Whitmer Law, PLLC

Breaking News: Florida's Emergency Rule 69BER24-4 - What You Need to Know On October 9, 2024, just minutes before Hurricane Milton's landfall, Florida adopted Emergency Rule 69BER24-4. This rule comes in response to the looming threat posed by Hurricane Milton and the earlier Hurricane Helene, aimed at mitigating property loss and ensuring transparency for Florida consumers. The state regulators have made it clear: transparency and communication between consumers, adjusters, and insurers are key to protecting Florida residents from post-storm fraud and unfair practices in the property insurance market. What does the new Emergency Rule mean? 1. Electronic Estimating Program Requirement** ??- Adjusters must use an electronic estimating program to create or modify loss estimates. ??- This program must provide itemized reports detailing damages, including equipment, materials, labor, and supplies. ??- The pricing data in these programs must be updated monthly to reflect the latest market costs in the affected areas. 2. No Modifications Without Documentation ??- Adjusters are prohibited from modifying the prices in the program unless they can justify it with additional documentation. ??- Any changes must be proven to apply current market prices for the necessary materials and labor. ??- Documentation must be detailed enough for reviewers to understand and verify each modification. 3. Timely Delivery of Written Estimates ??- Written estimates of loss must be delivered to insured individuals promptly, as required by law. ??- These estimates must include the original program report, any variation report showing modifications, and all supporting documentation for adjustments. 4. Strict Guidelines for Revising Loss Estimates ??- Any changes to the initial estimate must: ???- Indicate what has been modified from the original estimate. ???- Provide clear explanations for why each change was made. ???- Include the identity of the adjuster responsible for the modifications. 5. Record Retention ??- Adjusters are now required to retain all versions of the loss estimates to ensure full accountability and transparency. In summary, Emergency Rule 69BER24-4 promotes greater transparency and consumer protection by holding adjusters accountable for every modification they make to loss estimates. This new regulation will aim to safeguard Floridians from deceptive practices in the aftermath of hurricanes like Milton and Helene. Stay informed and stay protected!

The U.S. District Court in Dallas has blocked the FTC's ban on Non-Compete Agreements.

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The Michigan Court of Appeals has delivered a victory for small businesses, with attorneys Yasmin Whitmer and Kyle Huffman steering their client to success. This pivotal ruling overturns the Michigan Tax Tribunal's initial dismissal, highlighting the necessity for equitable proceedings within tribunals and administrative organizations.

The Michigan Court of Appeals has delivered a victory for small businesses, with attorneys Yasmin Whitmer and Kyle Huffman steering their client to success. This pivotal ruling overturns the Michigan Tax Tribunal's initial dismissal, highlighting the necessity for equitable proceedings within tribunals and administrative organizations.