At HD Law Partners, our Florida business interruption insurance defense attorneys are committed to providing top-quality, results-focused legal representation to clients. We have the skills, experience, and knowledge to defend the full range of business interruption claims. With a staff large enough to take on any case, our team is ready to protect your interests. To set up a strictly confidential consultation with an experienced Florida insurance defense lawyer, please contact us today.

An Overview of Business Interruption Claims

Business interruption coverage is designed to help companies make it through difficult times. When a covered peril disrupts the operations of the business—thereby leading to partial or total losses in revenue—business interruption coverage provides much needed financial protection. As a general rule, a company’s pre-loss earnings serve as the basis for reimbursement through a business interruption claim.

Each business interruption claim requires an in-depth investigation. As a starting point,it is important for insurers to confirm that the commercial policyholder’s claim is actually covered by their business interruption policy. Certainly, this type of coverage is not a blank check for all losses—policies have specific terms, conditions, and exclusions. Additionally, an investigation is needed to determine the appropriate payment for a valid claim.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Business Interruption Insurance Defense

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in the temporary closure of many businesses in Central Florida and South Florida. In many cases, coronavirus-related losses are not a covered loss under a business interruption policy.

While each policy and claim must be assessed on its individual merits, it is not uncommon for these policies to explicitly exclude coverage for viruses, pandemics and similar outbreaks. Insurers facing a dispute over COVID-19 and business interruption coverage should consult with an experienced Florida insurance defense attorney immediately.

How the Insurance Defense Attorneys at HD Law Partners Can Help

Business interruption claims are complicated. With the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, many policyholders may try to file claims despite not qualifying for coverage. At HD Law Partners, we have deep experience handling a wide range of coverage disputes. When you call our law firm, you will speak to a Florida business interruption insurance defense lawyer who is prepared to:

• Conduct a comprehensive, confidential assessment of the case;
• Review the policy and investigate the claim;
• Evaluate all coverage defenses; and
• Craft an approach to help clients achieve the best possible outcome.

We firmly believe that no two coverage disputes are exactly alike. Our Florida business interruption defense attorneys offer our clients the attentive and personalized representation that they need. We will develop and execute a strategy that best produces a timely resolution to your dispute.

Call Our Florida Business Interruption Insurance Attorneys Today

At HD Law Partners, our Florida business interruption insurance attorneys are trial-tested advocates. Our goal is to help clients resolve claims in the most efficient, cost effective manner possible. For a free, completely private consultation, please contact our legal team today. With offices in Tampa, Bradenton, Fort Myers, and Orlando, we represent clients throughout Florida.

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As attorneys who regularly advise and represent homeowners’ associations here in Florida, we frequently receive questions about the balance between what homeowners can do with and without the approval of the homeowners’ association; for example, whether they can install surveillance cameras outside of their homes and/or in common areas. While security is of course a concern for a number of homeowners, homeowners’ associations must also look out for the privacy concerns of all owners, which leads to the balancing that must be done by the association and their attorney(s).

The General Rules

As a general rule, only the homeowners’ association can install anything in common areas. In addition, for owners to be able install anything such as security cameras outside of their own homes, they should always look at their bylaws and declarations first to see what these documents indicate. They are usually drafted by homeowners’ association attorneys and are very specific as to what owners must first obtain approval for when it comes to exterior changes.

Getting Approval for Installing Surveillance Cameras Outside of One’s Home

A surveillance camera is most likely going to be included in this list, whereby a failure to first obtain written approval before installing – even outside of one’s own home – could result in legal issues. And if the association does ultimately provide approval for the camera, they are going to need to make sure that they include the proper restrictions that protect neighbors’ privacy; as well as any other restrictions that ensure that there won’t be a ‘nuisance’ created; for example, motion sensitive exterior lights being triggered by the camera, for example. In addition to having to look out for privacy, associations must also be cognizant of nuisance issues and ensure that no one owner uses their property in such a way as to disturb the peace, quiet, and comfort of other owners.

Asking The Association To Put Up Cameras For Safety

Also note that it is never going to be the duty of the association to install surveillance cameras like these unless there are safety and security issues; such as a known history of criminal activity in a common area. For example, if a homeowner approaches the association in response to recent criminal activity and asks it to install cameras, the association must first consult their attorney before moving forward and responding. Similarly to the concerns that apply when individual owners want to set up cameras outside of their own residence, anything like this that is installed must be done so carefully so as to not violate any homeowners’ privacy. In addition, the attorney can also inform the association regarding whether any additional notifications are necessary, such as signs, or notices of hearings to inform and gather feedback from other homeowners first.

Ultimately, if surveillance cameras are installed and common areas, the board should also adopt a written policy that addresses the following, at a minimum:

• What will happen with any footage that is created;
• Who will have access to that footage and under what circumstances it will be turned over to law-enforcement; and
• How long will recordings be kept before being destroyed.

Reach Out to Us Today for Help

Our Tampa homeowners’ association attorneys have provided knowledgeable legal advice and representation to a number of associations throughout Florida. Contact us at HD Law Partners today to find out more.

Resource:

washingtonpost.com/business/2019/09/03/can-an-owner-homeowners-association-install-security-cameras/

https://www.hdlawpartners.com/florida-residents-homeowners-association-disputes-over-painting/

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Accidents are scary, traumatic events. Drivers do what they can to avoid them in order to keep themselves, their passengers, and others they are sharing the roads with safe. But there are times when collisions occur, and sometimes it is because a Florida driver forgot to check their blind spot or didn’t do so effectively.

Merging and lane changes can lead to sideswipe accidents. If you are recovering from injuries sustained when the side of your car or truck was struck by another vehicle, talk to a Tampa personal injury attorney. An experienced lawyer can help you obtain the settlement you need to pay off expenses connected to accidents, whether you were involved in a sideswipe accident, rollover event, or rear end crash.

Understanding Blind Spots and Accident Risks

The zones around your car you are unable to see when you are seated correctly at the wheel of your vehicle are your blind spots. For example, you can see what is in front of you and what is available through a glance at your side mirrors and rear view mirror, but your mirrors do not reflect every area. To check your blind spots, you need to, safely, turn your gaze over your shoulder.

In driver education classes, blind spot zones and how to correctly check them is covered extensively. Even though people learn this in the driver’s education process, many fall into bad habits once they obtain their license. Merging into traffic or changing lanes creates accident risks. Doing so safely is essential.

Blind Spot Neglect and High Speeds

Any accident that happens at high speeds can lead to extensive harm and serious injuries. If a person is traveling quickly and changing lanes, and fails to check their blind spot, they could sideswipe another vehicle. The force of this collision could even prompt a rollover.

It is possible an insurance company adjuster will contact you and offer you a settlement following a sideswipe accident, rollover, or other collision that occurred as a result of blind spot neglect. While the adjuster may tell you the best thing you can do for yourself is to settle as soon as possible, they may not be seeing all of the compensation possibilities. When you work with a Tampa personal injury attorney, you will have an expert advocating solely for your needs each step of the way. Your lawyer could see a path to a larger recovery package.

Were you sideswiped because a Florida driver did not check their blind spot and recklessly changed lanes? A legal professional can guide you through the personal injury claim process and will work to be sure you obtain a full and fair recovery package. When you are ready to have an expert on your side, connect with the experienced legal team at HD Law Partners. Seasoned attorneys are familiar with the specifics of personal injury cases, including sideswipe accidents. Let our attorneys assess your documentation so next steps can be strategized. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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In the beginning of 2025, the Fort Myers community was rocked by a shooting at a popular restaurant. The shooting was notable because the aggressor killed his own brother. However, the fact that a shooting had occurred at a restaurant was hardly surprising for local residents. Violence is fairly routine in not only restaurants, but also gas stations, hotels, bars, clubs, and malls across Fort Myers. All of these incidents can lead to “negligent security” lawsuits. How do you defend against these claims as an insurer? Could a Fort Myers insurance defense lawyer help?

The Basics of a Negligent Security Claim 

A negligent security claim is a type of premises liability lawsuit. Like all premises liability claims, the concept of negligent security relies on a business owner’s “duty of care” to keep visitors safe. If someone ventures onto your property, you must take reasonable steps to protect them from harm.

Most businesses assume that this “harm” only involves things like slippery floors, fires, toxins, or even hot coffee. These are all things a business owner can control. However, no business owner can control whether one of their visitors will become violent and start harming other customers.

The best way to avoid these claims is by having a solid security plan in place. This might involve one or more security guards, surveillance cameras, proper staff training, and a reliable way to call 911 at the first sign of serious trouble. Different types of businesses might require different security plans based on their unique circumstances. Some elements of security plans might be required by law.

Argue that You Had No Way of Foreseeing the Violence 

Negligent security claims may only succeed if the business in question experienced similar violence in the past. For example, a female customer might have been assaulted in the parking lot two years prior. If the business does nothing to improve security in those two years, it may become liable for similar incidents that occur in the future.

However, it may be difficult to hold a business accountable if there were no violent incidents in the past. In this situation, a business owner and their insurer might understandably argue that they had no reasonable way of foreseeing this situation. You can’t plan for something that occurs randomly and without any warning.

Note that some types of businesses might be inherently attractive to violent individuals. Examples include strip clubs, casinos, bars, and any establishment open late. If the business exists in a dangerous neighborhood, this logic might also apply. These kinds of businesses might not get a second chance to create an effective security plan. In these businesses, violent incidents could lead to a valid claim, even if no similar incidents have occurred in the past.

Can a Fort Myers Insurance Defense Lawyer Help With Negligent Security Claims? 

An experienced insurance defense lawyer in Fort Myers may be able to help your organization with a negligent security claim. As violent incidents increase across Florida, businesses and insurers will undoubtedly face more of these claims. If your business has experienced a violent incident in the past, you are more likely to face these lawsuits. Contact HD Law Partners today to get started on a defense strategy.

Sources: 

gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/brother-killed-restaurant-florida-fort-myers/63323778

local10.com/news/local/2024/09/23/death-investigation-underway-at-mexican-restaurant-in-fort-lauderdale/

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Invalid auto accident claims are quite common throughout Florida, and many of these claims are completely fraudulent. Aside from filing claims for staged car accidents, many policyholders also attempt to pursue compensation for injuries that actually have nothing to do with auto collisions. Insurance companies should be aware of the limitations of their own policies, and it may be surprisingly easy to deny claims that are only peripherally connected to auto accidents. An experienced insurance defense attorney in Orlando might make it easier to fight these claims.

Road Rage Is Increasing in Orlando 

Road rage incidents continue to increase in Orlando. Florida has the highest number of firearm-related road rage incidents in the entire nation, according to WFTV. Midway through 2025, Florida had seen almost 30 of these incidents. Other recent reports point to growing incidents involving tailgating, honking, brake checking, and other forms of aggressive behavior. Insurers should be aware that a significant portion of injuries on the road could be caused by violence and road rage – and not necessarily “accidents.”

The Elusive Nature of Road Rage Injuries 

Many motorists are well aware that their policies do not cover injuries caused by road rage. As a result, they may attempt to hide the true nature of their crash from local law enforcement and insurers.

For example, a driver who was injured after brake-checking another motorist might claim that they were rear-ended. Although this might be technically true, their injuries were obviously caused by their reckless behavior. As a result, this is not exactly an “accident.” An auto insurance company may be able to avoid paying out these claims if it can prove that the “victim” brake-checked the other vehicle before the collision.

Any intentional collision should not lead to a valid claim. However, it can be difficult to tell the difference between an accidental crash and a fully intentional, road-rage-induced ramming attack. A motorist can always claim that they suffered some kind of medical emergency before “losing control” and veering into another car.

These situations highlight the need to work with experienced insurance defense attorneys in Orlando. These legal professionals may be able to help you gather the evidence you need to prove that these injuries were caused by reckless, intentional acts – and not accidents.

Some of these situations might be quite complex. For example, what happens if a motorist drives through gunfire and loses control? What happens if their vehicle is struck by bullets, causing them to lose control and crash into a tree? Are their injuries compensable? What if they were struck by a stray bullet before crashing? The limitations of an insurance policy can be difficult to define, and a trial may be the only way to clearly resolve these complex situations.

Can an Orlando Insurance Defense Attorney Help Me? 

An Orlando insurance defense attorney may be able to guide companies toward positive outcomes. Road rage and other forms of violence are becoming increasingly common in Orlando, and the resulting injuries should not lead to insurance payouts. To fight these claims with confidence and efficiency, consider discussing strategies with HD Law Partners.

Sources: 

wftv.com/news/local/central-florida-grapples-with-rising-road-rage-incidents/QXTIYLZM6NBNXNJTXMXX7VOJNE/#:~:text=%E2%80%94%20Road%20rage%20is%20becoming%20a,reported%20cases%20already%20in%202025.

wftv.com/news/local/data-shows-road-rage-incidents-rise-florida/QF4OSIUN45FTDOAHDXW6SC6CDY/

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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?

Self-Dealing Allegations Are Common in Florida’s Insurance Industry

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.

The Basics of Self-Dealing

From funneling money out of companies to charging inflated fees for questionable IT services, there are many examples of self-dealing to consider. However, this practice is at its core a “breach of fiduciary duty.”

All insurers are fiduciaries, which means they owe their policyholders a legal duty of care. They must attempt to act in the best interests of their policyholders. Not only that, but insurers must avoid doing anything to benefit themselves at the cost of their policyholders. This could lead to a breach of fiduciary duty lawsuit, which is a common legal issue for insurers in Florida.

While self-dealing can affect policyholders, these individuals may not be the ones suing insurance companies. Instead, you might face a self-dealing lawsuit from anyone who owns significant stock in the company. You might also face this type of lawsuit from another company that does business with your insurance organization.

Florida has passed many laws favoring insurance companies in recent years. This means that regulators might be more willing to “look the other way” regarding allegations of supposed self-dealing. However, these loose regulations were intended to encourage the recovery of the insurance industry in Florida. The industry is now recovering, so regulators might be more confident about cracking down on self-dealing. As a result, legal assistance may be more important than ever.

Can a Tampa Insurance Defense Lawyer Help With Self-Dealing Allegations?

If you or your organization has been accused of self-dealing, you should speak with an experienced insurance defense attorney in Tampa as soon as possible. Self-dealing can lead to various legal issues, including lawsuits involving “breach of fiduciary duty.” To learn more about potential defense strategies, contact HD Law Partners at your earliest convenience.

Sources:

https://insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/affiliate-oversight-failures-highlight-need-for-structural-reform-in-florida-legal-expert-532128.aspx

https://insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2025/05/29/825398.htm

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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.

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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.

The dispute began when a couple in Florida incurred roof damage and filed a claim. Their insurer exercised its right to repair, instructing the couple to let a contractor fix the roof. They also told the couple to pay their deductible directly to the contractor. However, the couple refused to comply. They pointed out that the contractor lacked a roofing license and argued the insurer violated their agreement by failing to disclose this fact.

The insurance company sued, but the couple claimed victory at the trial court level. The trial judge decided that if the couple had allowed the contractor to fix their roof, they would have been guilty of allowing illegal work on their home.

Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal disagreed with this decision and reversed it. A closer look at the relevant laws revealed that there was nothing wrong with allowing a general contractor to manage roofing repairs. As long as they subcontracted the work to a licensed roofing crew, this would have been perfectly legal. In addition, the appellate court found that the insurer had no legal obligation to disclose whether the contractor had a roofing license. Their only real requirement was to “instruct” the contractor to reveal their licenses, which the insurer did.

This decision is a major win for all insurers in Florida, reinforcing the right to repair. Insurers may face pushback from homeowners who would rather receive cash settlements, but they should be able to enforce these managed repairs without major issues.

Can an Insurance Defense Attorney in Orlando Help My Organization? 

If your policyholder is pushing for a cash payout instead of allowing you to exercise your “option to repair” clause, you might want to contact an experienced insurance defense attorney in Orlando. These legal professionals can help you pursue appellate victories with confidence, regardless of the specific dispute in question. Contact HD Law Partners today to learn more about your next steps.

Sources: 

insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/claims/peoples-trust-wins-florida-appeal-in-managed-repair-dispute-with-homeowners-535304.aspx

states.repair.org/states/florida/

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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.

Based on these developments, it may become necessary to challenge the legal definition of a “dangerous dog.” This could be necessary even in the absence of a one-bite rule.

The Provocation Defense 

One of the most obvious options in this scenario is the provocation defense. In Florida, alleged victims cannot file dog bite lawsuits if they provoked the animal before the attack. For example, the individual might have goaded or taunted the animal. They might have kicked the animal. Whatever the case may be, insurers may be able to avoid liability if they can establish that the alleged victim provoked the animal.

The Trespassing Defense 

Another common approach is the trespassing defense. If you can establish that the alleged victim had no right to be on the property at the time of the attack, this could make a successful claim impossible. Experienced lawyers may be able to investigate these incidents to uncover evidence of burglary or property destruction to support a trespassing claim.

How Can an Insurance Defense Attorney in Sarasota Help? 

If your insurance company is facing a major dog bite claim, you might want to speak with experienced insurance defense attorneys in Sarasota. These legal professionals are familiar with numerous defense strategies that could prove helpful in this situation. That being said, the most optimal insurance defense strategies depend entirely on the specifics of each situation. Discuss the specifics with HD Law Partners today.

Sources:

progressive.com/answers/does-home-insurance-cover-dog-bites/

insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2025/05/23/824968.htm

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Clear vision is incredibly important for drivers, and it is impossible to safely operate a vehicle without a functioning set of eyes. This is why the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles takes vision tests so seriously when issuing driver’s licenses. From an insurance defense perspective, it may help to determine whether a driver was wearing their glasses at the time of a crash. Could an insurance defense attorney in Tampa help implement this type of defense strategy?

Failing to Wear Glasses Can Be a Moving Violation in Florida 

If someone is legally required to wear glasses while driving in Florida, they face serious consequences for forgetting them. This can become a moving violation and a second-degree misdemeanor. Technically speaking, this means that a driver could face up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine for not wearing their glasses.

These penalties could be even more severe if a driver causes an accident that injures or kills other people. In the past, drivers have faced homicide charges for striking pedestrians after failing to wear their glasses.

Can Drivers Still Pursue Claims if They Forgot Their Glasses? 

Because failing to wear glasses while driving is a legitimate offense in Florida, it also represents a form of negligence during an auto accident claim. While drivers can still pursue claims after crashes, the fact that they forgot to wear their glasses could make it challenging to pursue compensation.

With Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule, a motorist loses the right to pursue compensation if they are more than 50% responsible for their own crash. If a driver left their glasses at home, their negligence could exceed this threshold, leading to positive outcomes for insurers.

That being said, each case is different. Someone with only slight near-sightedness may argue that the loss of their glasses did not significantly affect their ability to drive. In contrast, an 85-year-old who is “blind as a bat” without their glasses may struggle to make the same argument.

It May Be Challenging to Find Evidence of This Negligence 

Most drivers do not admit to forgetting their glasses. Police officers may fail to notice restrictions on licenses, and they may not check to see whether the drivers in question are wearing their glasses. A driver might lie and say that their glasses were knocked off by the impact of a collision.

It may fall to experienced insurance defense attorneys to find evidence that the individual in question was not wearing their glasses. This evidence might include images or videos from the crash, eyewitness accounts, and more.

Can an Insurance Defense Attorney in Tampa Help? 

An auto insurance defense attorney in Tampa may be able to help your organization explore various strategies after an auto liability claim. With so many senior drivers in Florida, many get behind the wheel with poor vision. This could form the basis for an effective insurance defense strategy, especially if the driver failed to wear their glasses or contact lenses. Learn more by contacting HD Law Partners today.

Sources: 

flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/medical-review/vision-standards/#:~:text=The%20minimum%20visual%20acuity%20standard,be%2020%2F40%20or%20better.

sarasotataxcollector.gov/services/motorist-services/drivers-license/medical-vision

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