HD Law Partners Blog

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.

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.

Traveling by car means people move between states without much thought, but there are legal considerations if a car accident occurs. For example, one aspect to consider is the state’s statute of limitations, which determines the time frame within which you can file a personal injury claim.

If you’ve been in a car accident in Florida or Georgia, it’s essential to be aware of all the rules and regulations that need to be followed in order for you to connect with a maximum recovery amount. A Tampa personal injury attorney can help with recovery.

Two Years or Four Years?

In the state of Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those stemming from car accidents, is typically four years. This deadline means you have four years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Failing to take action within a legal timeframe may result in losing the right to pursue damages for your injuries and losses.

When an unforeseen accident or incident occurs, it is common for people in Florida and throughout the country to rely on insurance policies for financial protection and support. While the process of monetary recovery is often smooth, there are some instances where an insurance company claims a policy wasn’t in effect at the time of the event, leaving the person in a vulnerable position.

Insurance negotiations can be nuanced, and it is important to remember that your insurance policy should provide you with the financial security you were led to expect when you bought the policy. You have the right to demand the coverage, even if you are in a troubling situation where your insurer asserts that your policy wasn’t active. Legal support is available, talk to a Tampa insurance attorney about your options.

A policy lapse could be the reason an insurance representative tells you do not have a valid claim. Lapses occur when a policyholder fails to pay their premium on time or meet other policy requirements. As a result, there could be a temporary or permanent termination of the coverage. Lapses can happen for various reasons, including financial difficulties, administrative errors, or simply overlooking payment deadlines.

Many who visit Tampa regularly own timeshares. While these vacation destinations can bring individuals, couples, and families years of fantastic memories, there are also situations that lead to complex legal issues.

If you are a timeshare owner who wants to protect your rights and interests, a Tampa timeshare attorney can assist you in navigating the world of Florida timeshare concerns and will fight for a favorable outcome.

Timeshare lawyers can provide expert legal advice tailored to your specific situation, so they can help you if you have any of the following timeshare concerns.

Every situation is unique, and after you have shared your story with an attorney they can review your timeshare contract to identify any terms or clauses that apply to your circumstance.

In many cases, timeshare disputes can be resolved through negotiation or mediation. But of course, there are times when exchanges become more heated while discussing possible resolutions. If a dispute cannot be resolved through a resolution alternative, a Tampa timeshare attorney can represent you in court.

Many rely on over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like Advil or Aleve to manage discomfort and pain following a Florida crash. But while these medications are able to provide temporary relief, it is also important to note that they can mask symptoms of more significant injuries as well.

Instead of leaning too hard on drug store medications, seek medical attention from a licensed healthcare professional. A doctor can connect you with a treatment plan to support your physical recovery, and should you need to secure competition later, a Tampa personal injury attorney can use your medical record to prove the connection between the accident and your medical expenses.

OTC pain relievers are readily available, so they are a convenient way for people to manage minor aches and pains. That said, cornerstone drugs are not a substitute for proper medical evaluation, especially after a car accident.

Business operations are dynamic, and employment-related disputes are an unfortunate reality that companies need to be prepared to address. When disputes go unaddressed, it is possible the issue will elevate to one of corporate litigation, tarnishing the reputation of the company and potentially causing financial strain. Once you share your employment-related concerns with a Tampa business & corporate law attorney, they can discuss strategies for mitigation with you.

Mitigating employment-related disputes is essential for Tampa businesses, because productive employee relationships are essential to maintaining a positive working environment. Additionally, investing in staff members can protect a businesses reputation and help them avoid costly litigation. Some strategies to consider include the following.

While employment-related disputes can be a significant challenge for Tampa businesses, know that implementing proactive strategies and maintaining clear policies now can help you mitigate the risk of corporate litigation.

After an auto crash, many find themselves juggling unexpected expenses, from medical bills to vehicle repairs. Many turn to their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for financial relief. Florida law requires all drivers to have this type of coverage for certain accident-related expenses.

There are caps on the amount of recovery that can be accessed through PIP, so if you have a lot of accident-related expenses, you may be wondering if there is a path to securing compensation outside of PIP. Share the details of your situation and your hopes for the future with a Tampa personal injury attorney. Skilled lawyers know how to access damages beyond PIP maximum settlement amounts.

PIP coverage is a specific insurance system mandated by the state of Florida. The rule is in place to ensure that every Florida motorist has at least $10,000 accessible to help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs in the event of an accident. These funds can be retrieved regardless of who was at fault, which can be a financial lifesaver.

Divorce is a challenging experience for all parties involved, but you may hear people refer to a successful divorce from time to time. In these situations, you may be wondering what they mean. They are typically not implying that divorce itself was pleasant, but that the process and its aftermath promoted the well-being of all family members.

It is important to recognize that a successful divorce does not necessarily mean one that is conflict-free. Most divorces involve at least some disagreements, disputes, or emotional turmoil. Conflict is a natural part of the divorce process, but a talented Tampa family law attorney can help you manage and resolve conflicts constructively.

Successful divorces often involve open communication between the divorcing parties. When couples are able to communicate effectively, it becomes easier to work together to find mutually beneficial solutions.

Mediation and collaborative divorce are approaches that encourage communication and cooperation. When a couple chooses to work with a mediator, a neutral third party will guide the divorcing couple toward finding common ground. This can be a productive way for two individuals who are not getting along to work together and explore compromise, so a successful divorce can be achieved.