HUB International Claims Director on Florida insurance market: 'More insurers are returning to the state'

Dave Chmiel, the national director of claims at HUB International, said that recent reforms are improving Florida's beachfront homeowners insurance market by lowering premiums and drawing insurers back. This statement was made on LinkedIn.

"Following recent legislative reforms, Florida's beachfront homeowners are seeing changes in the insurance market—premiums are dropping, and more insurers are returning to the state," said Chmiel, according to LinkedIn. "While this softening brings welcome relief."

According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR), Florida's 2025 property insurance reforms have further curtailed one-way attorney fees, tightened assignment-of-benefits rules, and streamlined rate oversight to stabilize premiums and attract carriers. The state approved two new reciprocals—Stand Insurance Exchange and Praxis Reciprocal Exchange—in September 2025, marking the 16th and 17th new entrants since reforms began and adding more than $574 million in surplus capacity.

Florida’s average homeowners premiums remain the nation’s highest but show early signs of easing. As reported by MoneyGeek using OIR data, statewide premiums averaged about $8,770 in 2025. Coastal counties posted averages of $6,351 in Palm Beach, $6,165 in Broward, $5,960 in Miami-Dade, and $7,621 in Monroe. Approved filings are trending slightly downward following reform implementation.

Carrier participation improved steadily through 2025 under the new framework. According to OIR releases, Viceroy Preferred Insurance was approved in August 2025 as the 15th entrant. This was followed by two new reciprocals the next month, bringing total new or returning insurers since reforms to at least 17, reflecting rising confidence in Florida’s private homeowners market.

Chmiel serves as National Director of Claims at HUB International. According to Insurance Thought Leadership, he is a senior vice president with nearly 30 years of experience in claims operations and risk management. He has previously advised Fortune 500 clients and insurers and is recognized for his expertise in property insurance markets.

HUB International was founded in 1998 through the merger of Canadian brokerages and has grown into a top North American insurance and risk-management broker. According to HUB’s official About page, it employs over 20,000 people in 570 offices, offering property, casualty, benefits, retirement, and wealth services through a decentralized regional structure.