HB 0591

CS

CHAMBER ACTION

1	The Insurance Committee recommends the following:
2
3	Council/Committee Substitute
4	Remove the entire bill and insert:
5	A bill to be entitled
6	An act relating to insurance agents and agencies; creating
7	s. 624.1275, F.S.; proscribing state agencies and
8	political subdivisions from prohibiting or excluding
9	licensed insurance agents from competing or negotiating
10	for certain insurance products or plans; providing a
11	definition; amending s. 624.317, F.S.; including insurance
12	agencies among entities the Department of Financial
13	Services is authorized to investigate; amending s.
14	624.318, F.S.; authorizing the department or the Office of
15	Insurance Regulation to electronically scan certain
16	information for certain purposes; providing application;
17	amending s. 624.501, F.S.; clarifying a license fee;
18	amending s. 626.015, F.S.; revising definitions; amending
19	s. 626.016, F.S.; including insurance agencies among
20	entities subject to regulation by the Chief Financial
21	Officer; amending s. 626.025, F.S.; correcting cross
22	references; amending s. 626.112, F.S.; delaying the
23	effective date by which agencies must obtain a license;
24	providing that an agency may file for registration in lieu
25	of licensure under specified conditions; imposing a fine
26	on any agency that fails to timely apply for licensure or
27	registration; deleting certain agency licensure
28	requirement provisions; amending s. 626.171, F.S.;
29	specifying licensure and registration application
30	requirements for insurance entities other than insurance
31	agencies; deleting a provision applying to insurance
32	agency license application requirements; amending s.
33	626.172, F.S.; revising insurance agency licensure
34	application requirements; providing procedures and
35	limitations; providing duties of the department; amending
36	s. 626.221, F.S.; revising exceptions to certain
37	examination requirements; amending s. 626.2815, F.S.;
38	revising certain continuing education requirements;
39	amending ss. 626.292 and 626.321, F.S.; correcting cross
40	references, to conform; amending s. 626.342, F.S.;
41	including insurance agencies under provisions prohibiting
42	furnishing supplies to certain unlicensed agents and
43	imposing civil liability under certain circumstances;
44	amending s. 626.382, F.S.; providing for renewal of
45	licenses; amending s. 626.451, F.S.; clarifying
46	application of a provision relating to authorizing
47	effectuation of certain appointments; amending s. 626.536,
48	F.S.; including insurance agencies under an action
49	reporting requirement; amending s. 626.561, F.S.;
50	including insurance agencies under provisions providing
51	funds reporting and accounting requirements and imposing
52	criminal penalties; amending s. 626.572, F.S.; including
53	insurance agencies under provisions prohibiting rebating
54	under certain circumstances; amending s. 626.601, F.S.;
55	including insurance agencies under provisions authorizing
56	the department to inquire into improper conduct; creating
57	s. 626.602, F.S.; authorizing the department to disapprove
58	the use of certain names under certain circumstances;
59	providing construction; amending s. 626.6115, F.S.;
60	providing an additional ground for the department to take
61	compulsory adverse insurance agency license actions;
62	providing that the existence of grounds for adverse action
63	against a licensed agency does not constitute grounds for
64	adverse action against another licensed agency; amending
65	s. 626.621, F.S.; clarifying a ground for certain adverse
66	actions against certain licenses or appointments; amending
67	s. 626.6215, F.S.; providing an additional ground for the
68	department to take discretionary adverse insurance agency
69	license actions; providing that the existence of grounds
70	for adverse action against a licensed agency does not
71	constitute grounds for adverse action against another
72	licensed agency; amending s. 626.641, F.S.; specifying
73	requests for reinstatements that are subject to denial and
74	certain waiting periods; requiring applicants for
75	additional licenses or appointments to apply and qualify;
76	providing for denial of such applications; amending s.
77	626.747, F.S.; revising agent requirements for branch
78	agencies to include life or health agents; amending s.
79	626.7351, F.S.; specifying an age requirement for
80	applicants for a customer representative's license;
81	amending ss. 626.7355 and 626.8411, F.S.; deleting cross
82	references, to conform; creating s. 626.8420, F.S.;
83	authorizing the department to issue a nonresident title
84	insurance agent license under certain circumstances;
85	providing application; amending s. 648.50, F.S.;
86	clarifying a provision relating to adverse actions against
87	licenses and appointments; repealing s. 626.592, F.S.,
88	relating to primary agents; providing an effective date.
89
90	Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
91
92	Section 1.  Section 624.1275, Florida Statutes, is created
93	to read:
94	624.1275  Insurance agents; prohibited exclusion from
95	public bidding and negotiations.--A licensed insurance agent may
96	not be prohibited or excluded from competing or negotiating for
97	any insurance product or plan purchased, provided, or endorsed
98	by a state agency or any political subdivision of this state on
99	the basis of the compensation or contractual or employment
100	arrangement granted to the agent by an employer, insurer, or
101	licensed agency. The term "political subdivision" has the same
102	meaning set forth in s. 1.01.
103	Section 2.  Subsection (1) of section 624.317, Florida
104	Statutes, is amended to read:
105	624.317  Investigation of agents, agencies, adjusters,
106	administrators, service companies, and others.--If it has reason
107	to believe that any person has violated or is violating any
108	provision of this code, or upon the written complaint signed by
109	any interested person indicating that any such violation may
110	exist:
111	(1)  The department shall conduct such investigation as it
112	deems necessary of the accounts, records, documents, and
113	transactions pertaining to or affecting the insurance affairs of
114	any general agent, surplus lines agent, adjuster, managing
115	general agent, insurance agent, insurance agency, customer
116	representative, service representative, or other person subject
117	to its jurisdiction, subject to the requirements of s. 626.601.
118	Section 3.  Subsection (7) is added to section 624.318,
119	Florida Statutes, to read:
120	624.318  Conduct of examination or investigation; access to
121	records; correction of accounts; appraisals.--
122	(7)(a)  The department or office or its examiners or
123	investigators may electronically scan accounts, records,
124	documents, files, and information, relating to the subject of
125	the examination or investigation, in the possession or control
126	of the person being examined or investigated.
127	(b)  The provisions of this subsection are applicable to
128	all investigations and examinations authorized by any provision
129	of the Florida Insurance Code.
130	Section 4.  Subsection (20) of section 624.501, Florida
131	Statutes, is amended to read:
132	624.501  Filing, license, appointment, and miscellaneous
133	fees.--The department, commission, or office, as appropriate,
134	shall collect in advance, and persons so served shall pay to it
135	in advance, fees, licenses, and miscellaneous charges as
136	follows:
137	(20)  Insurance agency or Adjusting firm, original or
138	renewal 3-year license....$60.00
139	Section 5.  Subsections (7) and (16) of section 626.015,
140	Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
141	626.015  Definitions.--As used in this part:
142	(7)  "Home state" means the District of Columbia and any
143	state or territory of the United States in which an insurance
144	agent maintains his or her principal place of residence or
145	principal place of business and is licensed to act as an
146	insurance agent.
147	(16)  "Resident" means an individual whose home state is
148	the State of Florida domiciled and residing in this state.
149	Section 6.  Subsection (1) of section 626.016, Florida
150	Statutes, is amended to read:
151	626.016  Powers and duties of department, commission, and
152	office.--
153	(1)  The powers and duties of the Chief Financial Officer
154	and the department specified in this part apply only with
155	respect to insurance agents, insurance agencies, managing
156	general agents, insurance adjusters, reinsurance intermediaries,
157	viatical settlement brokers, customer representatives, service
158	representatives, and agencies.
159	Section 7.  Subsections (7) and (12) of section 626.025,
160	Florida Statutes, are amended, and subsections (13), (14), and
161	(15) of said section are renumbered as subsections (12), (13),
162	and (14), respectively, to read:
163	626.025  Consumer protections.--To transact insurance,
164	agents shall comply with consumer protection laws, including the
165	following, as applicable:
166	(7)  Required licensure or registration of certain
167	insurance agencies under s. 626.112 626.172.
168	(12)  Designation of a primary agent by an insurance agency
169	under s. 626.592.
170	Section 8.  Subsection (7) of section 626.112, Florida
171	Statutes, is amended to read:
172	626.112  License and appointment required; agents, customer
173	representatives, adjusters, insurance agencies, service
174	representatives, managing general agents.--
175	(7)(a)  Effective October 1, 2006, no individual, firm,
176	partnership, corporation, association, or any other entity shall
177	act in its own name or under a trade name, directly or
178	indirectly, as an insurance agency, when required to be licensed
179	by this subsection, unless it complies with s. 626.172 with
180	respect to possessing an insurance agency license for each place
181	of business at which it engages in any activity which may be
182	performed only by a licensed insurance agent. Each agency
183	engaged in business in this state before January 1, 2003, which
184	is wholly owned by insurance agents currently licensed and
185	appointed under this chapter, each incorporated agency whose
186	voting shares are traded on a securities exchange, and each
187	agency whose primary function is offering insurance as a service
188	or member benefit to members of a nonprofit corporation may file
189	an application for registration in lieu of licensure in
190	accordance with s. 626.172(3). Each agency engaged in business
191	before October 1, 2006, shall file an application for licensure
192	or registration on or before October 1, 2006.
193	1.  If an agency is required to be licensed but fails to
194	file an application for licensure in accordance with this
195	section, the department shall impose on the agency an
196	administrative penalty in an amount of up to $10,000.
197	2.  If an agency is eligible for registration but fails to
198	file an application for registration or an application for
199	licensure in accordance with this section, the department shall
200	impose on the agency an administrative penalty in an amount of
201	up to $5,000.
202	(b)  A registered An insurance agency shall, as a condition
203	precedent to continuing business, obtain an insurance agency
204	license if the department finds that, with respect to any
205	majority owner, partner, manager, director, officer, or other
206	person who manages or controls the agency, any person has,
207	subsequent to the effective date of this act:
208	1.  Been found guilty of, or has pleaded guilty or nolo
209	contendere to, a felony in this state or any other state
210	relating to the business of insurance or to an insurance agency,
211	without regard to whether a judgment of conviction has been
212	entered by the court having jurisdiction of the cases.
213	2.  Employed any individual in a managerial capacity or in
214	a capacity dealing with the public who is under an order of
215	revocation or suspension issued by the department. An insurance
216	agency may request, on forms prescribed by the department,
217	verification of any person's license status. If a request is
218	mailed within 5 working days after an employee is hired, and the
219	employee's license is currently suspended or revoked, the agency
220	shall not be required to obtain a license, if the unlicensed
221	person's employment is immediately terminated.
222	3.  Operated the agency or permitted the agency to be
223	operated in violation of s. 626.747.
224	4.  With such frequency as to have made the operation of
225	the agency hazardous to the insurance-buying public or other
226	persons:
227	a.  Solicited or handled controlled business. This
228	subparagraph shall not prohibit the licensing of any lending or
229	financing institution or creditor, with respect to insurance
230	only, under credit life or disability insurance policies of
231	borrowers from the institutions, which policies are subject to
232	part IX of chapter 627.
233	b.  Misappropriated, converted, or unlawfully withheld
234	moneys belonging to insurers, insureds, beneficiaries, or others
235	and received in the conduct of business under the license.
236	c.  Unlawfully rebated, attempted to unlawfully rebate, or
237	unlawfully divided or offered to divide commissions with
238	another.
239	d.  Misrepresented any insurance policy or annuity
240	contract, or used deception with regard to any policy or
241	contract, done either in person or by any form of dissemination
242	of information or advertising.
243	e.  Violated any provision of this code or any other law
244	applicable to the business of insurance in the course of dealing
245	under the license.
246	f.  Violated any lawful order or rule of the department.
247	g.  Failed or refused, upon demand, to pay over to any
248	insurer he or she represents or has represented any money coming
249	into his or her hands belonging to the insurer.
250	h.  Violated the provision against twisting as defined in
251	s. 626.9541(1)(l).
252	i.  In the conduct of business, engaged in unfair methods
253	of competition or in unfair or deceptive acts or practices, as
254	prohibited under part IX of this chapter.
255	j.  Willfully overinsured any property insurance risk.
256	k.  Engaged in fraudulent or dishonest practices in the
257	conduct of business arising out of activities related to
258	insurance or the insurance agency.
259	l.  Demonstrated lack of fitness or trustworthiness to
260	engage in the business of insurance arising out of activities
261	related to insurance or the insurance agency.
262	m.  Authorized or knowingly allowed individuals to transact
263	insurance who were not then licensed as required by this code.
264	5.  Knowingly employed any person who within the preceding
265	3 years has had his or her relationship with an agency
266	terminated in accordance with paragraph (d).
267	6.  Willfully circumvented the requirements or prohibitions
268	of this code.
269	(c)  An agency required to be licensed in accordance with
270	paragraph (b) shall remain so licensed for a period of 3 years
271	from the date of licensure unless the license is suspended or
272	revoked in accordance with law. The department may revoke or
273	suspend the agency authority to do business for activities
274	occurring during the time the agency is licensed, regardless of
275	whether the licensing period has terminated.
276	(d)  Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, no
277	insurance agency shall be required to apply for an agency
278	license if such agency can prove to the department that:
279	1.  The agency is severing its relationship with each
280	majority owner, partner, manager, director, officer, or other
281	person who managed or controlled such agency and who violated
282	any of the provisions of paragraph (b).
283	2.  No such majority owner, partner, manager, director,
284	officer, or other person who managed such agency is to be
285	affiliated with such agency in any capacity for a period of 3
286	years from the date of such severance.
287	Section 9.  Section 626.171, Florida Statutes, is amended
288	to read:
289	626.171  Application for license as an agent, customer
290	representative, adjuster, service representative, managing
291	general agent, or reinsurance intermediary.--
292	(1)  The department shall not issue a license as an agent,
293	customer representative, adjuster, insurance agency, service
294	representative, managing general agent, or reinsurance
295	intermediary to any person except upon written application
296	therefor filed with it, qualification therefor, and payment in
297	advance of all applicable fees. Any such application shall be
298	made under the oath of the applicant and be signed by the
299	applicant. Beginning November 1, 2002, The department shall
300	accept the uniform application for nonresident agent licensing.
301	The department may adopt revised versions of the uniform
302	application by rule.
303	(2)  In the application, the applicant shall set forth:
304	(a)  His or her full name, age, social security number,
305	residence address, business address, and mailing address.
306	(b)  Proof that he or she has completed or is in the
307	process of completing any required prelicensing course.
308	(c)  Whether he or she has been refused or has voluntarily
309	surrendered or has had suspended or revoked a license to solicit
310	insurance by the department or by the supervising officials of
311	any state.
312	(d)  Whether any insurer or any managing general agent
313	claims the applicant is indebted under any agency contract or
314	otherwise and, if so, the name of the claimant, the nature of
315	the claim, and the applicant's defense thereto, if any.
316	(e)  Proof that the applicant meets the requirements for
317	the type of license for which he or she is applying.
318	(f)  Such other or additional information as the department
319	may deem proper to enable it to determine the character,
320	experience, ability, and other qualifications of the applicant
321	to hold himself or herself out to the public as an insurance
322	representative.
323	(3)  An application for an insurance agency license shall
324	be signed by the owner or owners of the agency. If the agency is
325	incorporated, the application shall be signed by the president
326	and secretary of the corporation.
327	(3)(4)  Each application shall be accompanied by payment of
328	any applicable fee.
329	(4)(5)  An application for a license as an agent, customer
330	representative, adjuster, insurance agency, service
331	representative, managing general agent, or reinsurance
332	intermediary must be accompanied by a set of the individual
333	applicant's fingerprints, or, if the applicant is not an
334	individual, by a set of the fingerprints of the sole proprietor,
335	majority owner, partners, officers, and directors, on a form
336	adopted by rule of the department and accompanied by the
337	fingerprint processing fee set forth in s. 624.501. Fingerprints
338	shall be used to investigate the applicant's qualifications
339	pursuant to s. 626.201. The fingerprints shall be taken by a law
340	enforcement agency or other department-approved entity.
341	(5)(6)  The application for license filing fee prescribed
342	in s. 624.501 is not subject to refund.
343	(6)(7)  Pursuant to the federal Personal Responsibility and
344	Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, each party is
345	required to provide his or her social security number in
346	accordance with this section. Disclosure of social security
347	numbers obtained through this requirement shall be limited to
348	the purpose of administration of the Title IV-D program for
349	child support enforcement.
350	Section 10.  Section 626.172, Florida Statutes, is amended
351	to read:
352	626.172  Application for insurance agency license.--
353	(1)  The department may issue a license as an insurance
354	agency to any person only after such person files a written
355	application with the department and qualifies for such license.
356	If any majority owner, partner, officer, or director of an
357	insurance agency:
358	(a)  Has been found guilty of, or has pleaded guilty or
359	nolo contendere to, a felony relating to the business of
360	insurance in this state or any other state or federal court,
361	regardless of whether a judgment of conviction has been entered
362	by the court having jurisdiction of such cases; or
363	(b)  Has been denied a license relating to the business of
364	insurance, or has had his or her license to practice or conduct
365	any regulated profession, business, or vocation relating to the
366	business of insurance revoked or suspended, by this or any other
367	state, any nation, any possession or district of the United
368	States, or any court, or any lawful agency thereof;
369
370	the insurance agency and any subsidiary or branch thereof shall
371	obtain a license from the department pursuant to this section.
372	(2)  An application for an insurance agency license shall
373	be signed by the owner or owners of the agency. If the agency is
374	incorporated, the application shall be signed by the president
375	and secretary of the corporation. The application for an
376	insurance agency license shall include:
377	(a)  The name of each majority owner, partner, officer, and
378	director of the insurance agency.
379	(b)  The residence address of each person required to be
380	listed in the application under paragraph (a).
381	(c)  The name of the insurance agency and its principal
382	business address.
383	(d)  The location of each agency office and the name under
384	which each agency office conducts or will conduct business.
385	(e)  The name of each agent to be in full-time charge of an
386	agency office and specification of which office.
387	(f)  The fingerprints of each of the following:
388	1.  A sole proprietor.
389	2.  Each partner.
390	3.  Each owner of an unincorporated agency.
391	4.  Each owner who directs or participates in the
392	management or control of an incorporated agency whose shares are
393	not traded on a securities exchange.
394	5.  The president, senior vice-presidents, treasurer,
395	secretary, and directors of the agency.
396	6.  Any other person who directs or participates in the
397	management or control of the agency, whether through the
398	ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise.
399
400	Fingerprints must be taken by a law enforcement agency or other
401	entity approved by the department and must be accompanied by the
402	fingerprint processing fee specified in s. 624.501. However,
403	fingerprints need not be filed for any individual who is
404	currently licensed and appointed under this chapter. This
405	paragraph does not apply to corporations whose voting shares are
406	traded on a securities exchange. The name of any person to whom
407	subsection (1) applies.
408	(g)  Such additional information as the department requires
409	by promulgated rule to ascertain the trustworthiness and
410	competence of persons required to be listed on the application
411	and to ascertain that such persons meet the requirements of this
412	code. However, the department may not require that credit or
413	character reports be submitted for persons required to be listed
414	on the application.
415	(h)  Beginning October 1, 2005, the department shall accept
416	the uniform application for nonresident agency licensure. The
417	department may adopt by rule revised versions of the uniform
418	application.
419	(3)  The department shall issue a registration as an
420	insurance agency to any agency that files a written application
421	with the department and qualifies for registration. The
422	application for registration shall require the agency to provide
423	the same information required for an agency licensed under
424	subsection (2); the agent identification number for each owner
425	who is a licensed agent; proof that the agency qualifies for
426	registration as provided in s. 626.112(7); and any other
427	additional information that the department determines is
428	necessary in order to demonstrate that the agency qualifies for
429	registration. The application must be signed by the owner or
430	owners of the agency. If the agency is incorporated, the
431	application must be signed by the president and the secretary of
432	the corporation. An agent who owns the agency need not file
433	fingerprints with the department if the agent obtained a license
434	under this chapter, and the license is currently valid.
435	(a)  If an application for registration is denied, the
436	agency must file an application for licensure no later than 30
437	days after the date of the denial of registration.
438	(b)  A registered insurance agency must file an application
439	for licensure no later than 30 days after the date that any
440	person who is not a licensed and appointed agent in this state
441	acquires any ownership interest in the agency. If an agency
442	fails to file an application for licensure in compliance with
443	this paragraph, the department shall impose an administrative
444	penalty in an amount of up to $5,000 on the agency.
445	(c)  Sections 626.6115 and 626.6215 do not apply to
446	agencies registered under this subsection.
447	(4)  The department shall issue a license or registration
448	to each agency upon approval of the application and each agency
449	shall display the license or registration prominently in a
450	manner that makes it clearly visible to any customer or
451	potential customer who enters the agency.
452	Section 11.  Subsection (2) of section 626.221, Florida
453	Statutes, is amended to read:
454	626.221  Examination requirement; exemptions.--
455	(2)  However, no such examination shall be necessary in any
456	of the following cases:
457	(a)  An applicant for renewal of appointment as an agent,
458	customer representative, or adjuster, unless the department
459	determines that an examination is necessary to establish the
460	competence or trustworthiness of such applicant.
461	(b)  An applicant for limited license as agent for personal
462	accident insurance, baggage and motor vehicle excess liability
463	insurance, credit life or disability insurance, credit
464	insurance, credit property insurance, in-transit and storage
465	personal property insurance, or communications equipment
466	property insurance or communication equipment inland marine
467	insurance.
468	(c)  In the discretion of the department, an applicant for
469	reinstatement of license or appointment as an agent, customer
470	representative, or adjuster whose license has been suspended
471	within 2 years prior to the date of application or written
472	request for reinstatement.
473	(d)  An applicant who, within 2 years prior to application
474	for license and appointment as an agent, customer
475	representative, or adjuster, was a full-time salaried employee
476	of the department and had continuously been such an employee
477	with responsible insurance duties for not less than 2 years and
478	who had been a licensee within 2 years prior to employment by
479	the department with the same class of license as that being
480	applied for.
481	(e)  An individual who qualified as a managing general
482	agent, service representative, customer representative, or all-
483	lines adjuster by passing a general lines agent's examination
484	and subsequently was licensed and appointed and has been
485	actively engaged in all lines of property and casualty insurance
486	may, upon filing an application for appointment, be licensed and
487	appointed as a general lines agent for the same kinds of
488	business without taking another examination if he or she holds
489	any such currently effective license referred to in this
490	paragraph or held the license within 48 months prior to the date
491	of filing the application with the department.
492	(e)(f)  A person who has been licensed and appointed as a
493	public adjuster, or independent adjuster, or licensed and
494	appointed either as an agent or company adjuster, as to all
495	property, casualty, and surety insurances, may be licensed and
496	appointed as a company, adjuster as to any of such insurances,
497	or as an independent, adjuster or public adjuster, as to such
498	kinds of insurance, without additional written examination if an
499	application for licensure appointment is filed with the
500	department within 48 months following the date of cancellation
501	or expiration of the prior appointment.
502	(f)(g)  A person who has been licensed as an adjuster for
503	motor vehicle, property and casualty, workers' compensation, and
504	health insurance may be licensed as such an adjuster without
505	additional written examination if his or her application for
506	licensure appointment is filed with the department within 48
507	months after cancellation or expiration of the prior license.
508	(g)(h)  An applicant for temporary license, except as
509	provided in this code.
510	(h)(i)  An applicant for a life or health license who has
511	received the designation of chartered life underwriter (CLU)
512	from the American College of Life Underwriters and who has been
513	engaged in the insurance business within the past 4 years,
514	except that such an individual may be examined on pertinent
515	provisions of this code.
516	(i)(j)  An applicant for license as a general lines agent,
517	customer representative, or adjuster who has received the
518	designation of chartered property and casualty underwriter
519	(CPCU) from the American Institute for Property and Liability
520	Underwriters and who has been engaged in the insurance business
521	within the past 4 years, except that such an individual may be
522	examined on pertinent provisions of this code.
523	(j)(k)  An applicant for license as a customer
524	representative who has the designation of Accredited Advisor in
525	Insurance (AAI) from the Insurance Institute of America, the
526	designation of Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) from the
527	Society of Certified Insurance Service Counselors, the
528	designation of Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR)
529	from the Independent Insurance Agents of America, the
530	designation of Certified Professional Service Representative
531	(CPSR) from the National Foundation for Certified Professional
532	Service Representatives, the designation of Certified Insurance
533	Service Representative (CISR) from the Society of Certified
534	Insurance Service Representatives. Also, an applicant for
535	license as a customer representative who has the designation of
536	Certified Customer Service Representative (CCSR) from the
537	Florida Association of Insurance Agents, or the designation of
538	Registered Customer Service Representative (RCSR) from a
539	regionally accredited postsecondary institution in this state,
540	or the designation of Professional Customer Service
541	Representative (PCSR) from the Professional Career Institute,
542	whose curriculum has been approved by the department and whose
543	curriculum includes comprehensive analysis of basic property and
544	casualty lines of insurance and testing at least equal to that
545	of standard department testing for the customer representative
546	license. The department shall adopt rules establishing standards
547	for the approval of curriculum.
548	(k)(l)  An applicant for license as an adjuster who has the
549	designation of Accredited Claims Adjuster (ACA) from a
550	regionally accredited postsecondary institution in this state,
551	or the designation of Professional Claims Adjuster (PCA) from
552	the Professional Career Institute, whose curriculum has been
553	approved by the department and whose curriculum includes
554	comprehensive analysis of basic property and casualty lines of
555	insurance and testing at least equal to that of standard
556	department testing for the all-lines adjuster license. The
557	department shall adopt rules establishing standards for the
558	approval of curriculum.
559	(l)(m)  An applicant qualifying for a license transfer
560	under s. 626.292, if the applicant:
561	1.  Has successfully completed the prelicensing examination
562	requirements in the applicant's previous state which are
563	substantially equivalent to the examination requirements in this
564	state, as determined by the department;
565	2.  Has received the designation of chartered property and
566	casualty underwriter (CPCU) from the American Institute for
567	Property and Liability Underwriters and has been engaged in the
568	insurance business within the past 4 years if applying to
569	transfer a general lines agent license; or
570	3.  Has received the designation of chartered life
571	underwriter (CLU) from the American College of Life Underwriters
572	and has been engaged in the insurance business within the past 4
573	years, if applying to transfer a life or health agent license.
574	(m)(n)  An applicant for a nonresident agent license, if
575	the applicant:
576	1.  Has successfully completed prelicensing examination
577	requirements in the applicant's home state which are
578	substantially equivalent to the examination requirements in this
579	state, as determined by the department, as a requirement for
580	obtaining a resident license in his or her home state;
581	2.  Held a general lines agent license, life agent license,
582	or health agent license prior to the time a written examination
583	was required;
584	3.  Has received the designation of chartered property and
585	casualty underwriter (CPCU) from the American Institute for
586	Property and Liability Underwriters and has been engaged in the
587	insurance business within the past 4 years, if an applicant for
588	a nonresident license as a general lines agent; or
589	4.  Has received the designation of chartered life
590	underwriter (CLU) from the American College of Life Underwriters
591	and has been in the insurance business within the past 4 years,
592	if an applicant for a nonresident license as a life agent or
593	health agent.
594	Section 12.  Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of
595	subsection (3) of section 626.2815, Florida Statutes, are
596	amended to read:
597	626.2815  Continuing education required; application;
598	exceptions; requirements; penalties.--
599	(3)(a)  Each person subject to the provisions of this
600	section must, except as set forth in paragraphs (b), and (c),
601	and (d), complete a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education
602	courses every 2 years in basic or higher-level courses
603	prescribed by this section or in other courses approved by the
604	department. Each person subject to the provisions of this
605	section must complete, as part of his or her required number of
606	continuing education hours, 3 hours of continuing education,
607	approved by the department, every 2 years on the subject matter
608	of ethics.
609	(b)  For compliance periods beginning on January 1, 1998, A
610	person who has been licensed for a period of 6 or more years
611	must complete 20 hours every 2 years in intermediate or
612	advanced-level courses prescribed by this section or in other
613	courses approved by the department.
614	(c)  A licensee who has been licensed for 25 years or more
615	and is a CLU or a CPCU or has a Bachelor of Science degree in
616	risk management or insurance with evidence of 18 or more
617	semester hours in upper-level insurance-related courses must
618	complete 10 12 hours of continuing education courses every 2
619	years in courses prescribed by this section or in other courses
620	approved by the department, except, for compliance periods
621	beginning January 1, 1998, the licensees described in this
622	paragraph shall be required to complete 10 hours of continuing
623	education courses every 2 years.
624	(d)  Any person who holds a license as a customer
625	representative, limited customer representative, title agent,
626	motor vehicle physical damage and mechanical breakdown insurance
627	agent, crop or hail and multiple-peril crop insurance agent, or
628	as an industrial fire insurance or burglary insurance agent and
629	who is not a licensed life or health insurance agent, shall be
630	required to complete 10 12 hours of continuing education courses
631	every 2 years, except, for compliance periods beginning on
632	January 1, 1998, each licensee subject to this paragraph shall
633	be required to complete 10 hours of continuing education courses
634	every 2 years.
635	Section 13.  Paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of section
636	626.292, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
637	626.292  Transfer of license from another state.--
638	(2)  To qualify for a license transfer, an individual
639	applicant must meet the following requirements:
640	(c)  The individual shall submit a completed application
641	for this state which is received by the department within 90
642	days after the date the individual became a resident of this
643	state, along with payment of the applicable fees set forth in s.
644	624.501 and submission of the following documents:
645	1.  A certification issued by the appropriate official of
646	the applicant's home state identifying the type of license and
647	lines of authority under the license and stating that, at the
648	time the license from the home state was canceled, the applicant
649	was in good standing in that state or that the state's Producer
650	Database records, maintained by the National Association of
651	Insurance Commissioners, its affiliates, or subsidiaries,
652	indicate that the agent is or was licensed in good standing for
653	the line of authority requested.
654	2.  A set of the individual applicant's fingerprints in
655	accordance with s. 626.171(4)(5).
656	Section 14.  Paragraph (d) of subsection (1) and paragraph
657	(a) of subsection (2) of section 626.321, Florida Statutes, are
658	amended to read:
659	626.321  Limited licenses.--
660	(1)  The department shall issue to a qualified individual,
661	or a qualified individual or entity under paragraphs (c), (d),
662	(e), and (i), a license as agent authorized to transact a
663	limited class of business in any of the following categories:
664	(d)  Baggage and motor vehicle excess liability
665	insurance.--
666	1.  License covering only insurance of personal effects
667	except as provided in subparagraph 2. The license may be issued
668	only:
669	a.  To a full-time salaried employee of a common carrier or
670	a full-time salaried employee or owner of a transportation
671	ticket agency, which person is engaged in the sale or handling
672	of transportation of baggage and personal effects of travelers,
673	and may authorize the sale of such insurance only in connection
674	with such transportation; or
675	b.  To the full-time salaried employee of a licensed
676	general lines agent or to a business entity that offers motor
677	vehicles for rent or lease if insurance sales activities
678	authorized by the license are in connection with and incidental
679	to the rental of a motor vehicle. An entity applying for a
680	license under this sub-subparagraph:
681	(I)  Is required to submit only one application for a
682	license under s. 626.171. The requirements of s. 626.171(4)(5)
683	shall apply only to the officers and directors of the entity
684	submitting the application.
685	(II)  Is required to obtain a license for each office,
686	branch office, or place of business making use of the entity's
687	business name by applying to the department for the license on a
688	simplified application form developed by rule of the department
689	for this purpose.
690	(III)  Is required to pay the applicable fees for a license
691	as prescribed in s. 624.501, be appointed under s. 626.112, and
692	pay the prescribed appointment fee under s. 624.501. A licensed
693	and appointed entity shall be directly responsible and
694	accountable for all acts of the licensee's employees.
695
696	The purchaser of baggage insurance shall be provided written
697	information disclosing that the insured's homeowner's policy may
698	provide coverage for loss of personal effects and that the
699	purchase of such insurance is not required in connection with
700	the purchase of tickets or in connection with the lease or
701	rental of a motor vehicle.
702	2.  A business entity that offers motor vehicles for rent
703	or lease, may include lessees under a master contract providing
704	coverage to the lessor or may transact excess motor vehicle
705	liability insurance providing coverage in excess of the standard
706	liability limits provided by the lessor in its lease to a person
707	renting or leasing a motor vehicle from the licensee's employer
708	for liability arising in connection with the negligent operation
709	of the leased or rented motor vehicle, provided that the lease
710	or rental agreement is for not more than 30 days; that the
711	lessee is not provided coverage for more than 30 consecutive
712	days per lease period, and, if the lease is extended beyond 30
713	days, the coverage may be extended one time only for a period
714	not to exceed an additional 30 days; that the lessee is given
715	written notice that his or her personal insurance policy
716	providing coverage on an owned motor vehicle may provide
717	additional excess coverage; and that the purchase of the
718	insurance is not required in connection with the lease or rental
719	of a motor vehicle. The excess liability insurance may be
720	provided to the lessee as an additional insured on a policy
721	issued to the licensee's employer.
722	3.  A business entity that offers motor vehicles for rent
723	or lease, may, as an agent of an insurer, transact insurance
724	that provides coverage for the liability of the lessee to the
725	lessor for damage to the leased or rented motor vehicle if:
726	a.  The lease or rental agreement is for not more than 30
727	days; or the lessee is not provided coverage for more than 30
728	consecutive days per lease period, but, if the lease is extended
729	beyond 30 days, the coverage may be extended one time only for a
730	period not to exceed an additional 30 days;
731	b.  The lessee is given written notice that his or her
732	personal insurance policy that provides coverage on an owned
733	motor vehicle may provide such coverage with or without a
734	deductible; and
735	c.  The purchase of the insurance is not required in
736	connection with the lease or rental of a motor vehicle.
737	(2)  An entity applying for a license under this section is
738	required to:
739	(a)  Submit only one application for a license under s.
740	626.171. The requirements of s. 626.171(4)(5) shall only apply
741	to the officers and directors of the entity submitting the
742	application.
743	Section 15.  Subsections (1) and (2) of section 626.342,
744	Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
745	626.342  Furnishing supplies to unlicensed life, health, or
746	general lines agent prohibited; civil liability.--
747	(1)  An insurer, a managing general agent, an insurance
748	agency, or an agent, directly or through any representative, may
749	not furnish to any agent any blank forms, applications,
750	stationery, or other supplies to be used in soliciting,
751	negotiating, or effecting contracts of insurance on its behalf
752	unless such blank forms, applications, stationery, or other
753	supplies relate to a class of business with respect to which the
754	agent is licensed and appointed, whether for that insurer or
755	another insurer.
756	(2)  Any insurer, general agent, insurance agency, or agent
757	who furnishes any of the supplies specified in subsection (1) to
758	any agent or prospective agent not appointed to represent the
759	insurer and who accepts from or writes any insurance business
760	for such agent or agency is subject to civil liability to any
761	insured of such insurer to the same extent and in the same
762	manner as if such agent or prospective agent had been appointed
763	or authorized by the insurer or such agent to act in its or his
764	or her behalf. The provisions of this subsection do not apply to
765	insurance risk apportionment plans under s. 627.351.
766	Section 16.  Section 626.382, Florida Statutes, is amended
767	to read:
768	626.382  Continuation, expiration of license; insurance
769	agencies.--The license of any insurance agency shall be issued
770	for a period of 3 years, subject to the payment of the fees
771	prescribed in s. 624.501, and shall continue in force until
772	canceled, suspended, revoked, or otherwise terminated. A license
773	may be renewed by submitting a renewal request to the department
774	on a form adopted by department rule.
775	Section 17.  Subsection (3) of section 626.451, Florida
776	Statutes, is amended to read:
777	626.451  Appointment of agent or other representative.--
778	(3)  By authorizing the effectuation of the appointment of
779	an agent, adjuster, service representative, customer
780	representative, or managing general agent the appointing entity
781	is thereby certifying to the department that it is willing to be
782	bound by the acts of the agent, adjuster, service
783	representative, customer representative, or managing general
784	agent, within the scope of the licensee's employment or
785	appointment.
786	Section 18.  Section 626.536, Florida Statutes, is amended
787	to read:
788	626.536  Reporting of actions.--Each An agent and insurance
789	agency shall submit to the department, within 30 days after the
790	final disposition of any administrative action taken against the
791	agent by a governmental agency in this or any other state or
792	jurisdiction relating to the business of insurance, the sale of
793	securities, or activity involving fraud, dishonesty,
794	trustworthiness, or breach of a fiduciary duty, a copy of the
795	order, consent to order, or other relevant legal documents. The
796	department may adopt rules implementing the provisions of this
797	section.
798	Section 19.  Subsections (1) and (3) of section 626.561,
799	Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
800	626.561  Reporting and accounting for funds.--
801	(1)  All premiums, return premiums, or other funds
802	belonging to insurers or others received by an agent, insurance
803	agency, customer representative, or adjuster in transactions
804	under the his or her license are trust funds received by the
805	licensee in a fiduciary capacity. An agent or insurance agency
806	shall keep the funds belonging to each insurer for which an
807	agent he or she is not appointed, other than a surplus lines
808	insurer, in a separate account so as to allow the department or
809	office to properly audit such funds. The licensee in the
810	applicable regular course of business shall account for and pay
811	the same to the insurer, insured, or other person entitled
812	thereto.
813	(3)  Any agent, insurance agency, customer representative,
814	or adjuster who, not being lawfully entitled thereto, either
815	temporarily or permanently diverts or misappropriates such funds
816	or any portion thereof or deprives the other person of a benefit
817	therefrom commits the offense specified below:
818	(a)  If the funds diverted or misappropriated are $300 or
819	less, a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided
820	in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
821	(b)  If the funds diverted or misappropriated are more than
822	$300, but less than $20,000, a felony of the third degree,
823	punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
824	(c)  If the funds diverted or misappropriated are $20,000
825	or more, but less than $100,000, a felony of the second degree,
826	punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
827	(d)  If the funds diverted or misappropriated are $100,000
828	or more, a felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in
829	s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
830	Section 20.  Subsections (1) and (2) of section 626.572,
831	Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
832	626.572  Rebating; when allowed.--
833	(1)  No insurance agency or agent shall rebate any portion
834	of a his or her commission except as follows:
835	(a)  The rebate shall be available to all insureds in the
836	same actuarial class.
837	(b)  The rebate shall be in accordance with a rebating
838	schedule filed by the agent with the insurer issuing the policy
839	to which the rebate applies.
840	(c)  The rebating schedule shall be uniformly applied in
841	that all insureds who purchase the same policy through the agent
842	for the same amount of insurance receive the same percentage
843	rebate.
844	(d)  Rebates shall not be given to an insured with respect
845	to a policy purchased from an insurer that prohibits its agents
846	from rebating commissions.
847	(e)  The rebate schedule is prominently displayed in public
848	view in the agent's place of doing business and a copy is
849	available to insureds on request at no charge.
850	(f)  The age, sex, place of residence, race, nationality,
851	ethnic origin, marital status, or occupation of the insured or
852	location of the risk is not utilized in determining the
853	percentage of the rebate or whether a rebate is available.
854	(2)  The insurance agency or agent shall maintain a copy of
855	all rebate schedules for the most recent 5 years and their
856	effective dates.
857	Section 21.  Subsection (1) of section 626.601, Florida
858	Statutes, is amended to read:
859	626.601  Improper conduct; inquiry; fingerprinting.--
860	(1)  The department or office may, upon its own motion or
861	upon a written complaint signed by any interested person and
862	filed with the department or office, inquire into any alleged
863	improper conduct of any licensed insurance agency, agent,
864	adjuster, service representative, managing general agent,
865	customer representative, title insurance agent, title insurance
866	agency, continuing education course provider, instructor, school
867	official, or monitor group under this code. The department or
868	office may thereafter initiate an investigation of any such
869	licensee if it has reasonable cause to believe that the licensee
870	has violated any provision of the insurance code. During the
871	course of its investigation, the department or office shall
872	contact the licensee being investigated unless it determines
873	that contacting such person could jeopardize the successful
874	completion of the investigation or cause injury to the public.
875	Section 22.  Section 626.602, Florida Statutes, is created
876	to read:
877	626.602  Insurance agency names; disapproval.--The
878	department may disapprove the use of any true or fictitious
879	name, other than the bona fide natural name of an individual, by
880	any insurance agency on any of the following grounds:
881	(1)  The name is an interference with or is too similar to
882	a name already filed and in use by another agency or insurer;
883	(2)  The use of the name may mislead the public in any
884	respect; or
885	(3)  The name states or implies that the agency is an
886	insurer, motor club, hospital service plan, state or federal
887	agency, charitable organization, or entity that primarily
888	provides advice and counsel rather than sells or solicits
889	insurance, or is entitled to engage in insurance activities not
890	permitted under licenses held or applied for. This provision
891	does not prohibit the use of the word "state" or "states" in the
892	name of the agency and the use of such words in the name of the
893	agency does not imply that the agency is a state agency.
894	Section 23.  Section 626.6115, Florida Statutes, is amended
895	to read:
896	626.6115  Grounds for compulsory refusal, suspension, or
897	revocation of insurance agency license.--The department shall
898	deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to continue the license of any
899	insurance agency if it finds, as to any insurance agency or as
900	to any majority owner, partner, manager, director, officer, or
901	other person who manages or controls such agency, that any
902	either one or both of the following applicable grounds exist:
903	(1)  Lack by the agency of one or more of the
904	qualifications for the license as specified in this code.
905	(2)  Material misstatement, misrepresentation, or fraud in
906	obtaining the license or in attempting to obtain the license.
907	(3)  Denial, suspension, or revocation of a license to
908	practice or conduct any regulated profession, business, or
909	vocation relating to the business of insurance by this state,
910	any other state, any nation, any possession or district of the
911	United States, any court, or any lawful agency thereof. However,
912	the existence of grounds for administrative action against a
913	licensed agency does not constitute grounds for action against
914	any other licensed agency, including an agency that owns, is
915	under common ownership with, or is owned by, in whole or in
916	part, the agency for which grounds for administrative action
917	exist.
918	Section 24.  Subsection (6) of section 626.621, Florida
919	Statutes, is amended to read:
920	626.621  Grounds for discretionary refusal, suspension, or
921	revocation of agent's, adjuster's, customer representative's,
922	service representative's, or managing general agent's license or
923	appointment.--The department may, in its discretion, deny an
924	application for, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew or continue
925	the license or appointment of any applicant, agent, adjuster,
926	customer representative, service representative, or managing
927	general agent, and it may suspend or revoke the eligibility to
928	hold a license or appointment of any such person, if it finds
929	that as to the applicant, licensee, or appointee any one or more
930	of the following applicable grounds exist under circumstances
931	for which such denial, suspension, revocation, or refusal is not
932	mandatory under s. 626.611:
933	(6)  In the conduct of business under the license or
934	appointment, engaging in unfair methods of competition or in
935	unfair or deceptive acts or practices, as prohibited under part
936	IX of this chapter, or having otherwise shown himself or herself
937	to be a source of injury or loss to the public or detrimental to
938	the public interest.
939	Section 25.  Subsection (6) is added to section 626.6215,
940	Florida Statutes, to read:
941	626.6215  Grounds for discretionary refusal, suspension, or
942	revocation of insurance agency license.--The department may, in
943	its discretion, deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to continue the
944	license of any insurance agency if it finds, as to any insurance
945	agency or as to any majority owner, partner, manager, director,
946	officer, or other person who manages or controls such insurance
947	agency, that any one or more of the following applicable grounds
948	exist:
949	(6)  Failure to take corrective action or report a
950	violation to the department within 30 days after an individual
951	licensee's violation is known or should have been known by one
952	or more of the partners, officers, or managers acting on behalf
953	of the agency. However, the existence of grounds for
954	administrative action against a licensed agency does not
955	constitute grounds for action against any other licensed agency,
956	including an agency that owns, is under common ownership with,
957	or is owned by, in whole or in part, the agency for which
958	grounds for administrative action exist.
959	Section 26.  Subsections (1) and (2) of section 626.641,
960	Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
961	626.641  Duration of suspension or revocation.--
962	(1)  The department shall, in its order suspending a
963	license or appointment or in its order suspending the
964	eligibility of a person to hold or apply for such license or
965	appointment, specify the period during which the suspension is
966	to be in effect; but such period shall not exceed 2 years. The
967	license, appointment, or eligibility shall remain suspended
968	during the period so specified, subject, however, to any
969	rescission or modification of the order by the department, or
970	modification or reversal thereof by the court, prior to
971	expiration of the suspension period. A license, appointment, or
972	eligibility which has been suspended shall not be reinstated
973	except upon request for such reinstatement and, in the case of a
974	second suspension, completion of continuing education courses
975	prescribed and approved by the department or office; but the
976	department shall not grant such reinstatement if it finds that
977	the circumstance or circumstances for which the license,
978	appointment, or eligibility was suspended still exist or are
979	likely to recur. In addition, a request for reinstatement is
980	subject to denial and subject to a waiting period prior to
981	approval on the same grounds that apply to applications for
982	licensure pursuant to ss. 626.207, 626.611, and 626.621.
983	(2)  No person or appointee under any license or
984	appointment revoked by the department, nor any person whose
985	eligibility to hold same has been revoked by the department,
986	shall have the right to apply for another license or appointment
987	under this code within 2 years from the effective date of such
988	revocation or, if judicial review of such revocation is sought,
989	within 2 years from the date of final court order or decree
990	affirming the revocation. An applicant for another license or
991	appointment pursuant to this subsection must apply and qualify
992	for licensure and appointment in the same manner as a first-time
993	applicant, and the application may be denied on the same grounds
994	that apply to first-time applicants for licensure pursuant to
995	ss. 626.207, 626.611, and 626.621. In addition, the department
996	shall not, however, grant a new license or appointment or
997	reinstate eligibility to hold such license or appointment if it
998	finds that the circumstance or circumstances for which the
999	eligibility was revoked or for which the previous license or
1000	appointment was revoked still exist or are likely to recur; if
1001	an individual's license as agent or customer representative or
1002	eligibility to hold same has been revoked upon the ground
1003	specified in s. 626.611(12), the department shall refuse to
1004	grant or issue any new license or appointment so applied for.
1005	Section 27.  Subsection (1) of section 626.7351, Florida
1006	Statutes, is amended to read:
1007	626.7351  Qualifications for customer representative's
1008	license.--The department shall not grant or issue a license as
1009	customer representative to any individual found by it to be
1010	untrustworthy or incompetent, or who does not meet each of the
1011	following qualifications:
1012	(1)  The applicant is a natural person who is at least 18
1013	years of age.
1014	Section 28.  Subsection (2) of section 626.7355, Florida
1015	Statutes, is amended to read:
1016	626.7355  Temporary license as customer representative
1017	pending examination.--
1018	(2)  There must be no more than one temporary customer
1019	representative licensee in the general lines agency location
1020	where the temporary licensee is housed and the temporary
1021	licensee shall be housed wholly and completely within the actual
1022	confines of the office of the agent or agency whom he or she
1023	represents. Such agency must be in compliance with the
1024	provisions of s. 626.592, commonly referred to as the Primary
1025	Agent Law, for the most recent reporting period. No such
1026	temporary licensee may be employed from any location except
1027	where his or her designated supervising general lines agent
1028	spends his or her full time. No general lines agency location
1029	may employ more than two temporary customer representative
1030	licensees in one calendar year.
1031	Section 29.  Subsection (1) of section 626.747, Florida
1032	Statutes, is amended to read:
1033	626.747  Branch agencies.--
1034	(1)  Each branch place of business established by an agent
1035	or agency, firm, corporation, or association shall be in the
1036	active full-time charge of a licensed general lines agent who is
1037	appointed to represent one or more insurers. Any agent or
1038	agency, firm, corporation, or association which has established
1039	one or more branch places of business shall be required to have
1040	at least one licensed general lines agent or life or health
1041	agent who is appointed to represent one or more insurers at each
1042	location of the agency, including its headquarters location.
1043	Section 30.  Paragraph (d) of subsection (2) of section
1044	626.8411, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1045	626.8411  Application of Florida Insurance Code provisions
1046	to title insurance agents or agencies.--
1047	(2)  The following provisions of part I do not apply to
1048	title insurance agents or title insurance agencies:
1049	(d)  Section 626.592, relating to primary agents.
1050	Section 31.  Section 626.8420, Florida Statutes, is created
1051	to read:
1052	626.8420  Nonresident title insurance
1053	agents.--Notwithstanding s. 626.8414(2), the department, upon
1054	application and payment of the fees specified in s. 624.501, may
1055	issue a license as a nonresident title insurance agent to an
1056	individual not a resident of this state in the same manner
1057	applicable to the licensure of nonresident general lines agents
1058	under the provisions of s. 626.741. Sections 626.742 and 626.743
1059	shall apply to nonresident title insurance agents.
1060	Section 32.  Subsection (2) of section 648.50, Florida
1061	Statutes, is amended to read:
1062	648.50  Effect of suspension, revocation upon associated
1063	licenses and licensees.--
1064	(2)  In case of the suspension or revocation of the license
1065	or appointment, or the eligibility to hold a license or
1066	appointment, of any bail bond agent, the license, appointment,
1067	or eligibility of any and all bail bond agents who are members
1068	of a bail bond agency, whether incorporated or unincorporated,
1069	and any and all temporary bail bond agents or runners employed
1070	by such bail bond agency, who knowingly are parties to the act
1071	which formed the ground for the suspension or revocation may
1072	likewise be suspended or revoked.
1073	Section 33.  Section 626.592, Florida Statutes, is
1074	repealed.
1075	Section 34.  This act shall take effect October 1, 2005.

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.