January 12, 2012: Client Alert: New ADA Lodging Regulations Take Effect March 2012

New Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations for lodging will go into effect on March 15, 2012. These regulations update the ADA standards that went into effect in 2010 for all places of lodging including motels, hotels, and inns with more than 5 rooms for rent. Click here to read the full client alert.

January 9, 2012: Client Advisor Tammy LoVecchio Awarded Volunteer of the Year by the Community Associations Institute

The South Gulf Coast Chapter of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) recently held its Awards Night and honored Gulfshore Client Advisor Tammy LoVecchio, AAI, CPIA as “Volunteer of the Year.”  The Community Associations Institute is a national organization dedicated to fostering vibrant, responsive, competent community associations. CAI has been the leader in providing education and resources to the volunteer homeowners who govern community associations and the professionals who support them.

December 27, 2011: National Flood Insurance Program Extended through May 31, 2012

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has been temporarily extended after it was set to expire on December 16^th. President Obama signed the fiscal year 2012 omnibus appropriations bill that includes a provision extending the NFIP through May 31, 2012.

December 23, 2011: NLRB Postpones Effective Date of Rights Posting Rule to April 30

The National Labor Relations Board has agreed to postpone the effective date of its employee rights notice-posting rule. The new implementation date is April 30, 2012. Read the full alert from the NLRB here.

December 15, 2011: Gulfshore Welcomes Client Advisor Rosanna Trombley

Gulfshore is pleased to announce the addition of Rosanna Trombley as a Commercial Lines Client Advisor. Trombley will serve clients throughout the Tampa area. Specializing in commercial property and casualty insurance, Trombley brings over 14 years of industry experience to Gulfshore Insurance. She has considerable expertise in the areas of condominium associations and medical facilities.  Trombley is a licensed 2-20 agent, and a member of the Community Association Institute (CAI) of Tampa and West Florida. 

December 13, 2011: Client Alert – DOT Issues Rule – No Handheld Cell Phones for Commercial Truck, Bus Drivers
On November 23, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a final joint rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The final rule prohibits commercial drivers from using a hand-held mobile telephone while operating a commercial truck or bus. Drivers who violate the restriction will face federal civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense and disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for multiple offenses. To read the complete client alert, please click here.

December 13, 2011: Gulfshore Welcomes New Director of IT

Gulfshore is pleased to announce the addition of Jim Helton as the Director of Information Technology. Helton will oversee Gulfshore’s technology operations and systems architecture. Specializing in large-scale technology operations, Helton brings over 18 years of experience to Gulfshore Insurance. He has considerable expertise in the areas of disaster recovery planning and implementation, and project management. 

December 13, 2011: Client Service Coordinator Sandee Howle Earns CRIS Designation
Commercial Lines Client Service Coordinator, Sandee Howle, AINS, CIC, AAI, CPIW has recently earned the Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation. The CRIS designation signifies a comprehensive knowledge of construction insurance and risk management; as well as, a dedication to the construction industry.  Sandee has over 25 years of industry experience.

December 6, 2011: Client Alert – Minimum Wage Increase Effective January 1^st, 2012
Effective January 1^st 2012, Florida’s minimum wage will increase to $7.67 per hour, with a minimum wage of at least $4.65 per hour for tipped employees, in addition to tips. Florida’s minimum wage poster is available for download in English and Spanish from the Agency for Workforce Innovation. To read the complete client alert, please click here.

November 29, 2011: Client Alert – Citizens Property Insurance Policy Changes to Take Effect in 2012
Effective January 1, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation will be implementing changes to policies upon renewal in 2012. Citizens will no longer provide coverage on several types of property, including certain screened enclosures, carports, patios, awnings, and other structures constructed to be open to the weather. To read the full client alert, please click here. For a detailed presentation highlighting the specific types of property no longer covered, please click here.

November 18, 2011: Client Alert – National Flood Insurance Program Extended Until Dec. 16
On November 17, the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives passed another short-term extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This short-term extension expires on December 16, 2011. 

November 16, 2011: Gulfshore Welcomes New Employee Benefits Account Managers

Gulfshore is pleased to announce the addition of Employee Benefits Account Managers Yilda Corniola, PHR and Stacey Karlis. With more than 10 years of insurance and human resources experience, Yilda Corniola holds the 2-15 license and the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) designation.  With more than 20 years of industry related experience, Stacey Karlis has particular expertise servicing carriers, partners, and clients. 

October 12, 2011: Commercial Lines Marketing Assistant Patsy Armstrong Earns 4-40 License & CPSR Designation

Patsy Armstrong, a Commercial Lines Marketing Assistant, recently achieved her 4-40 Customer Representative insurance license, in addition to the Certified Professional Service Representative (CPSR) designation.

 
UPDATE: NLRB Employee Rights Poster Requirement Pushed Back to January 31, 2012

The National Labor Relations Board has postponed the implementation date for its new notice-posting rule by more than two months in order to allow for enhanced education and outreach to employers, particularly those who operate small and medium sized businesses. The new effective date of the rule is Jan. 31, 2012. 

October 6, 2011: New NLRB Poster Requirement Takes Effect November 14^th 

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) announced on Aug. 25 that most private employers will soon have to display a new poster in their workplaces that notifies employees of their right to form and join a union. Starting Nov. 14, 2011, employers will be required to place the poster “where other workplace notices are typically posted. To read the complete client alert and to download the poster, click here.

September 21, 2011: Gulfshore Welcomes New Director of Risk Management & Claims
Gulfshore welcomes John C. Keller as Director of Risk Management and Claims.  Keller will deliver strategic risk analysis and guidance to clients of Gulfshore Insurance. Specializing in risk management, Keller brings over 11 years of industry experience to Gulfshore Insurance. He has considerable expertise in the areas of risk management, including statistical analysis, strategic risk control, and risk financing; as well as, workers’ compensation experience mod analysis, interpretation, and forecasting. He holds the Certified Risk Manager (CRM), Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), and Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI) designations. A graduate of Miami University, Keller earned degrees in Business Management and Exercise Science.  

September 7, 2011: COBRA Subsidy Comes to an End September 1
Remember the COBRA subsidy? It picked up 65% of the cost of COBRA premiums for those who lost their jobs from September 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009. Although the original subsidy lasted for nine months, Congress later increased it to 15 months. Congress also extended the subsidy several times, ultimately through the end of May, 2010. Those who lost their jobs and opted for COBRA coverage through May 31, 2010, were eligible for the subsidy; those who lost their jobs later were not. On September 1st, the federal subsidy expired.  Click to read the full article.

August 2, 2011: Client Service Coordinator Sandee Howle Earns AINS Designation
Commercial Lines Client Service Coordinator, Sandee Howle, CIC, AAI, CPIW recently earned the Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designation. The AINS designation signifies a comprehensive knowledge of insurance principles, practices, policies, and coverages. Sandee has over 25 years of insurance industry experience, with extensive knowledge of commercial property and casualty coverage.

July 12, 2011: Gulfshore Insurance to Exhibit at the Florida Propane & Gas Association Annual Convention
On July 31^st, Gulfshore Insurance will be on hand at the Annual Florida Propane & Gas Association Convention and Tradeshow. The event is being hosted at the Marco Island Marriot Resort from 7 to 10 pm.

July 6, 2011: Account Manager Matthew Philip Elected President of Insurance Professionals of Collier County
Account Manager, Matthew Philip, AINS, AIS, API, CPSR, as President of Insurance Professionals of Collier County (IPCC).  IPCC serves insurance professionals through southwest Florida by focusing on education, networking, and community involvement.  With more than 10 years of experience, Philip most recently served as Vice President of IPCC and currently represents IPCC Region III on the National Young & New Professionals Task Force and acts as a Membership Liaison for the Florida Council.  

July 1, 2011: Gulfshore Insurance to Exhibit at the Naples Area Board of Realtors (NABOR) Tradeshow
On Thursday, September 15th, 2011, Gulfshore Insurance will be exhibiting at the 2011 NABOR tradeshow at the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club.

July 1, 2011: Gulfshore Insurance to Sponsor the 2011 Naples Chamber of Commerce “Success in the City” Tradeshow
Gulfshore Insurance is proud to sponsor the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce 2011 Tradeshow.  This year’s event, “Success in the City,” will be held Thursday, August 18th, 2011 at the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club. Stop by Gulfshore’s booth to learn more. For more information, visit www.napleschamber.org.  

July 1, 2011: Gulfshore Insurance to Exhibit at the 2011 Sunshine Food and Fuel Expo
July 31st through August 1st, 2011, Gulfshore Insurance will be on hand at the Annual Florida Petroleum Marketers Association (FPMA) Sunshine Food and Fuel Expo. The event is being hosted at the Gaylord Palms Hotel in Orlando, Florida. For more information, visit www.fpma.org.    

May 31, 2011: Client Alert – Minimum Wage Increase Effective June 1, 2011
Effective June 1, Florida’s minimum wage will increase by six cents an hour to $7.31. Employers of “tipped employees” who meet eligibility requirements for the tip credit under the FLSA may count tips actually received as wages under the Florida minimum wage.  However, the employer must pay “tipped employees” a direct wage.  The direct wage is calculated as equal to the minimum wage ($7.31) minus the 2003 tip credit ($3.02), or a direct hourly wage of $4.29 as of June 1, 2011. Florida Statutes require employers who must pay their employees the Florida minimum wage to post a minimum wage notice in a conspicuous and accessible place in each establishment where these employees work. Click here to read the complete client alert.

May 26, 2011: Client Alert – Service Outage Impacts Amerisure Policyholders
Gulfshore Insurance has been notified that Amerisure Mutual Insurance Co. experienced a service outage on Tuesday, May 24 through Wednesday, May 25 that impacted incoming emails and faxes. Information sent during this time is unrecoverable. If you submitted claim information directly to Amerisure during this timeframe and have not received an acknowledgement, please resubmit your information. Click here to read the complete client alert.

May 23, 2011: Client Advisor Susan Klein Earns CRIS Designation
Commercial Lines Client Advisor Susan Klein, AAI, CPIA has recently earned the Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation. The CRIS designation signifies a comprehensive knowledge of construction insurance and risk management; as well as, a dedication to the construction industry.  Susan has been with Gulfshore Insurance for more than 10 years and has over 25 years of industry experience.  

April 21, 2011: Senior Vice President Gregory Havemeier Earns Top Industry Professional Designation
Gregory Havemeier, Senior Vice President, recently joined a select group of community association insurance and risk management professionals who have earned the Community Insurance and Risk Management Specialist (CIRMS) designation from Community Associations Institute (CAI). CAI is a national organization dedicated to fostering vibrant, responsive, competent community associations. To be eligible for the designation, professionals must have at least five years of experience in the community association field, have been responsible for 25 association insurance programs in the past three years, and maintain a legal and ethical standing in the insurance industry.

April 6, 2011: Account Manager Pettis Earns CRIS Designation
Commercial Lines Account Manager Jackie Pettis has recently earned the Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation. The CRIS designation signifies a comprehensive knowledge of construction insurance and risk management; as well as, a dedication to the construction industry.  

March 31, 2011: Client Alert – Complying with the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) was passed in 2008 and took effect in 2009. Title II of GINA bars employers from discriminating against or harassing employees based on their genetic in­formation. The law also protects em­ployees from employer retaliation for exercising their rights under the act. The regulations provide employers with specific guidance concerning what in­formation they may gather about their employees, how GINA interacts with the FMLA medical certification proc­ess, and how any genetic information the employer obtains is to be treated. To learn how to comply, click here.

March 18, 2011: Client Alert – Are You Prepared for a Flood?
Twenty-five percent of all businesses that close their doors during a flood never reopen. Would your business survive a flood?  Don’t let a flood take away all of your hard work. Just a few inches of water from a flood can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Over the past 10 years, the average flood claim has amounted to over $33,000. Flood insurance is the best way to protect yourself from devastating financial loss. Click here to read the complete client alert.

March 10, 2011: Gleeson Awarded “Agency Transformer of the Year”
Gulfshore Insurance is pleased to announced that Michelle Gleeson, COO and Executive Vice President, has been awarded the 2011 Agency Transformer of the Year by the Organic Growth Network.  The Organic Growth Network represents an exclusive group of insurance agents and brokers.  The award is given to the Agency Transformer of the Year who has embraced the Organic Growth Engine and demonstrated success above and beyond. 

March 4, 2011: Client Alert – Is Your Condo FHA Compliant?
Recently, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) passed a new set of lending guidelines that significantly changes how condominium units are approved for FHA-backed loans. It’s important for condo owners and board members to understand these new guidelines and how they impact your community.  Click here to read the complete client alert.

January 21, 2011: Client Alert – OSHA Rescinds Fall Protection Compliance Guidelines for Residential Construction
Citing high numbers of fall-related fatalities in residential construction, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced in December a new directive withdrawing a former one that allowed residential builders to bypass some fall protection requirements. The directive being replaced, issued in 1995, initially was intended as a temporary policy and was the result of concerns about the feasibility of fall protection in residential building construction.  Click here to read the complete client alert.

January 18, 2011: Client Alert – Recent Gas Explosion Raises Propane Delivery Safety Concerns
The recent propane delivery explosion at a Downtown Naples restaurant was described as “A Perfect Storm.”  Perfect or not, there were likely a few “imperfect” aspects of the delivery on this particular day. For business owners receiving propane or other fuel deliveries (or those located in very close proximity to businesses receiving such deliveries), you should consider establishing a proactive safety and risk management plan to protect against potential disasters such as this. Click here to read the complete client alert.

January 12, 2011: Client Alert – Small Business Health Care Tax Credit
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently released final guidance for small employers eligible to claim the new small business health care tax credit for the 2010 tax year. The release includes a one-page form and instructions small employers will use to claim the credit for the 2010 tax year. New Form 8941, Credit for Small Employer Health Insurance Premiums, and newly revised Draft Form 990-T are now available on IRS.gov. The IRS also posted on its website the instructions to Form 8941 and Notice 2010-82, both of which are designed to help small employers correctly figure and claim the credit. Click here to read the complete client alert.

December 17, 2010: Special Florida Chamber Alert: Employers Facing $400 Million Unemployment Tax Increase
We recently received this important notification from the Florida Chamber and feel it is worthy of your attention. How will your business be impacted by this $400 million unemployment tax increase? Click here to read the complete notice from the Florida Chamber, and learn more about this issue and how you can get involved.

December 13, 2010: Gulfshore Welcomes Account Executive Alicia Poole
Gulfshore Insurance announces the addition of Account Executive, Alicia Poole, CRIS. Specializing in commercial property and casualty insurance, Poole brings over 26 years of industry experience to Gulfshore Insurance. She holds the Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation, and has particular expertise with condominium and co-op associations. Prior to joining Gulfshore, Alicia worked as a Commercial Lines Account Executive for BCBE Construction Company, Inc.

December 10, 2010: Genie Recall – Jib Boom Pin Replacement
Genie Industries has received a report of a fractured pin in the jib assembly of several of their machines. Although only one of the pins in this assembly was fractured, Genie has determined that all potentially affected pins must be replaced. WARNING: If the affected pin fractures, the platform can fall. Click to read the complete client alert.

December 8, 2010: Notice of Immediate Change to ACORD 25 Certificate of Insurance
In September 2009, ACORD revised the ACORD 25 Certificate of Insurance form. Effective immediately, Gulfshore Insurance will begin using this new form. You will notice that the new ACORD Certificate of Insurance has a new appearance, and is now a single-sided document, making faxing and emailing more efficient.  Most notably is the removal of the cancellation notice provision. To read the complete client alert, click here.

December 7, 2010: Gulfshore Welcomes Risk Manager/Client Advisor John Caballero
Gulfshore Insurance announces the addition of Risk Manager/Client Advisor John Caballero, CIC, CRM. Caballero brings over 26 years of industry experience to Gulfshore Insurance and specializes in commercial property and casualty insurance and risk management. Caballero was previously Director of Risk Management at Boran Craig Barber Engel Construction Co., Inc.  Caballero will serve clients throughout Southwest Florida.

December 1, 2010: Bosch Hammer Drill Recalled Due to Electrical Shock Hazard
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced a voluntary recall of the Bosch Hammer Drill. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. The models have a grounding system and trigger switch that could cause ground wire abrasion and/or ground connector failure posing a shock hazard. In addition, the switch trigger could become stuck in the “on” position posing an injury hazard to the user. Click to read the complete client alert.

November 1, 2010: Is Your Workers’ Comp Exemption in Jeopardy?
If you have an exemption from workers’ comp, you need to make sure you filed your company’s Annual Report with the State Division of Corporations.  This is an annual form required of all corporations and limited liability companies (LLC), and it is due to the state on May 1st of each year.  Please note, new businesses that were formed in 2010 will not have to file an Annual Report until 2011.  Click to read the complete client alert.

October 20, 2010: Workers’ Comp Rates to See Modest Increase in 2011
On Friday, Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty announced that he will approved a 7.8% average increase for 2011 workers’ compensation rates for Florida employers. This increase is somewhat lower than the 8.3% increase that the National Council of Compensation Insurers (NCCI) requested last month.  Click to read the complete client alert.

September 23, 2010: Senate Approves National Flood Insurance Program, Bill Sent to House
The Senate voted Tuesday to extend the National Flood Insurance Program for one year. The program is slated to expire on Sept. 30. The Flood Insurance Extension Act of 2010 approved by the Senate has been sent to the House, which is expected to vote this week.  Click here to read the complete article. 

September 21, 2010: Gulfshore Receives Economic Development Council “Excellence in Industry” Award for Civic Responsibility
Gulfshore Insurance recently received the 2010 Economic Development Council of Collier County’s (EDC) “Excellence in Industry” Award for Civic Responsibility. The EDC celebrated Florida’s 27th Annual Industry Appreciation Week during the “Excellence in Industry” awards luncheon at the Naples Hilton. The “Excellence in Industry” Awards honor Collier County’s top companies who exemplify the use of innovation and a responsible approach to economic diversification and business and community enhancement.

September 14, 2010: Flexible Spending Accounts: IRS Issues Rules on Over-the-Counter Purchases
On Sept. 3, 2010, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued guidance to reflect the prohibition on the use of flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to pay for over-the-counter medicines and drugs beginning in 2011, as required under the health care reform. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, enacted in March 2010, establishes a new uniform standard that, effective Jan. 1, 2011, applies to FSAs and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs). Under the new standard, the cost of over-the-counter medicines or drugs cannot be reimbursed from the account unless a prescription is obtained. The change does not affect insulin, even if purchased without a prescription, or other health care expenses such as medical devices, eye glasses, contact lenses, co-pays and deductibles. Claims for nonprescription drugs bought in 2010 can be reimbursed in 2011. Click here to read the full article.

September 14, 2010: Matthew Philip Receives NAIW Individual Achievement Award & AAMGA Achievement Award
Matthew Philip, Personal Lines Account Manager, was recently awarded the Florida Council of NAIW Individual Achievement Award and the AAMGA Achievement Award at the 2010 Florida Council Meeting of NAIW held Sept. 11-12.  The Individual Achievement award recognizes an NAIW member's commitment to education. Matthew will compete for this award as the Florida winner at the NAIW Region III Conference in April. In addition, out of 500 Florida members, Matthew was chosen by the Florida Council Director as the winner of the prestigious AAMGA Achievement award, which honors a member who has significantly contributed to the Florida Council of NAIW.  Matthew was recognized for his professionalism, hard work, and outstanding contributions during the past year.

September 14, 2010: Gulfshore Employees Elected to 2011-2012 Term of the Florida Council of NAIW
Gulfshore Insurance Account Manager, Belinda Zivich, was recently elected for a second term as the Public Relations Director for the Florida Council of the National Association of Insurance Women.  In addition, Vice President of Personal Insurance, Jan Rauch, recently accepted the position of the Assistant to the Florida Council Director for the 2011-2012 term.

September 9, 2010: Dan Thompson Recognized as ‘40 Under 40’ Leader
Employee Benefits Client Advisor Dan Thompson was recently recognized by Gulfshore Business magazine as one of Southwest Florida’s ‘40 Under 40’ area leaders. Once a year, Gulfshore Business Magazine salutes 40 individuals under 40 years of age who have distinguished themselves in their professions and in the community.  Click here to read the complete article.

September 9, 2010: Gulfshore’s Philip & Burkhart Awarded President’s Scholarship
Matthew Philip, Personal Lines Account Manager, and Trisha Burkhart, Commercial Lines Account Manager have been awarded the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (CPCU) President’s Scholarship by the American Institute for CPCU. The scholarship covers the costs of textbooks, course guides, SMART Study Aids, and exam registration fees associated with the CPCU designation.

September 7, 2010: Celebrating a 30-Year Partnership with FCCI Insurance Group
Gulfshore Insurance celebrates a 30-year partnership with FCCI Insurance Group! Gulfshore insurance was appointed with FCCI in 1980.

August 25, 2010: OSHA Issues New Cranes & Derricks Standards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently issued new regulations addressing the safety of cranes and derricks in the construction industry.  The rule updates and specifies industry work practices regarding the use of cranes and derricks, and also addresses advances in the designs of cranes and derricks, related hazards, and the qualifications of employees needed to operate them safely. The attached overview of the new rule explains the rule's requirements and mandates. An additional OSHA Fact Sheet is available with links to the published rule and regulatory text, and can be found at www.osha.gov/as/opa/cranesderricks-factsheet.html.

August 25, 2010: FMCSA Releases Safety Measurement System to Motor Carriers
The U. S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced the next step in the rollout of Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 (CSA 2010), the CSA 2010 Data Preview.  For more information, click here.

August 23, 2010: Gulfshore Insurance Professionals Earn AINS Designation
Senior Account Manager Diana Mausling, Account Executive Belinda Zivich, and Account Executive Christine Lis have each earned the Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designation. The AINS designation signifies a comprehensive knowledge of insurance principles, practices, policies, and coverages.

August 9, 2010: Gulfshore’s Director of HR Earns CHPSE Designation
Director of Human Resources, Heather MacDougall, has become a Certified HIPAA Privacy Security Expert (CHPSE). MacDougall is fully versed in the laws and requirements for HIPAA privacy and security compliance. 

July 28, 2010: DHS Issues Final Rule on Electronic Signatures & Storage of Form I-9
On July 22, 2010, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Final Rule that regulates how employers may use electronic systems to complete and store their I-9 Forms. To view the final rule in its entirety, go to: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-17806.htm. Like the interim final rule, the final rule permits employers to complete, sign, scan and store the Form I-9 electronically as long as certain performance standards set forth in the final rule for the electronic filing system are met. Click to read the complete article.

July 2, 2010: National Flood Insurance Program is Reauthorized!
The Senate passed the National Flood Insurance Program Extension to reauthorize the Program through September 30, 2010, and President Obama has signed the bill into law. The NFIP should now return to normal operations and, since the extension is also retroactive, any new policy applications or renewals that were signed and submitted during the hiatus will be effective from the date of application (or in the case of waiting periods, the waiting period will start from the date of application).

July 1, 2010: Risk Management: A Survey of Small Business Owners’ Perceptions of Risk
Download the survey that was conducted in-person at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce America’s Small Business Summit on May 17 and May 18, 2010.  Click for more information.

June 25, 2010: BP Claims Filing Process for Those Affected by the Gulf Oil Spill
As the Gulf oil spill contaminates the waters and beaches along the coast, businesses along the coastline are bracing for impact. Many are seeking respite and trying to save their businesses. At Gulfshore Insurance, we believe it is important to provide you with the most up to date information on how to prepare and file a claim with BP. We are here to answer your questions and assist you with any possible coverage and claim filing under your insurance policy. 
Click to download BP's Online Description of the Claims Filing Process
Click to download BP Claims Process FAQs
Click to download BP's Online Claims Filing Form

June 16, 2010: Nation's Flood Insurance Program Remains in Limbo
The Senate voted against legislation that included a provision to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Along with short term extensions for numerous other federal programs, the NFIP extension was passed by the House just prior to the Memorial Day recess. It was voted down by the Senate today amid concerns that other, unrelated provisions in the bill would add to the federal budget deficit. Should the Senate approve an amended version, the legislation would have to go back to the House for another vote in that chamber. Read the complete article

June 2, 2010: Governor Crist Vetoes Property Insurance Reform Bill
On the first day of the 2010 hurricane season, Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed an expansive property insurance bill, citing concerns about making it easier to increase rates for policyholders. The industry-backed bill (SB 2044) included a kaleidoscope of measures designed to tweak the state's troubled insurance market, with supporters and critics finding components to like and dislike. This bill was supported by Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty because it would have added more regulatory tools to ensure the solvency of private insurers.

May 10, 2010: New Wind Mitigation Form
The State of Florida has instituted a new Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form.  Effective immediately, nearly every insurance carrier will require the new form.  It is important to be aware of this new form, as insurance carriers may not accept the old two-page form. In addition, certain carriers may audit their records and request some policyholders to verify credits by requiring the new form to be completed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Gulfshore Client Advisor.

May 7, 2010: Condominium Insurance Changes for 2010
It has been a wild and crazy few years for condominium insurance.  Recently, the Florida House gave approval to Senate Bill 1196, which has already passed in the Senate.  The Bill pertains to Condominium and Homeowners Associations, and has not yet been signed by the Governor.  It is critical for all Property Managers and Association Board Members to stay well-informed!  The attached article summarizes the changes that resulted from 2008 legislation (House Bill 601), and provides an analysis of the 2010 legislation (Senate Bill 1196).  Click here to read the complete article, courtesy of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA).     

March 17, 2010: Gulfshore Insurance Marks 40th Anniversary
Gulfshore Insurance announces its 40th anniversary of moving beyond insurance to provide individuals and businesses across Florida trusted risk management solutions and coverage from the finest insurance carriers in the world. In March 1970, a dedicated group of risk advisors came together to offer insurance coverage to the Southwest Florida area. Now forty years later, Gulfshore Insurance has become your trusted risk advisor, employing over 90 individuals in four offices and proudly providing risk management solutions and insurance coverage to more than 10,000 businesses and personal clients.