Civil Remedy Notice of Insurer Violations
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Filing Number:     809226
Filing Accepted:  3/3/2025
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Complainant
Last/Business Name *  
HUYCK   First Name   MICHAEL
Street Address * 3739 EAGLE HAMMOCK DRIVE
City, State Zip * SARASOTA, FL 34240
Email Address * HUYCKMS@GMAIL.COM
Complainant Type: * Insured
Insured
Last/Business Name*   HUYCK   First Name   MICHAEL
Policy # * H3FL000067943 Claim #* 202412019119
Attorney
Attorney is Applicable
Last Name* GROOVER First Name * JEFF Initial
Street Address* 400 N. ASHLEY DRIVE, SUITE 1900
City, State Zip* TAMPA , FL 33602
Email Address * JG@GMA.LAW
Violation
Insurer Type *   Authorized Insurer Unauthorized Insurer
 
Insurer Name*   SLIDE INSURANCE COMPANY
NAIC Company Code 17227
 
Name of individual responsible for violation (if any):* JACOBY ANTOINE
Type of Insurance * Residential Property & Casualty   
Reason for Notice *
Claim Delay
Unsatisfactory Settlement Offer
Other : Violation of Fla. Stat. 627.70131(7)(a)
Other : Violation of Fla. Stat. 627.7142
Other : Violation of Fla. Stat. 627.70131(1)(a)
* Statutory provision(s) which the insurer allegedly violated.
 
626.9541(1)(i)(4) Failing to pay undisputed amounts of partial or full benefits owed under first-party property insurance policies within 60 days after an insurer receives notice of a residential property insurance claim, determines the amounts of partial or full benefits, and agrees to coverage, unless payment of the undisputed benefits is prevented by factors beyond the control of the insurer as defined in s. 627.70131(5).
* Specific policy language that is relevant to the violation.
Enter all words or phrases (one at a time) that should be used to filter.

Mr. Huyck cannot cite the specific policy language violated because he did not receive a full copy of the insurance policy from Slide. Porcelli v. OneBeacon Ins. Co., Inc., 635 F. Supp. 2d 1312, 1319 (M.D. Fla. 2008) (holding that an insured cannot be required to provide specific policy language where the insurance company fails to provide a copy of the insurance policy to the insured). However, Mr. Huyck references the policy’s Loss Payment provision, which is supposed to track the language of Florida Statutes § 627.70131(7)(a). Section 627.70131(7)(a) states, “Within 60 days after an insurer receives notice of an initial, reopened, or supplemental property insurance claim from a policyholder, the insurer shall pay or deny such claim or a portion of the claim unless the failure to pay is caused by factors beyond the control of the insurer.” This 60-day requirement is identified in the Homeowner Claim Bill of Rights at Florida Statutes § 627.7142 (stating, “YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: . . . 4. Within 60 days, subject to any dual interest noted in the policy, receive full settlement payment for your claim or payment of the undisputed portion of your claim, or your insurance company’s denial of your claim.” Failure to do so amounts to bad faith. See Florida Statutes § 626.9541(1)(i)(4). Additionally, under Florida law, “insurance policies are deemed to incorporate applicable statutes, and conflicting policy provisions must give way.” Heritage Prop. & Cas. Ins. Co. v. Condo. Assn. of Gateway H. Apts. Inc., 344 So. 3d 52, 55 (Fla. 3d DCA 2021). Therefore, the cited statutory provisions are part and parcel of the insurance policy at issue.
 
* Facts and circumstances giving rise to the violation.
Enter all words or phrases (one at a time) that should be used to filter.

Dear Sir or Madam, This civil remedy notice pertains to Slide Insurance Company’s failure to make a claim determination within 60 days of the claim being reported and its failure to acknowledge claim communication within 7 calendar days. Specifically, Mr. Huyck’s public adjuster, Justin Davis, announced his representation to Slide on December 10, 2024. In response to the letter of representation, claim examiner Jacoby Antoine sent Mr. Davis an email on January 9, 2024 that stated, “I am the newly assigned adjuster on claim. We are still waiting on report for tile roof to move forward with the claims process. If you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call. Thank you!” As an initial matter, Mr. Antoine’s acknowledgement email to Mr. Davis came more than 7 calendar days after submission, which violates Florida Statutes § 627.70131(1)(a) and the Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights codified at Florida Statutes § 627.7142. As a secondary matter, neither Mr. Antoine nor Slide have communicated with Mr. Davis or Mr. Huyck in any capacity since Mr. Antoine’s email dated January 9, 2025. This lack of communication continued following Mr. Davis’ submission of a damage estimate on January 14, 2025 and two follow up emails on February 6, 2025 and February 10, 2025. To date, Slide has not made a claim determination within 60 days of the claim being reported, which violates the loss payment provision of the insurance policy and Florida Statutes § 627.70131(7)(a), Florida Statutes § 627.7142, and Florida Statutes § 626.9541(1)(i)(4). As demonstrated above, the person responsible for the statutory violations and policy violations is Jacoby Antoine and his (unknown) supervisor, who has apparently failed to properly supervise him or monitor his claims. Mr. Huyck cannot cite the specific policy language violated because he did not receive a full copy of the insurance policy from Slide. Porcelli v. OneBeacon Ins. Co., Inc., 635 F. Supp. 2d 1312, 1319 (M.D. Fla. 2008) (holding that an insured cannot be required to provide specific policy language where the insurance company fails to provide a copy of the insurance policy to the insured). However, Mr. Huyck references the policy’s Loss Payment provision, which is supposed to track the language of Florida Statutes § 627.70131(7)(a). Section 627.70131(7)(a) states, “Within 60 days after an insurer receives notice of an initial, reopened, or supplemental property insurance claim from a policyholder, the insurer shall pay or deny such claim or a portion of the claim unless the failure to pay is caused by factors beyond the control of the insurer.” This 60-day requirement is identified in the Homeowner Claim Bill of Rights at Florida Statutes § 627.7142 (stating, “YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: . . . 4. Within 60 days, subject to any dual interest noted in the policy, receive full settlement payment for your claim or payment of the undisputed portion of your claim, or your insurance company’s denial of your claim.” Failure to do so amounts to bad faith. See Florida Statutes § 626.9541(1)(i)(4). Additionally, under Florida law, “insurance policies are deemed to incorporate applicable statutes, and conflicting policy provisions must give way.” Heritage Prop. & Cas. Ins. Co. v. Condo. Assn. of Gateway H. Apts. Inc., 344 So. 3d 52, 55 (Fla. 3d DCA 2021). Therefore, the cited statutory provisions are part and parcel of the insurance policy at issue. This notice is provided to perfect a right to pursue the civil remedy authorized by Florida Statute §624.155. Therefore, to cure the defects outlined in this specific Civil Remedy Notice, Slide must immediately contact Mr. Huyck’s public adjuster to discuss the claim, open coverage for this loss since more than 60 days have elapsed since the claim was reported, and pay statutory interest pursuant to Florida Statute § 627.70131 from the date the claim was reported until payment is made. A copy of this letter and filed form submitted to the DFS will be provided to Slide Insurance Company. To the extent Slide has any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned or Mr. Huyck’s public adjuster Justin Davis. We appreciate your immediate attention to this matter. Sincerely, /s/ Jeff Groover Jeffrey D. Groover, Esq. Ardalan Montazer, Esq. For the Firm Cc: Michael Huyck (via email) Justin Davis (via email)
Comments
User Id Date Added Comment
jpatino@slideinsurance.com 04-30-2025 April 30, 2025 Via E-mail & Posting on DFS Website Jeff Groover, Esq. GMA Law, PLLC 400 N Ashley Dr Ste 1900 Tampa, FL 33602-4311 jg@gma.law RE: Insured: Michael Huyck Claim No: 202412019119 Policy No: H3FL000067943 Date of loss: 10/09/2024 CRN Filing No.: 809226 Dear Mr. Groover: Please allow this correspondence to serve as Slide Insurance Company’s (“Slide”)’s response to the Civil Remedy Notice (“CRN”) that was filed on behalf of Michael Huyck (“Insured”). Herein, we include a brief factual history of the underlying claim and actions by Slide which reveals it has acted properly in responding to the underlying claim and in compliance with its contractual and legal obligations. Slide denies each and every allegation brought forth in the CRN and denies any wrongdoing in the handling of the underlying claim. Additionally, Slide denies violating any Florida Statute or Administrative Code as set forth more specifically herein. Moreover, Slide denies violating any provisions or duties set forth in the applicable policy of insurance. Slide further states that the facts and circumstances that are set forth in the CRN, while incomplete and misleading, do not give rise to any violation of any statute or policy provision referenced in the Notice. Furthermore, Slide challenges the validity of the CRN for not identifying the specific policy language they claim Slide failed to follow. See, e.g., Julien v. United Prop. & Cas. Ins. Co., 311 So.3d 875, 879 (Fla. 4th DCA 2021) (affirming dismissal for civil remedy notice’s failure to either strictly, or substantially, comply with statutory specificity requirement); Demase v. State Farm Florida Insurance Company, 351 So.3d 136, 138-39 (Fla. 5th DCA 2022) (holding that the trial court properly determined that a CRN that failed to state with specificity the relevant policy language was legally insufficient). Finally, the Notice is improper as the Insured failed to establish that Slide breached the policy of insurance, as required by Fla. Stat. § 624.1551. CLAIM FACTS The underlying claim was reported as a claim for damages from Hurricane Milton on December 10, 2024. On December 12, 2024, Slide sent Independent Adjuster to inspect the insured property who observed of covered damage to exterior elevations. However, roofing consultant on behalf of Slide Insurance reviewed aerial imagery of the subject property’s tile roof and did not observe any evidence of wind damage attributable to the reported date of loss. Based on Slide’s investigation and evaluation of the claim, Slide issued its determination letter wherein it denied coverage for tile roof and interior due to no storm-created opening, meanwhile stating that covered damages to exterior elevations fell below deductible in the amount of $18,400. Thus, Slide maintains that it has acted in accordance with the terms of the subject insurance policy, and the law, and has acted in good faith towards the Insured. Slide denies that it violated any statutes or committed the acts asserted in the CRN. Slide neither waives nor is estopped from asserting any and all rights that it may have in law or under the terms of the policy. Slide expressly reserves all such rights without exception or limitation. REASONS FOR THE NOTICE The CRN alleges multiple reasons for the filing of the Notice. However, no specific facts or circumstances are provided to support these allegations. Notwithstanding, Slide denies each and every allegation individually as follows: 1. Claim Delay: Slide denies any delay in the claims handling process of the underlying loss as is evident from the facts outlined above. Slide promptly acknowledged the claim and timely initiated its investigation of the loss including an inspection of the subject property. Slide acted in accordance with its duties and obligations pursuant to the policy of insurance and responded appropriately to information and documentation that was provided. Thus, Slide asserts that this allegation is without basis and therefore denied. Slide also denies any and all other violations of Florida Statute including, but not limited to, Fla. Stat. 627.70131(7)(a); Fla. Stat. 627.7142; and Fla. Stat. 627.70131(1)(a). 2. Unsatisfactory Settlement Offer: Slide thoroughly investigated the loss upon receipt of the underlying claim and ultimately found that amount to return property to its pre-loss condition for covered damages fell below deductible. Furthermore, zero evidence of wind damage to tile roof or storm-created opening as means of water intrusion has been observed. Zero evidence of a faulty or deficient settlement offer has been presented, as such Slide denies this allegation. ALLEGED STATUTORY VIOLATIONS The CRN alleges one (1) statutory violations. However, no specific facts or circumstances are provided to support these allegations. Notwithstanding, Slide denies each and every allegation of statutory violation individually as follows: 1. 626.9541(1)(i)(4): Denied. Slide has not failed to pay undisputed amounts. As indicated herein, the underlying claim was investigated and adjusted in as thorough and expedient a manner as possible. Following the investigation and evaluation of the underlying claim, it was established that covered damages fell below deductible. Accordingly, Slide asserts its full and strict compliance with the statutory requirements imposed upon it.  Finally, the Insured has submitted absolutely no facts or circumstances supporting this allegation. ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF THE INSURANCE POLICY The CRN fails to allege specific violations of the insurance policy and provides no specific facts or circumstances of wrongdoing. The boilerplate CRN merely sets forth blanket allegations of wrongdoing, without further information. As such, the CRN is defective, as it failed to specifically identify the policy language that is the subject of the alleged violation, and further failed to include sufficient facts to put Slide on notice of the alleged violations. Notwithstanding, Slide denies any and all allegations of policy violations. All actions by Slide were done in compliance with the applicable Policy. As indicated above, Slide thoroughly investigated the reported loss including inspection of the Insured’s property. Thus, it is clear that Slide has acted in compliance with the Policy. Slide asserts that it has at all times complied with the terms of the Policy and has complied with all applicable provisions of the Policy and Florida Statutes in the handling of this matter. STATEMENTS AS TO CURING THE DEFECTS OUTLINED IN THE NOTICE The CRN asserts that Slide must tender all insurance benefits due and owing. Nevertheless, the method for curing violations alleged in a Civil Remedy Notice is not determined by the Insured. Talat Enterprises, Inc. v. Aetna Casualty Surety Co., 753 So. 2d So. 2d 1278 (Fla. 2000). Accordingly, Florida Statutes Section 624.155 does not impose on an insurer the obligation to pay whatever the Insured’ demands. Section 624.155(2)(d) would have no effect or purpose under such an interpretation. Thus, Slide reasserts that it has acted in good faith towards its Insured at all times. Slide references to all the facts herein, which unequivocally demonstrate Slide’s expedient and timely administration of the Insured’s claim. Slide further asserts its full and strict compliance with the Policy and reiterates that it has acted properly in responding to the underlying claim in compliance with its contractual and legal obligations. Slide denies any wrongdoing in the handling of the underlying claim. Additionally, Slide denies violating any Florida Statute, Administrative Code, or code of ethics. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the documented facts of this claim establish that Slide acted diligently in its claims response and adequately performed its obligations under the policy of insurance and Florida law. Thus, the facts contradict all allegations that Slide has in any manner acted improperly or contrary to its contractual obligations to the Insured in this claim. Herein, Slide has attempted to fully and adequately respond to the allegations the Insured allege in the Civil Remedy Notice of Insurer Violation filed with the Department. Should there be any questions or further inquiry with respect to this matter, please contact the undersigned at (727) 359-9802 or at jpatino@slideinsurance.com. Sincerely, /s/ John Patino John Patino, Esq. Staff Counsel
Acknowledgement
* The submitter hereby states that this notice is given in order to perfect the rights of the person(s) damaged to pursue civil remedies authorized by Section 624.155, Florida Statutes.

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DFS-10-363
Rev. 10/14/2008