to repair” roof damage – a common issue that all Florida insurers are undoubtedly familiar with. Although the specific wording of most policies describes this as an “option” to repair, insurers actually have the “right” to repair. This is something that the recent appellate decision clearly affirms.

A typical property insurance policy in Florida provides a range of personal liability coverage, including cases involving dog bites. These animal attacks can cause disfiguring injuries, psychological trauma, and death. Insurers representing policyholders may want to review various defense strategies that could prove useful in this situation. Consider contacting an insurance defense attorney in Sarasota for more targeted advice.

A Review of Florida’s Dog Bite Laws

Unlike some other states, Florida does not have a “one-bite rule.” As a result, a homeowner could face a dog bite lawsuit even if their animal has never exhibited any aggressive tendencies in the past. A single, random impulse from a canine could trigger a multi-million-dollar lawsuit. In contrast, other states may only allow these claims if the dog has exhibited aggressive behavior in the past.

Another recent development is a new, mandatory form of insurance for certain dog owners in Florida. In May of 2025, Insurance Journal reported that anyone who owns a “dangerous dog” must now obtain at least $100,000 in liability insurance. This is the result of House Bill 593, which was influenced by a fatal assault on a mail carrier in 2022. In addition to the mandatory $100,000 in coverage, owners of dangerous dogs must now keep their animals in enclosures. They must also put up signs, embed microchips in their animals, and regularly vaccinate them against rabies. Finally, these dogs must now be neutered by their owners. Violators face first-degree misdemeanors.