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Bill

SB 158

Pet Insurance

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shev Jones

SB 158 mandates pet insurance agents complete 2 hours of education, improves policy disclosures, and requires annual reporting, enhancing consumer protection in Florida.

Referred to Banking and Insurance; Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government; Rules
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Bill Summary · SB 158

Summary of SB 158 - Pet Insurance

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: SB 158
- Title: Pet Insurance
- Status: Referred to Banking and Insurance; Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government; Rules
- Introduced: October 09, 2025
- Effective Date: July 1, 2026
- Sponsor: Senator Jones

Purpose and Intent

SB 158 aims to enhance the regulation of pet insurance in Florida by establishing specific continuing education requirements for insurance licensees selling pet insurance, improving disclosure requirements for pet insurers, and mandating annual reporting to the Office of Insurance Regulation. The intent is to ensure that pet insurance providers maintain high standards of professionalism and transparency, ultimately benefiting consumers.

Key Provisions

Continuing Education Requirements

  • New Requirement: Licensees who sell pet insurance must complete 2 hours of continuing education related to pet insurance during each biennial compliance period.
  • This education will cover relevant topics to ensure that agents are well-informed about the latest developments in pet insurance.

Disclosure Requirements

  • At the time of issuing or delivering a pet insurance policy, insurers must provide:
    • A copy of the Insurer Disclosure of Important Policy Provisions in at least 12-point type.
    • A written disclosure that includes:
    • Contact information for the Division of Consumer Services, including a link and toll-free number for consumer inquiries and complaints.
    • The address and customer service telephone number of the pet insurance agent.
    • A summary of key policy features in plain language, detailing coverage limits, deductibles, waiting periods, exclusions, preexisting condition rules, and wellness benefits.

Annual Reporting Requirements

  • Pet insurers must file an annual report by March 1 each year, containing:
    • The number of policies issued, renewed, and canceled.
    • Aggregate premium and claims data.
    • Data on policy denials and rescissions, including reasons for each.
    • Information on waiting periods, exclusions, and wellness program offerings.
    • Any additional information required by the commission.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:
    • Pet insurance licensees will need to comply with new continuing education requirements.
    • Pet insurers will face additional reporting obligations, promoting transparency and accountability.
    • Consumers will benefit from improved disclosures and access to information regarding their pet insurance policies.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: October 09, 2025
  • Referred to Committees: October 21, 2025
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2026

This bill represents a significant step towards enhancing the regulatory framework surrounding pet insurance in Florida, aiming to protect consumers and ensure that insurance providers are held to high standards of practice.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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