Florida Senate - 2025                          SENATOR AMENDMENT
       Bill No. CS for HB 1549
       
       
       
       
       
       
                                Ì102254|Î102254                         
       
                              LEGISLATIVE ACTION                        
                    Senate             .             House              
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                Floor: 1/AD/2R         .                                
             04/30/2025 07:26 PM       .                                
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       Senator Grall moved the following:
       
    1         Senate Amendment (with title amendment)
    2  
    3         Delete everything after the enacting clause
    4  and insert:
    5         Section 1. Paragraph (d) of subsection (10) of section
    6  560.103, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
    7         560.103 Definitions.—As used in this chapter, the term:
    8         (10) “Control person” means, with respect to a money
    9  services business, any of the following:
   10         (d) A shareholder in whose name shares are registered in
   11  the records of a corporation for profit, whether incorporated
   12  under the laws of this state or organized under the laws of any
   13  other jurisdiction and existing in that legal form, who directly
   14  or indirectly has the power to vote 25 percent or more of a
   15  class of voting securities, or to sell or direct the sale of 25
   16  percent or more of a class of voting securities owns 25 percent
   17  or more of a class of the company’s equity securities.
   18         Section 2. Subsection (4) of section 626.914, Florida
   19  Statutes, is amended to read:
   20         626.914 Definitions.—As used in this Surplus Lines Law, the
   21  term:
   22         (4)“Diligent effort” means seeking coverage from and
   23  having been rejected by at least three authorized insurers
   24  currently writing this type of coverage and documenting these
   25  rejections. However, if the residential structure has a dwelling
   26  replacement cost of $700,000 or more, the term means seeking
   27  coverage from and having been rejected by at least one
   28  authorized insurer currently writing this type of coverage and
   29  documenting this rejection.
   30         Section 3. Paragraph (a) and present paragraph (e) of
   31  subsection (1) and subsections (2) and (3) of section 626.916,
   32  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
   33         626.916 Eligibility for export.—
   34         (1) No insurance coverage shall be eligible for export
   35  unless it meets all of the following conditions:
   36         (a)The full amount of insurance required must not be
   37  procurable, after a diligent effort has been made by the
   38  producing agent to do so, from among the insurers authorized to
   39  transact and actually writing that kind and class of insurance
   40  in this state, and the amount of insurance exported shall be
   41  only the excess over the amount so procurable from authorized
   42  insurers. Surplus lines agents must verify that a diligent
   43  effort has been made by requiring a properly documented
   44  statement of diligent effort from the retail or producing agent.
   45  However, to be in compliance with the diligent effort
   46  requirement, the surplus lines agent’s reliance must be
   47  reasonable under the particular circumstances surrounding the
   48  export of that particular risk. Reasonableness shall be assessed
   49  by taking into account factors which include, but are not
   50  limited to, a regularly conducted program of verification of the
   51  information provided by the retail or producing agent.
   52  Declinations must be documented on a risk-by-risk basis. If it
   53  is not possible to obtain the full amount of insurance required
   54  by layering the risk, it is permissible to export the full
   55  amount.
   56         (d)(e) The insured has signed or otherwise provided
   57  documented acknowledgment of a disclosure in substantially the
   58  following form: “You are agreeing to place coverage in the
   59  surplus lines market. Coverage may be available in the admitted
   60  market. Persons insured by surplus lines carriers are not
   61  protected under the Florida Insurance Guaranty Act with respect
   62  to any right of recovery for the obligation of an insolvent
   63  unlicensed insurer. Additionally, surplus lines insurers’ policy
   64  rates and forms are not approved by any Florida regulatory
   65  agency.If the acknowledgment of the disclosure is signed by
   66  the insured, the insured is presumed to have been informed and
   67  to know that other coverage may be available.
   68         (2)The commission may by rule declare eligible for export
   69  generally, and notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a),
   70  (b), (c), and (d) of subsection (1), any class or classes of
   71  insurance coverage or risk for which it finds, after a hearing,
   72  that there is no reasonable or adequate market among authorized
   73  insurers. Any such rules shall continue in effect during the
   74  existence of the conditions upon which predicated, but subject
   75  to termination by the commission.
   76         (3)(a)Subsection (1) does not apply to wet marine and
   77  transportation or aviation risks that are subject to s. 626.917.
   78         (b)Subsection (1) does not apply to classes of insurance
   79  which are related to indemnity of deductibles for property
   80  insurance or are subject to s. 627.062(3)(d)1. These classes may
   81  be exportable under the following conditions:
   82         1.The insurance must be placed only by or through a
   83  surplus lines agent licensed in this state;
   84         2.The insurer must be made eligible under s. 626.918; and
   85         3.The insured has complied with paragraph (1)(e). If the
   86  disclosure is signed by the insured, the insured is presumed to
   87  have been informed and to know that other coverage may be
   88  available, and, with respect to the diligent-effort requirement
   89  under subsection (1), there is no liability on the part of, and
   90  no cause of action arises against, the retail agent presenting
   91  the form.
   92         Section 4. Subsection (5) of section 626.918, Florida
   93  Statutes, is amended to read:
   94         626.918 Eligible surplus lines insurers.—
   95         (5) When it appears that any particular insurance risk
   96  which is eligible for export, but on which insurance coverage,
   97  in whole or in part, is not procurable from the eligible surplus
   98  lines insurers, after a search of eligible surplus lines
   99  insurers, then the surplus lines agent may file a supplemental
  100  signed statement setting forth such facts and advising the
  101  office that such part of the risk as shall be unprocurable, as
  102  aforesaid, is being placed with named unauthorized insurers, in
  103  the amounts and percentages set forth in the statement. Such
  104  named unauthorized insurer shall, however, before accepting any
  105  risk in this state, deposit with the department cash or
  106  securities acceptable to the office and department of the market
  107  value of $50,000 for each individual risk, contract, or
  108  certificate, which deposit shall be held by the department for
  109  the benefit of Florida policyholders only; and the surplus lines
  110  agent shall procure from such unauthorized insurer and file with
  111  the office a certified copy of its statement of condition as of
  112  the close of the last calendar year. If such statement reveals,
  113  including both capital and surplus, net assets of at least that
  114  amount required for licensure of a domestic insurer, then the
  115  surplus lines agent may proceed to consummate such contract of
  116  insurance. Whenever any insurance risk, or any part thereof, is
  117  placed with an unauthorized insurer, as provided herein, the
  118  policy, binder, or cover note shall contain a statement signed
  119  by the insured and the agent with the following notation: “The
  120  insured is aware that certain insurers participating in this
  121  risk have not been approved to transact business in Florida nor
  122  have they been declared eligible as surplus lines insurers by
  123  the Office of Insurance Regulation of Florida. The placing of
  124  such insurance by a duly licensed surplus lines agent in Florida
  125  shall not be construed as approval of such insurer by the Office
  126  of Insurance Regulation of Florida. Consequently, the insured is
  127  aware that the insured has severely limited the assistance
  128  available under the insurance laws of Florida. The insured is
  129  further aware that he or she may be charged a reasonable per
  130  policy fee, as provided in s. 626.916(2) s. 626.916(4), Florida
  131  Statutes, for each policy certified for export.” All other
  132  provisions of this code shall apply to such placement the same
  133  as if such risks were placed with an eligible surplus lines
  134  insurer.
  135         Section 5. Subsection (6) of section 626.932, Florida
  136  Statutes, is amended to read:
  137         626.932 Surplus lines tax.—
  138         (6) For the purposes of this section, the term “premium”
  139  means the consideration for insurance by whatever name called
  140  and includes any assessment, or any membership, policy, survey,
  141  inspection, service, or similar fee or charge in consideration
  142  for an insurance contract, which items are deemed to be a part
  143  of the premium. The per-policy fee authorized by s. 626.916(2)
  144  s. 626.916(4) is specifically included within the meaning of the
  145  term “premium.” However, the service fee imposed pursuant to s.
  146  626.9325 is excluded from the meaning of the term “premium.”
  147         Section 6. Subsection (6) of section 626.9325, Florida
  148  Statutes, is amended to read:
  149         626.9325 Service fee.—
  150         (6) For the purposes of this section, the term “premium”
  151  means the consideration for insurance by whatever name called
  152  and includes any assessment, or any membership, policy, survey,
  153  inspection, service, or similar fee or charge in consideration
  154  for an insurance contract, which items are deemed to be a part
  155  of the premium. The per-policy fee authorized by s. 626.916(2)
  156  s. 626.916(4) is specifically included within the meaning of the
  157  term “premium.”
  158         Section 7. Paragraph (o) of subsection (1) of section
  159  626.9541, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  160         626.9541 Unfair methods of competition and unfair or
  161  deceptive acts or practices defined.—
  162         (1) UNFAIR METHODS OF COMPETITION AND UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE
  163  ACTS.—The following are defined as unfair methods of competition
  164  and unfair or deceptive acts or practices:
  165         (o) Illegal dealings in premiums; excess or reduced charges
  166  for insurance.—
  167         1. Knowingly collecting any sum as a premium or charge for
  168  insurance, which is not then provided, or is not in due course
  169  to be provided, subject to acceptance of the risk by the
  170  insurer, by an insurance policy issued by an insurer as
  171  permitted by this code.
  172         2. Knowingly collecting as a premium or charge for
  173  insurance any sum in excess of or less than the premium or
  174  charge applicable to such insurance, in accordance with the
  175  applicable classifications and rates as filed with and approved
  176  by the office, and as specified in the policy; or, in cases when
  177  classifications, premiums, or rates are not required by this
  178  code to be so filed and approved, premiums and charges collected
  179  from a Florida resident in excess of or less than those
  180  specified in the policy and as fixed by the insurer.
  181  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, this provision shall
  182  not be deemed to prohibit the charging and collection, by
  183  surplus lines agents licensed under part VIII of this chapter,
  184  of the amount of applicable state and federal taxes, or fees as
  185  authorized by s. 626.916(2) s. 626.916(4), in addition to the
  186  premium required by the insurer or the charging and collection,
  187  by licensed agents, of the exact amount of any discount or other
  188  such fee charged by a credit card facility in connection with
  189  the use of a credit card, as authorized by subparagraph (q)3.,
  190  in addition to the premium required by the insurer. This
  191  subparagraph shall not be construed to prohibit collection of a
  192  premium for a universal life or a variable or indeterminate
  193  value insurance policy made in accordance with the terms of the
  194  contract.
  195         3.a. Imposing or requesting an additional premium for a
  196  policy of motor vehicle liability, personal injury protection,
  197  medical payment, or collision insurance or any combination
  198  thereof or refusing to renew the policy solely because the
  199  insured was involved in a motor vehicle accident unless the
  200  insurer’s file contains information from which the insurer in
  201  good faith determines that the insured was substantially at
  202  fault in the accident.
  203         b. An insurer which imposes and collects such a surcharge
  204  or which refuses to renew such policy shall, in conjunction with
  205  the notice of premium due or notice of nonrenewal, notify the
  206  named insured that he or she is entitled to reimbursement of
  207  such amount or renewal of the policy under the conditions listed
  208  below and will subsequently reimburse him or her or renew the
  209  policy, if the named insured demonstrates that the operator
  210  involved in the accident was:
  211         (I) Lawfully parked;
  212         (II) Reimbursed by, or on behalf of, a person responsible
  213  for the accident or has a judgment against such person;
  214         (III) Struck in the rear by another vehicle headed in the
  215  same direction and was not convicted of a moving traffic
  216  violation in connection with the accident;
  217         (IV) Hit by a “hit-and-run” driver, if the accident was
  218  reported to the proper authorities within 24 hours after
  219  discovering the accident;
  220         (V) Not convicted of a moving traffic violation in
  221  connection with the accident, but the operator of the other
  222  automobile involved in such accident was convicted of a moving
  223  traffic violation;
  224         (VI) Finally adjudicated not to be liable by a court of
  225  competent jurisdiction;
  226         (VII) In receipt of a traffic citation which was dismissed
  227  or nolle prossed; or
  228         (VIII) Not at fault as evidenced by a written statement
  229  from the insured establishing facts demonstrating lack of fault
  230  which are not rebutted by information in the insurer’s file from
  231  which the insurer in good faith determines that the insured was
  232  substantially at fault.
  233         c. In addition to the other provisions of this
  234  subparagraph, an insurer may not fail to renew a policy if the
  235  insured has had only one accident in which he or she was at
  236  fault within the current 3-year period. However, an insurer may
  237  nonrenew a policy for reasons other than accidents in accordance
  238  with s. 627.728. This subparagraph does not prohibit nonrenewal
  239  of a policy under which the insured has had three or more
  240  accidents, regardless of fault, during the most recent 3-year
  241  period.
  242         4. Imposing or requesting an additional premium for, or
  243  refusing to renew, a policy for motor vehicle insurance solely
  244  because the insured committed a noncriminal traffic infraction
  245  as described in s. 318.14 unless the infraction is:
  246         a. A second infraction committed within an 18-month period,
  247  or a third or subsequent infraction committed within a 36-month
  248  period.
  249         b. A violation of s. 316.183, when such violation is a
  250  result of exceeding the lawful speed limit by more than 15 miles
  251  per hour.
  252         5. Upon the request of the insured, the insurer and
  253  licensed agent shall supply to the insured the complete proof of
  254  fault or other criteria which justifies the additional charge or
  255  cancellation.
  256         6. No insurer shall impose or request an additional premium
  257  for motor vehicle insurance, cancel or refuse to issue a policy,
  258  or refuse to renew a policy because the insured or the applicant
  259  is a handicapped or physically disabled person, so long as such
  260  handicap or physical disability does not substantially impair
  261  such person’s mechanically assisted driving ability.
  262         7. No insurer may cancel or otherwise terminate any
  263  insurance contract or coverage, or require execution of a
  264  consent to rate endorsement, during the stated policy term for
  265  the purpose of offering to issue, or issuing, a similar or
  266  identical contract or coverage to the same insured with the same
  267  exposure at a higher premium rate or continuing an existing
  268  contract or coverage with the same exposure at an increased
  269  premium.
  270         8. No insurer may issue a nonrenewal notice on any
  271  insurance contract or coverage, or require execution of a
  272  consent to rate endorsement, for the purpose of offering to
  273  issue, or issuing, a similar or identical contract or coverage
  274  to the same insured at a higher premium rate or continuing an
  275  existing contract or coverage at an increased premium without
  276  meeting any applicable notice requirements.
  277         9. No insurer shall, with respect to premiums charged for
  278  motor vehicle insurance, unfairly discriminate solely on the
  279  basis of age, sex, marital status, or scholastic achievement.
  280         10. Imposing or requesting an additional premium for motor
  281  vehicle comprehensive or uninsured motorist coverage solely
  282  because the insured was involved in a motor vehicle accident or
  283  was convicted of a moving traffic violation.
  284         11. No insurer shall cancel or issue a nonrenewal notice on
  285  any insurance policy or contract without complying with any
  286  applicable cancellation or nonrenewal provision required under
  287  the Florida Insurance Code.
  288         12. No insurer shall impose or request an additional
  289  premium, cancel a policy, or issue a nonrenewal notice on any
  290  insurance policy or contract because of any traffic infraction
  291  when adjudication has been withheld and no points have been
  292  assessed pursuant to s. 318.14(9) and (10). However, this
  293  subparagraph does not apply to traffic infractions involving
  294  accidents in which the insurer has incurred a loss due to the
  295  fault of the insured.
  296         Section 8. Subsection (4) of section 627.715, Florida
  297  Statutes, is amended to read:
  298         627.715 Flood insurance.—An authorized insurer may issue an
  299  insurance policy, contract, or endorsement providing personal
  300  lines residential coverage for the peril of flood or excess
  301  coverage for the peril of flood on any structure or the contents
  302  of personal property contained therein, subject to this section.
  303  This section does not apply to commercial lines residential or
  304  commercial lines nonresidential coverage for the peril of flood.
  305  An insurer may issue flood insurance policies, contracts,
  306  endorsements, or excess coverage on a standard, preferred,
  307  customized, flexible, or supplemental basis.
  308         (4) An agent may export a contract or an endorsement
  309  providing flood coverage to an eligible surplus lines insurer
  310  without making a diligent effort to seek such coverage from
  311  three or more authorized insurers under s. 626.916 s.
  312  626.916(1)(a).
  313         Section 9. Section 655.047, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  314  read:
  315         655.047 Assessments; financial institutions.—
  316         (1) Each state financial institution shall pay to the
  317  office a semiannual assessment for the 6-month periods beginning
  318  January 1 and July 1. Assessments must be based on the total
  319  assets as shown on the statement of condition of the financial
  320  institution on the last business day in December and the last
  321  business day in June of each year.
  322         (2) If mailed, The semiannual assessment must be received
  323  by the office by mail, wire transfer, automated clearinghouse,
  324  or other electronic means approved by the office on or before
  325  March January 31 and September 30 July 31 of each year following
  326  the semiannual assessment period. If transmitted through a wire
  327  transfer, an automated clearinghouse, or other electronic means
  328  approved by the office, the semiannual assessment must be
  329  transmitted to the office on or before January 31 and July 31 of
  330  each year. The office may levy a late payment penalty of up to
  331  $100 per day or part thereof that a semiannual assessment
  332  payment is overdue, unless it is excused for good cause.
  333  However, for intentional late payment of a semiannual
  334  assessment, the office shall levy an administrative fine of up
  335  to $1,000 a day for each day the semiannual assessment is
  336  overdue.
  337         (3) The assessments required by this section cover the 6
  338  month period following the first day of the month in which they
  339  are due. The office may prorate the amount of the semiannual
  340  assessment; however, no portion of a semiannual assessment is
  341  refundable.
  342         Section 10. Subsection (5) of section 655.414, Florida
  343  Statutes, is amended to read:
  344         655.414 Acquisition of assets; assumption of liabilities.
  345  With prior approval of the office, and upon such conditions as
  346  the commission prescribes by rule, a financial institution may
  347  acquire 50 percent or more of the assets of, liabilities of, or
  348  a combination of assets and liabilities of any other financial
  349  institution in accordance with the procedures and subject to the
  350  following conditions and limitations:
  351         (5) ADOPTED PLAN; APPROVAL CERTIFICATION CERTIFICATE;
  352  ABANDONMENT; CERTIFICATE OF ACQUISITION, ASSUMPTION, OR SALE.—
  353         (a) If the plan is adopted by the members or stockholders
  354  of the transferring financial institution, the president or vice
  355  president and the cashier, manager, or corporate secretary of
  356  such institution shall submit the adopted plan to the office,
  357  together with a certified copy of the resolution of the members
  358  or stockholders approving it.
  359         (b) Upon receipt of the certified copies and evidence that
  360  the participating financial institutions have complied with all
  361  applicable state and federal law and rules, the office shall
  362  certify, in writing, to the participants that the plan has been
  363  approved.
  364         (c) Notwithstanding approval of the members or stockholders
  365  or certification by the office, the board of directors of the
  366  transferring financial institution may abandon the such a
  367  transaction without further action or approval by the members or
  368  stockholders, subject to the rights of third parties under any
  369  contracts relating thereto.
  370         (d)After the acquiring financial institution completes the
  371  plan and submits a request with any evidence required by the
  372  office to confirm the transaction’s completion, the office may
  373  issue a certificate to the acquiring financial institution
  374  confirming that the acquisition, assumption, or sale transaction
  375  has been completed.
  376         Section 11. Effective upon becoming a law, section 655.97,
  377  Florida Statutes, is created to read:
  378         655.97 Lawyer or law firm trust account interest rates.—
  379         (1)A financial institution may hold funds in an interest
  380  bearing trust account of a lawyer or law firm in which the
  381  institution remits interest or dividends on the balance of the
  382  deposited funds to an entity established by the Supreme Court
  383  for the purpose of providing or facilitating the provision of
  384  free legal services to low-income individuals or for other
  385  purposes authorized by the Supreme Court. If the institution
  386  holds such an account, it must pay the highest interest rate or
  387  dividend generally available from the institution to its
  388  comparable business or consumer accounts or nonmaturing deposit
  389  accounts, provided that the trust account meets or exceeds the
  390  same minimum balance or other account requirements. The trust
  391  account interest rate must be at least 0.25 percent if the
  392  Federal Funds Effective Rate is less than 4 percent. The trust
  393  account interest rate must be at least 0.5 percent if the
  394  Federal Funds Effective Rate is 4 percent or greater.
  395         (a)The financial institution must submit a rate validation
  396  sheet and affidavit to the Chief Financial Officer by the 10th
  397  day of each quarter attesting that it will pay the same interest
  398  rate or dividend on the lawyer or law firm trust accounts that
  399  it is paying on its comparable business or consumer accounts or
  400  nonmaturing deposit accounts and that the rate will be at least
  401  0.25 percent if the Federal Funds Effective Rate is less than 4
  402  percent or at least 0.5 percent if the Federal Funds Effective
  403  Rate is 4 percent or greater.
  404         (b) The affidavit must attest that the rate information
  405  submitted on the rate validation sheet is true and factual.
  406         (c)The Chief Financial Officer shall verify that the rate
  407  validation sheet and affidavit have been received by the
  408  Department of Financial Services.
  409         (2)This section does not apply to interest rates
  410  established by written contract or obligations unrelated to the
  411  trust accounts described by this section.
  412         Section 12. Subsection (6) of section 657.002, Florida
  413  Statutes, is amended to read:
  414         657.002 Definitions.—As used in this chapter:
  415         (6) “Equity” means undivided earnings, regular reserves,
  416  and other reserves.
  417         Section 13. Subsection (2) of section 657.028, Florida
  418  Statutes, is amended to read:
  419         657.028 Activities of directors, officers, committee
  420  members, employees, and agents.—
  421         (2) An elected officer, director, or committee member,
  422  other than the chief executive officer, may not be compensated
  423  for her or his service to the credit union, but an elected
  424  officer, director, or committee member may be reimbursed for
  425  necessary expenses incidental to performing official business
  426  for the credit union as such.
  427         Section 14. Subsections (2) and (4) of section 657.043,
  428  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  429         657.043 Reserves.—
  430         (2) REGULAR RESERVE.—The regular reserve shall belong to
  431  the credit union and shall be used to meet losses. The regular
  432  reserve may not be decreased without the prior written approval
  433  of the office or as provided by rule of the commission.
  434         (3)(4) SPECIAL RESERVES.—In addition to such regular
  435  reserve, Special reserves shall be established:
  436         (a) To protect members against losses resulting from credit
  437  extended or from risk assets when required by rule, or when
  438  found by the office, in any special case, to be necessary for
  439  that purpose; or
  440         (b) As authorized by the board of directors.
  441         Section 15. Subsection (1) of section 658.235, Florida
  442  Statutes, is amended to read:
  443         658.235 Subscriptions for stock; approval of major
  444  shareholders.—
  445         (1) Within 6 months after commencement of corporate
  446  existence, and At least 30 days before prior to opening, the
  447  directors shall have completed the stock offering and shall file
  448  with the office a final list of subscribers to all of the
  449  capital stock of the proposed bank or trust company showing the
  450  name and residence of each subscriber and the amount of stock of
  451  every class subscribed for by each.
  452         Section 16. Subsection (1) of section 658.25, Florida
  453  Statutes, is amended to read:
  454         658.25 Opening for business.—
  455         (1) A bank or trust company corporation shall open and
  456  conduct a general commercial bank or trust business within 18
  457  months after the issuance of a final order of approval by the
  458  office no later than 12 months after the commencement of its
  459  corporate existence.
  460         Section 17. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
  461  act and except for this section, which shall take effect upon
  462  this act becoming a law, this act shall take effect July 1,
  463  2025.
  464  
  465  ================= T I T L E  A M E N D M E N T ================
  466  And the title is amended as follows:
  467         Delete everything before the enacting clause
  468  and insert:
  469                        A bill to be entitled                      
  470         An act relating to financial services; amending s.
  471         560.103, F.S.; revising the definition of the term
  472         “control person”; amending s. 626.914, F.S.; deleting
  473         the definition of the term “diligent effort”; amending
  474         s. 626.916, F.S.; revising the conditions for
  475         insurance coverage to be eligible for export; revising
  476         the provisions of a certain notice providing that an
  477         insured is presumed to have been informed of the
  478         availability of other coverage under certain
  479         circumstances; deleting the Financial Services
  480         Commission’s authority to adopt rules relating to
  481         insurance coverage or risk eligibility for export;
  482         deleting applicability; amending ss. 626.918, 626.932,
  483         626.9325, 626.9541, and 627.715, F.S.; conforming
  484         cross-references and provisions to changes made by the
  485         act; amending s. 655.047, F.S.; requiring state
  486         financial institutions to pay a semiannual assessment
  487         for specified time periods; requiring that the
  488         semiannual assessment be received by the Office of
  489         Financial Regulation in a specified manner and by
  490         specified dates; amending s. 655.414, F.S.;
  491         authorizing the office to issue a specified
  492         certificate under certain circumstances; creating s.
  493         655.97, F.S.; authorizing financial institutions to
  494         hold funds in specified trust accounts to be used for
  495         specified purposes; requiring such financial
  496         institutions to pay a certain minimum interest rate or
  497         dividend; requiring that the interest rate be a
  498         specified percentage; requiring a financial
  499         institution to submit a quarterly rate validation
  500         sheet and affidavit to the Chief Financial Officer
  501         attesting that it will pay a certain minimum interest
  502         rate or dividend; requiring that the affidavit attest
  503         that certain information is true and factual;
  504         requiring the Chief Financial Officer to verify
  505         certain information; providing applicability; amending
  506         s. 657.002, F.S.; revising the definition of the term
  507         “equity”; amending s. 657.028, F.S.; authorizing
  508         certain elected officers, directors, or committee
  509         members of a credit union to be reimbursed for certain
  510         expenses; amending s. 657.043, F.S.; conforming
  511         provisions to changes made by the act; amending s.
  512         658.235, F.S.; revising the timeframe for certain
  513         requirements by the directors of a proposed bank or
  514         trust company; amending s. 658.25, F.S.; revising the
  515         timeframe within which a bank or trust company
  516         corporation is required to open and conduct specified
  517         business; providing effective dates.