FAQ Topics

Who do I contact if I have additional questions about Production Ledger Review?

If you have additional questions regarding Production Ledger Review, please contact: 

Amber Pullen
800-562-4496, ext. 154
apullen@fslso.com 

What information should I prepare for a Production Ledger Review?

The Production Ledger should include a complete list of only Non-Admitted (surplus lines)Florida business, written by the surplus lines agent for the time period indicated in the request. The list should not include any admitted policies. The file must be delivered in Excel only and must include the following data elements for each transaction:

  • Policy Number
  • Insured Name
  • Effective Date
  • Insurer
  • Premium
 
What elements are reviewed during a Production Ledger Review?

The following elements will be reviewed during a Production Ledger Review: 

Policy Data Elements 

  • Policy number 
  • Name of Insured
  • Insurer
  • Premium
  • Effective Date
Do all surplus lines agents receive a Production Ledger Review?
Yes. All licensed and appointed surplus lines agents — resident and non-resident — may be subject to a Production Ledger Review approximately every three years. 
What is the purpose of a Production Ledger Review?
The Production Ledger Review program was developed to supplement the Premium Reconciliation Program, which identifies unreported premium by comparing policy data reported by agents to policy data reported by insurers. Production Ledger Reviews include verifying production ledgers supplied by the agent against the data filed with the FSLSO.
How do I update my user details in SLIP+?

To update your user details in SLIP+, follow these instructions:

  1. Click on the user’s name in the top right of the SLIP+ screen and select Settings from the drop-down.
  2. Select User Manager from the left side menu.
  3. Click the username in the user table.
Make the necessary changes and click Save.
How do I know if the coverage I am placing requires a diligent effort, disclosure, or both?

Refer to our Diligent Effort / Disclosure Matrix for guidance on the diligent effort or disclosure requirement for each line of coverage for both residential and nonresidential placements.

Do policies covering amenities, such as a clubhouse belonging to a homeowner’s association (HOA) or condominium association, require a diligent effort?
Yes. This type of property is considered a commercial-residential risk, which requires a diligent effort search to be completed prior to exporting the risk to the surplus lines market pursuant to F.S. 626.916 (1)(a)
When is a disclosure form or documented acknowledgment of disclosure required?

Effective January 1, 2022, per F.S. 626.916 (1)(e), no coverage shall be eligible for export unless the insured has signed or otherwise provided documented acknowledgment of a disclosure in substantially the following form: 

You are agreeing to place coverage in the surplus lines market. Coverage may be available in the admitted market. Persons insured by surplus lines carriers are not protected under the Florida Insurance Guaranty Act with respect to any right of recovery for the obligation of an insolvent unlicensed insurer. 

This requirement does not apply to wet marine, transportation, or aviation risks subject to F.S. 626.917. To help determine which form is required for each line of coverage, please review the  Diligent Effort/Disclosure Matrix.
When can I start transacting surplus lines business?

Once you are licensed, appointed, and registered through SLIP+ you may begin transacting business.

For more information on obtaining a license, visit the following web pages:

For more information, send an email to agent.services@fslso.com
As an agent, do I have to file with FSLSO?
Yes. Once you become a licensed surplus lines agent in Florida, you are deemed a member of FSLSO. You must file all policy information required by law, as stated in the Agent Procedures Manual and FSLSO’s FSLSO’s Plan of Operation adopted under subsection (5).
What is a TIQ?

A Transaction in Question, or TIQ, is a transaction that has been received by FSLSO but does not meet one or more of FSLSO’s business rules, has not yet been accepted, and possibly has not been invoiced. If you receive a confirmation number that begins with a “Q,” please make the necessary corrections to the transaction or contact FSLSO if you need assistance. 

There are two categories of TIQs: financial and non-financial. A financial TIQ is not invoiced or credited until corrected. There are two types of financial TIQs: Unbalanced Returned Premium (URP) and Unbalanced Returned Policy Fees (URF). FSLSO staff members cannot manually accept financial TIQs; the user can only correct and accept them.
What information should I prepare prior to a Compliance Review?
During a Compliance Review, FSLSO will randomly sample policies filed by the agent to review. You will receive a list of the selected policies prior to the review. The supporting documentation for the selected policies should be uploaded in SLIP+ on the Document Requests page for the Compliance Review Analyst to view.

To make this easier for you, we developed the Compliance Review Checklist. This list lays out everything we will check for during your review.
How does the new 4.94% tax rate affect endorsements and cancellations on policies effective prior to July 1, 2020?

All new and renewal policies effective prior to July 1, 2020, and any subsequent endorsements on those policies will still be taxed at the original rate of 5%.

For example, the tax rate for a policy, effective January 1, 2020, is 5% of the gross premium. An additional premium endorsement effective July 1, 2020 would also be taxed at 5%. If the policy is cancelled effective August 1, 2020, the tax credit is 5% of the returned premium.

When these transactions are reported to FSLSO via SLIP or Batch, the system will calculate the appropriate taxes based on the effective date of the new or renewal policy.

The tax rate reduction does not apply to independently procured coverage (IPC). IPC policies are subject to a premium tax at the rate of 5% pursuant to F.S. 626.938.
How does the latest 4.94% tax rate affect multistate policies with effective dates on or after July 1, 2020?

Multistate policies effective on or after July 1, 2020, with Florida as the home state, are taxed at 4.94% for the Florida portion and 4.94% for the rest of the states, as well. 

For example, if you have a Florida home state policy effective on July 2, 2020, broken out as follows:

  • Florida = $5,000
  • Georgia = $2,000
  • Alabama = $2,000

It would be reported in SLIP+ as: Florida = $5,000 and Non-Florida = $4,000.

Premium is taxed at 4.94%, regardless of the state in which there is exposure. Any subsequent endorsements would be reported to FSLSO with the Florida and Non-Florida premium breakdown, and the entire premium would be taxed at 4.94%.

The tax rate reduction does not apply to independently procured coverage (IPC). IPC policies are subject to a premium tax at the rate of 5% pursuant to F.S. 626.938. IPC multistate policies where Florida is the home state are taxed based on that respective state's tax rate and percentage of exposure.
How does the 4.94% tax rate affect multistate policies with effective dates prior to July 1, 2020?

It does not affect multistate policies with effective dates prior to July 1, 2020.

Multistate policies effective prior to July 1, 2020, with Florida as the home state, are taxed at 5% for the Florida portion and the applicable state tax rate for the other states. 

For example, if you have a Florida home state policy effective on June 30, 2020, broken out as follows:

  • Florida = $5,000
  • Georgia = $2,000
  • Alabama = $2,000

It would be reported in SLIP+ as Florida = $5,000, Georgia = $2,000, and Alabama = $2,000.

Premium is taxed at the rate of the state of exposure. Any subsequent endorsements must be reported to FSLSO with the state-by-state premium allocation and taxed at the rate of the state of exposure.
Why does my Billing Report not match my Transaction Report?

The Transaction Report provides a snapshot of the transactions reported during a selected time frame. The Billing Report lists all of the transactions, penalties, and correction records included in the quarterly tax invoice.

The Transaction Report does not include the following information, which can cause a difference in the report totals:

  1. Penalties from Premium Reconciliation or Production Ledger Review that were assessed on identified unfiled transactions, and
  2. Any corrections made to transactions filed in a previous quarter.
Is there a penalty for not providing requested information in a timely manner?

Failure to provide information on time (per F.S. 626.930 (2)) could result in administrative action by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and possible suspension or revocation of the agent’s license.

Per F.S. 626.930 (2) all records shall at all times be open to examination by the Department of Financial Services or the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office without notice and shall be so kept available and accessible for five years following the expiration or cancellation of the contract.

According to F.S. 626.923, a surplus lines agent shall, within 30 days after the date of a request by the Department or the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office, furnish an exact copy of all requested policies, including applications, certificates, cover notes, or other forms of confirmation of insurance coverage or any substitutions or endorsements. 

What is the purpose of a Compliance Review?
The purpose of a Compliance Review is to ensure that surplus lines agents are in compliance with the statutory requirements relative to the sale of surplus lines insurance contracts. The review also measures the quality of service provided in the surplus lines marketplace and provides educational assistance to surplus lines agents when necessary.
What is the difference between a Desk Review and an On-Site Review?

A desk review is a compliance review conducted by the Compliance Review analyst from their office. Information can be transferred between the analyst and the agent via phone, email, fax, or postal service. This type of review is better suited for Basic Reviews of agents with minimal policies to review.

An on-site review is a compliance review conducted in the agent’s office.

Are surplus lines insurers required to file a No Business Report?

Yes. A No Business Report is required in lieu of quarterly or annual policy information for eligible surplus lines insurers not doing business in Florida and must be submitted through SLIP+. Foreign insurers must submit the No Business Report quarterly within 90 days of the end of the quarter. Alien insurers need to file annually, by June 30, for the previous calendar year.

 

What entities are considered exempt from surplus lines tax?

An entity should be a governmental (state, county, municipality) entity to be exempt from surplus lines tax. Non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations are typically exempt from sales tax but are not exempt from surplus lines tax unless proven otherwise by the entity and its filing surplus lines agent.  

Vessels, cargo, and aircraft risks, as described under F.S. 626.917are also exempt from the surplus lines tax. This exemption does not apply to boats or aircraft used solely for personal pleasure, family use, or the transportation of executives, employees, and guests of the insured.
Do all surplus lines agents receive a Compliance Review?
Yes. All licensed and appointed surplus lines agents — resident and nonresident — may be subject to a compliance review approximately every three years.
When can I apply the one declination under F.S. 626.914(4)?
Here are some sample questions and answers that will help you understand the declination exemption under F.S. 626.914(4):

Q: If the total dwelling replacement cost of residential structures insured by one policy totals $700,000 or more, but not one individual structure has a dwelling replacement cost of $700,000 or more, would the exemption requiring only one declination apply?  (For example, if there were three separate condominium structures, each with a dwelling replacement cost of $400,000 covered under one policy for a total of $1.2 million.)

A: No. The exemption requiring only one declination will not apply if no single residential structure has a dwelling replacement cost of $700,000 or more. Even though one policy will be issued to cover all the buildings included in a single condominium association, an agent cannot use the aggregate replacement cost value of the buildings to reach the threshold. The language in the statute specifically refers to "the residential structure." The agent will only need one declination if any residential structure has a dwelling replacement cost of $700,000 or more, but the qualifying structure must be "residential." It must have dwelling units and cannot be solely a pool, commercial unit, or other common area.

Q: Does the one declination exemption apply if an individual coverage such as liability was written on a residential structure with a dwelling replacement cost of $700,000 or more?

 A: Yes. So long as the residential structure has a replacement cost of $700,000 or more, any coverage requiring a diligent effort would need only one declination. Section 626.914(4), Florida Statutes, does not limit the type of coverage sought to a property policy. It states explicitly: "diligent effort means seeking coverage from and having been rejected by at least one authorized insurer currently writing this type of coverage and documenting this rejection."

I passed the Florida surplus lines exam and obtained my license. What do I do next?

The next step is to self-appoint your license through your Florida Department of Financial Services MyProfile account at https://dice.fldfs.com/public/pb_index.aspx.  

According to Florida law, once you obtain a surplus lines license, you are considered a member of the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office and, therefore, must register with FSLSO via SLIP+ at fslso.slipplus.com.
What is a Diligent Effort?

Diligent effort means seeking coverage from and having been rejected by at least three authorized insurers currently writing this type of coverage and documenting these rejections.

The only exception is in the case of a residential structure that has a dwelling replacement cost of $700,000 or more. In this case, you would only need to seek coverage from and be rejected by at least one authorized insurer currently writing the requested coverage and documenting the rejection.

Surplus lines agents must maintain, as part of each insured’s file, a copy of the retail or producing agent’s documentation of a diligent effort search, if applicable. It is the responsibility of the surplus lines agent to verify that the retail or producing agent has made a diligent effort to place the coverage with an authorized insurer. The surplus lines agent must be able to reasonably rely on the efforts made by the retail or producing agent by taking into account such factors as conducting a program to verify the diligent effort process meets the requirements outlined in F.S. 626.916.
What is a Basic Review?

A Basic Review is a review of an agent who is currently writing or has written surplus lines business within the last three years. 

The review verifies the status of the agent’s surplus lines license and the proper reporting of surplus lines policies. FSLSO will review randomly selected policies to ensure compliance is maintained under the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office Agent Procedures Manual.

The agent will also be asked to provide the agency’s Accounts Payable Ledger relating to “vendors” (all surplus lines insurance companies, agents, brokers, and MGAs) paid within the last three years.

I am a relatively new Florida surplus lines agent and would like to confirm that I am operating in compliance. Do I have to wait three years for a compliance review?
No. You may request a compliance review at any time. We know there are numerous statutes and requirements to keep up with while navigating the surplus lines marketplace, so the FSLSO Compliance Review Department can schedule a complimentary review upon request.
What is considered premium for the purpose of calculating the premium receipts tax due?

According to Florida law (F.S. 626.932), the term “premium” means the consideration for insurance by whatever name called and includes:

  • Any assessment,
  • Any membership,
  • Policy,
  • Survey,
  • Inspection,
  • Service, or
  • Similar fee or charge

in consideration for an insurance contract, which items are deemed to be a part of the premium.

The per-policy fee charged by the filing surplus lines agent and authorized by F.S. 626.916(4) is also included within the meaning of the term “premium.” 

However, the service fee imposed by F.S. 626.9325 is excluded from the meaning of the term “premium.”

What is a Target Review?

A Desk Review is a compliance review conducted by the Compliance Review analyst from their office. Information can be exchanged between the analyst and the agent through SLIP+, phone, email, or postal service. This type of review is better suited for Basic Reviews of agents with a limited number of policies to examine.

An On-Site Review is a compliance review conducted in the agent’s office.
How do I transfer a policy or book of business to a new agent?

In order to complete a transfer of business, you must first decide which type of transfer is applicable (single policy transfer, multiple policy transfer, or global transfer). Then, complete the Transfer of Business forms, including the agents’ signatures, and email the completed forms to agent.services@fslso.com.

Single Policy Transfer
When transferring a single policy and associated transactions, the assuming agent and relinquishing agent are required to complete the FSLSO Transfer of Business forms.

A broker of record (BOR) can also initiate a single policy transfer. In order to transfer a single policy initiated by a BOR and its associated transactions to the agent assuming the policy, a completed and signed Assuming Agent Transfer of Business form with a copy of the BOR must be sent to FSLSO. The Relinquishing Agent form is not required to be completed. Upon verification, the transfer will be made. 

Multiple Policy Transfer
When transferring multiple policies and associated transactions, the relinquishing agent and the assuming agent are required to complete and sign the FSLSO Transfer of Business forms and provide a list of the policies to be transferred.

Global Transfer
A global transfer is necessary when the relinquishing agent is no longer employed by the agency or has taken on a different role within the agency. When requesting a global transfer, the relinquishing agent and the assuming agent are required to complete and sign the Transfer of Business forms. For filing purposes, FSLSO will transfer three years of current filings to the assuming agent unless instructed otherwise.
How often do I renew my self-appointment?
Surplus lines self-appointments must be renewed every two years by the end of the agent's birth month. It is the responsibility of the surplus lines agent to make sure the self-appointment is renewed. Transacting surplus lines business without being properly licensed and appointed is prohibited. To renew your appointment, visit the Department of Financial Services' MyProfile web portal
Can I complete the diligent effort form in place of a signed disclosure?

No. Execution of a diligent effort search does not take the place of a disclosure statement signed by the named insured on exempt coverages. For coverages that are statutorily exempt from the diligent effort requirement, the retail or producing agent is required to keep a disclosure statement signed by the named insured.

Surplus lines agents are not required to keep a copy of the disclosure form; however, it would be beneficial to keep a copy if needed to resolve any dispute with the insured regarding the placement of the surplus lines coverage. Please note: the surplus lines agent is required to maintain a copy of the disclosure form if they are also acting as the retail/producing agent.  

When is a Diligent Effort required?

All personal lines coverages require a diligent effort and a Surplus Lines Disclosure Form.  Most commercial coverages no longer require a diligent effort but require the Surplus Lines Disclosure Form instead.  Wet marine, aviation, and transportation risks are exempt from both. To determine if a diligent effort is required, please review the Diligent Effort/Disclosure Matrix.

For more information, send an email to agent.services@fslso.com
Who is required to file a quarterly affidavit?

All surplus lines agents who have transacted business must file a quarterly affidavit.

Per F.S. 626.931, all surplus lines agents that have transacted business during a calendar quarter shall, on or before the 45th day following the calendar quarter, file with FSLSO an affidavit on forms prescribed and furnished by FSLSO. The affidavit must state that all surplus lines business transacted by the agent during such calendar quarter has been submitted to FSLSO as required.

The quarterly affidavit can be submitted electronically via the Compliance tab in SLIP+. 

Agents who fail to file an affidavit when due may be subject to a fine by DFS up to $50 per day for each day the neglect continues, beginning the day after the affidavit was due until the date it was received by FSLSO.

AFFIDAVIT FILING SCHEDULE 

1st Quarter January 1 – March 31
Filing Deadline May 15

2nd Quarter April 1 – June 30
Filing Deadline August 14

3rd Quarter July 1 – September 30
Filing Deadline November 14

4th Quarter October 1 – December 31
Filing Deadline February 14
What happens when a filer neglects to file policy information?
When the Premium Reconciliation staff locates unreported agent or IPC filings, penalties may be assessed on policies subject to taxes, fees, or assessments. Penalties are assessed beginning the date the taxes, fees, and/or assessments should have been filed, invoiced, and payments due.
 
For agent filings, the agent shall pay interest on the amount of any delinquent tax due, at the rate of 9% per year, compounded annually, beginning the day the amount becomes delinquent per F.S. 626.936(2). For IPC filings, the tax imposed hereunder, if delinquent, shall bear interest at a rate of 6% per year, compounded annually per  F.S. 626.938(5).
How do I terminate my surplus lines license?

To voluntarily terminate/surrender your license, please log in to your Florida Department of Financial Services MyProfile account. You will need to terminate your appointments first, and then you may surrender your license(s).

Alternatively, you may send a letter to the Bureau of Licensing stating that you wish to surrender your license. Please include the following:

  • Name
  • Florida License ID Number
  • Mailing address
  • Telephone number
  • Enclose your Florida insurance license ID or a statement indicating that you do not have the ID
  • Signature of the licensee
  • Copy of government-issued photo identification
The letter can be emailed to the Department at AgentLicensing@MyFloridaCFO.com or mailed to:

Florida Department of Financial Services
Division of Agent and Agency Services
Bureau of Licensing
200 East Gaines St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0319
My batch file has been rejected and the error message indicates “invalid brokerage” or “invalid broker”.

This error means the brokerage/agency license number used is not a valid licensed surplus lines agency. In most cases, the error occurs because a brokerage number was inserted in a broker section, or a broker number was inserted in a brokerage section.

Please review the policy for a Florida licensed surplus lines agent and cross-reference it with our valid Florida agent listing. If you cannot locate the agent’s license, then please review the valid agency listing.
What happens if there is not a match for the policy information?

There are times when policy information submitted by the insurer does not match with a surplus lines agent or IPC filing. At this point, the Premium Reconciliation staff works to find the appropriate corresponding agent or IPC policy information to match up with the insurer filing.   The Premium Reconciliation staff primarily uses four components to match insurer filings with agent and IPC filings including:

  • Policy number
  • Premium amount
  • Effective date
  • Insurer name

     

If the matching filing cannot be located, staff will contact the insurer to gather additional information, including the name of the agent or agency, contact information, as well as a copy of the declarations page.

Staff will then contact the responsible party to inquire if the matching policy filing was made and request the confirmation number for the policy in question if it was filed. If necessary, the Premium Reconciliation staff may also request that the agent or IPC filer provide additional documentation.

If the policy submission has not been made, the Premium Reconciliation staff will request it be done at the earliest convenience to avoid any late payment penalties that could accrue. The Premium Reconciliation staff has up to 180 days to reconcile the outstanding policy before it is referred to the Department of Financial Services or the Office of Insurance Regulation.

Why did I receive an email from the FSLSO for a premium filing deficiency? I filed more premium than the email represents.

The batch file displays the total premium amount for all transactions submitted within the batch. If your total premium exceeds the amount shown on the discrepancy notice, some reported premiums may not have effective dates within the reporting period. The email you received from FSLSO compares the insurer's premiums with effective dates within the reporting period against agent and IPC filers' premiums within the same period.

What information is required on the face page of a policy? Is the face page required for endorsements?

Florida law (F.S. 626.922 and 626.924mandates specific information to be included on a surplus lines contract. FSLSO provides a Sample Face Page that contains all the required information.

The face page is required for new and renewal policies but not endorsements or cancellations as long as the necessary financial information (premium, tax, fees, and applicable assessments) is disclosed.
Why would policy information not match and reconcile automatically?
Incorrect Premium Amount
The most common errors are discrepancies between premium submitted by the agent/IPC filer and the insurer. Please make sure to submit the premium as it appears on the declarations page of the policy.
 
Incorrect Policy Number
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to an insurer filing not matching with a corresponding agent or IPC filing, attributable to human error when making the submission. As one of the matching criteria is the policy number, the addition of extra characters such as letters, numbers, hyphens, and spaces will lead to an unmatched policy number. One way to avoid this is to make sure that the policy number submitted to FSLSO is the same as the one on the policy’s declarations page. This way, both the insurer and agent/IPC filer are submitting the same policy number.
 
Incorrect Insurer
Relative to the agent and IPC filer, it is common to find that the wrong insurer was selected when making the policy submission. When filing policy information, please be sure to select the insurer shown on the declarations page. If the policy has multiple insurers with premium associated with each, the filing should have the insurers and their portion itemized when making the submission to our office. Since several insurers have similar names, extra care should be taken when submitting the insurer’s name.
 
Incorrect Transaction Effective Date & Insured Name
Submitting the wrong transaction effective date will also create a variance. Be sure to include the exact transaction effective date as listed on the policy or endorsement. The same is also applicable to the insured’s name. When submitting the insured's name, you will need to include the entire insured name, as stated on the declarations page, when filing with the FSLSO. Do not submit the “doing business as” (DBA) portion of the name.
What are highly protected risks?
"Highly Protected Risk" refers to substantial commercial properties with extensive protection systems and superior construction. These risks involve sophisticated risk management and loss control, rating them using traditional manual rating is not feasible, given their large size and complexity.
What should I do if my business address changes?
FSLSO should be informed within 30 days after a change of principal business or street address, mailing address, or email address so that all necessary reports and correspondence are appropriately directed. All information may be updated through SLIP+
What should I do if the insurance company writing the coverage is not listed in the drop-down menu under the Transaction Details section of SLIP+?

If the insurer on the policy is not available in the drop-down menu, they may be added by selecting the Edit Insurer List link below the drop-down. Once you find the insurer on the Available Insurers list, click the “>” to add it to the Selected Insurers list. Then click Save.

If you do not find the insurer on the Available Insurers List, please contact our office at 800.562.4496, option 2 or send an email to insurer.services@fslso.com.
How do I obtain a Florida surplus lines license?

Obtaining a Florida surplus lines license is a multi-step process that includes pre-qualification, applying for the license, and an examination. For details on each of these steps, please refer to the  Agent Licensing Requirements page, which will give you step-by-step instructions. 

Where can I purchase the Study Manual for the state surplus lines insurance exam?
FSLSO maintains a contract with the Florida Department of Financial Services to produce and distribute the State's official study guide for the surplus lines licensing exam, titled  Florida Surplus Lines Insurance Study ManualVisit the Education page to purchase the manual.
How do I file a master policy in SLIP+?

For single state policies, you can submit a new business or renewal transaction with zero premium and the original effective date of the policy. SLIP does not allow a multistate transaction to be filed with zero premium/policy fees except for cancellation transactions.

To add a new business or renewal multistate transaction for a master policy, you must file the policy once there is a premium-bearing transaction/endorsement. For the first premium-bearing transaction on the policy, use the original effective date of the policy. For the remaining endorsements, use the effective date of the endorsement.

Who do I contact if I have additional questions about Premium Reconciliation?
If you have additional questions about Premium Reconciliation, please contact Accounting at 800-562-4496, option 4 or email accounting@fslso.com.
I am a Florida licensed agent. Is my agency required to be licensed as well?

Yes. Florida Statute requires entities engaging in any activity or employing individuals to engage in any activity which by law may be performed only by a licensed insurance agent to hold an agency license.

NOTE: An insurance agency owned and operated by a single licensed agent conducting business in their name and not employing or otherwise using the services of or appointing other licensees is exempt from the agency licensing requirement.

Who do I contact if I have additional questions about compliance review?

If you have additional questions regarding compliance review, please contact:

Felicia Meredith
800-562-4496, ext. 105
fmeredith@fslso.com

Is the surplus lines agent required to be present for an on-site review?
No, the surplus lines agent is not required to be present. However, we do ask that an agent representative be available should questions arise during the review process.
How do I make a correction to a transaction in SLIP+?

To edit data on a previously filed transaction, follow the instructions below.

  1. Select Policy Search from the Filings tab.
  2. Enter the previously filed policy number or other search criteria in the appropriate field(s) and click Search.
  3. Click on the policy number in the left column labeled Policy Number.
  4. In the Transaction Details section, find the transaction you wish to edit and click the three vertical dots to the far right, then choose Edit, which will take you to the Coverage & Transaction page.
  5. Make the necessary changes and click the Review button at the bottom right.
  6. System Warning window will display advising the edit is going to create a backout transaction. Select YES to proceed.
  7. Review the transaction information and if all is correct, click the Submit Filing button on the bottom right.
This will take you back to the Policy Details screen, where your edited transaction will be listed.
What elements are reviewed during a Compliance Review?

The following elements will be reviewed during a Compliance Review:

 1. Documentation

    • Surplus lines agent license
    • Policy Declaration pages
    • Diligent Effort forms
    • Endorsements (if requested)
    • Policy Face or Front Pages (if applicable)
    • Invoices
    • Inspection Report (if applicable)
    • Membership Agreement (if applicable)
    • Documentation to support any fees charged in addition to the surplus lines agent policy fee (if applicable)

 2. Policy Review Data Elements

    • Declarations page
    • Policy number
    • Name of insured
    • Zip code and county of Risk
    • Stamp information
    • Transaction type
    • Insurer
    • Coverage code
    • Policy period
    • Supplemental residential property data
    • Premium
    • Policy fees
    • Inspection fees
    • Premium tax
    • Service fee
    • Citizens' assessment fee (if one is in place)
    • EMPA surcharge
    • Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (if one is in place)
    • Unfiled policies/transactions
My batch file has been rejected and the error message indicates “duplicate transaction”. What does this mean?
“Duplicate Transaction” means our system has already received a transaction with the same policy number, effective date, and premium amount. If you receive this error, remove the transaction(s) from the batch file and resubmit.
What coverages fall under the E&O category?

When professions require E&O coverage, many products include E&O in a package commonly referred to as a “professional liability” policy. On October 1, 2011, the Office of Insurance Regulation stated that professional liability could be considered E&O insurance. Thus, only a disclosure form is necessary when purchasing professional liability coverage.

*This does not include medical malpractice or professional liability for a licensed medical facility or personnel.
How does the Premium Reconciliation program work?

The Premium Reconciliation program is an inspection of submitted insurer and agent/IPC policy information to find “variances and verify that all taxes, service fees, and assessments have been paid correctly.

Since its inception in 2000, the Premium Reconciliation program has been highly effective in the collection of taxes, fees, and assessments relative to unreported premium. In 2018, more than $70 million in unreported premium was identified, resulting in more than $2.5 million in taxes, fees, assessments, and penalties.

As Florida eligible surplus lines insurers and agents submit policy data to FSLSO, our system automatically "matches" information from both parties on correlating policies. Information is linked based on several factors, including policy number, premium amount, insurer name, and effective date.

As an example, Agent John Doe submits policy information on a Commercial Property policy written through XYZ Insurance Company. XYZ Insurance Company is also required by Florida Statute to file policy information regarding the Commercial Property policy written by Agent John Doe. Both parties submit policy information for the risk and is “matched” and reconciled through FSLSO’s database.

How do I submit a cancellation for a layered policy?
SLIP+ allows only one cancellation transaction per policy. Thus, when submitting a layered policy cancellation, you must file one cancellation transaction and the remaining transactions as return premiums.
How do I make a policy-level correction in SLIP+?

To edit policy information on a previously reported policy, follow the instructions below.

  1. Select Policy Search from the Filings tab.
  2. Enter the previously filed policy number or other search criteria in the appropriate field(s) and click Search.
  3. Click on the policy number in the left column labeled Policy Number.
  4. You are now on the Policy Details page. Click the Edit link on the top right of the Policy Information section.
  5. Make the necessary changes and click the Save button on the top right of the Policy Information section.
Policy-level changes will not result in automatic backouts.

What are the rules regarding policy extensions and how long/often can the policy be extended before the extension needs to be filed as a renewal?

If the policy period is extended for 365 days or more and all original terms and conditions remain, the additional premium endorsement must be filed as a renewal transaction in SLIP+. Filing a renewal for policy extensions allows the policy to be charged the appropriate tax, Service Office fee, and assessment rates (if applicable) for the new policy period. The insurer is not required to issue a policy renewal since this is for SLIP+ filing purposes only.

For example, if the original policy term is January 1, 2022, through January 1, 2023, and an endorsement is issued that extends the policy expiration to January 1, 2024. You should file the extension endorsement as a renewal transaction in SLIP with an effective date of January 1, 2023, and an expiration date of January 1, 2024.

The only exception is when the endorsement is an extended reporting period (ERP) endorsement, also known as "tail coverage." These endorsements are typically associated with claims-made liability policies. When submitting ERP endorsements in SLIP+, please file the endorsement within the original policy term and do not extend the expiration date.

Should I notify FSLSO if I leave my agency?
If you are leaving an agency with active surplus lines policies, you must transfer the policies to a new broker of record. A Transfer of Business Form is available here. You must also update your agency information in SLIP+
When should transactions be submitted to FSLSO?
All premium-bearing transactions, regardless of tax status, must be submitted within 30 days from the effective date of coverage. However, you may submit transactions earlier if you wish.
How do I update my primary, accounting, and compliance contact information in SLIP+?

To update your contact information in SLIP+, follow these instructions:

  1. Click on the user’s name in the top right of the SLIP+ screen and select Settings from the drop-down.
  2. Choose Contacts from the left side menu.
  3. Click Edit on the right side of the screen.
Make the necessary changes to the contact(s) then click the Save button on the bottom right.
How do I submit a layered policy?

When submitting a layered policy, agents and IPC filers must enter each layer under the insurer that wrote the particular layer of business. If the policy number is the same for each insurer, agents will use the same policy number for the entire risk. However, the appropriate amount of premium allocated to each separate insurer must be broken out. 

If insurers have submitted different policy numbers for each layer of the policy, agents, and IPC filers must submit each policy separately under the appropriate policy number. Remember to pay close attention to the policy number and premium allocation outlined in the policy documents.

 

I do not see my agency listed under the Agency Assignment in SLIP+. What do I need to do in order to have the agency added?

If your agency name and license number are not in the Available Agencies box on the Settings page in SLIP+, contact Agent Services at agent.services@fslso.com and provide the following information:

  • Agency Name 
  • Agency License Number
  • Agency FEIN 
  • Agency Address 
  • Agency Phone Number
  • Agency Email

If the agency is licensed as required by the Florida Department of Financial Services, we will add the agency to our database.

When filing a policy in SLIP+, should policy numbers include spaces, slashes, and/or dashes as shown on the binder or policy?

Yes. Enter the policy number exactly as it appears on the declarations page from the carrier, including any special characters. 

Do not add any prefixes or suffixes assigned by the agency for filing purposes. Doing so will cause a discrepancy in our reconciliation process.

Who must sign the disclosure form?
The disclosure form must be signed by the insured or a designee of the insured. Under Florida law, the producing agent is not required to sign the disclosure statement.
Does Florida have regulatory restrictions on what a surplus lines agent may charge as a fee and are the fees considered premium for taxation purposes?

Acceptable fees include a policy fee charged by the filing surplus lines agent, inspection fees, survey fees, membership fees, or similar fees charged in consideration for the insurance contract per F.S. 626.916. These fees are considered premium for taxation purposes.

A surplus lines agent may charge a “reasonable” per-policy fee that must be reported to the FSLSO. This fee is taxable and must be itemized separately to the insured before purchase and enumerated in the policy.

Further, a retail agent may charge a “reasonable” per-policy fee for surplus lines policies, which must also be itemized separately to the insured before purchase. This fee is not required to be enumerated in the policy and is not included in the definition of "taxable premium" in statute.

Do exempt coverages include any personal lines?
As of July 1, 2021, except for personal lines flood, no personal lines coverages are exempt from the diligent search requirement.
When does the surplus lines agent keep a copy of the disclosure form?
According to Florida law, obtaining and maintaining an accurate and complete surplus lines disclosure is the sole responsibility of the retail/producing agent, not the surplus lines agent. Surplus lines agents are only required to obtain and maintain a disclosure when acting in both a producing and surplus lines capacity.
Where can I find the current tax, service fee, and assessment rates?
The current tax, service fee, and assessment rates can be found on the Tax/Fee/Assessment Table page.
What are the different types of TIQs?

Unbalanced Returned Premium (URP)
This TIQ indicates that a return premium transaction or cancellation transaction has been submitted with premium greater than the total premium submitted for that particular policy term. The Unbalanced Returned Premium (URP) TIQ is a financial TIQ. FSLSO staff members cannot manually accept financial TIQs, they can only be corrected and accepted by the user.

Unbalanced Returned Policy Fees (URF)
A transaction will be questioned if the policy fees submitted with a return premium transaction or a cancellation are greater than the total policy fees submitted for that particular policy term. The Unbalanced Returned Policy Fees (URF) TIQ is a financial TIQ. FSLSO staff members cannot manually accept financial TIQs, they can only be corrected and accepted by the user.

Tax Status 2 (TS2)
This tax status should only be used when insuring risks of the state government, counties, municipalities, or their agencies. Due to this exemption status, all new business and renewal transactions (initiating transactions) are questioned when submitted to allow an FSLSO staff member the opportunity to verify the exemption. Documentation may or may not be requested by an FSLSO staff member. Once the staff member is satisfied the insured is, in fact, exempt from the tax and service fee, the questioned transaction will be manually accepted by an FSLSO staff member.

Tax Status 4 (TS4)
This tax status was specifically created for property policies covering hospitals that are members of an alliance. This tax status is exempt from the surplus lines tax, service office fee, and assessments. However, the EMPA surcharge applies. Due to this exemption status, all new business and renewal transactions (initiating transactions) are questioned when submitted to allow an FSLSO staff member the opportunity to verify the exemption. Documentation may or may not be requested by a FSLSO staff member. Once the staff member is satisfied the insured is, in fact, exempt from the tax and service fee, the questioned transaction will be manually accepted by an FSLSO staff member.

Tax Status 5 (TS5)
This tax status was created for entities that are exempt from the surplus lines tax, service fee, assessments, and the EMPA surcharge but are required to be filed by law because they are premium-bearing. Due to this exemption status, all new business and renewal transactions (initiating transactions) are questioned when submitted to allow an FSLSO staff member the opportunity to verify the exemption. Documentation may or may not be requested by an FSLSO staff member. Once the staff member is satisfied the insured is, in fact, exempt from the tax and service fee, the questioned transaction will be manually accepted by an FSLSO staff member.

Standalone Type 2 Transaction (SA2)
This TIQ occurs when an additional premium transaction has been filed, and no existing new business or renewal filing is present. The Standalone Type 2 Transaction (SA2) TIQ can only be corrected by the user.

Credit Verification (CV)
This TIQ occurs when a return premium or cancellation transaction has been submitted that meets certain guidelines set forth by FSLSO. The Credit Verification (CV) TIQ has to be worked by an FSLSO staff member, and documentation of the credit is required. If you receive a questioned transaction for this reason, you can be proactive and upload a copy of the endorsement in SLIP+ and submit it to FSLSO. If the documentation is not uploaded in SLIP+, an FSLSO staff member will email you for the documentation.

Extends Policy Expiration Date (EE2)
An EE2 TIQ occurs when an endorsement is filed that extends the policy expiration date for 365 days or more. The Extends Policy Expiration Date (EE2) TIQ was implemented to allow FSLSO to charge the most current premium taxes, service fees, and assessments. 

While extending the expiration date on an insurance policy is common practice, it can impact tax collection accuracy. Collecting the most current tax rate is critical when handling assessments for other state entities and protecting consumers. That is why we ask you to file a renewal transaction when extending the policy expiration date for 365 days or more, even if the insurer did not renew the policy. The rate charged is determined by the effective date of the most current new business or renewal transaction filed. 

For example, the Service Office fee has changed several times in recent years. In January 2020, the Service Office fee was 0.1% but changed to 0.06% for all new and renewal policies with an effective date on or after April 1, 2020. If an agent had a policy effective January 1, 2020-January 1, 2021 and extended the expiration date to January 1, 2022, by an additional premium endorsement, FSLSO staff would direct the filer to submit a renewal transaction effective the anniversary date of January 1, 2021, in order to update the Service Office fee to 0.06%. If an additional premium was filed, the Service Office fee would continue at 0.1% due to the January 1, 2020 new business transaction effective date. 

To correct an EE2 TIQ, you must change the endorsement transaction to a Renewal via SLIP+.


Unknown or Ineligible Surplus Lines Agent (NAG)
This TIQ will occur if the agent was not licensed and/or appointed on the effective date of the policy. The Unknown or Ineligible Surplus Lines Agent (NAG) TIQ has to be worked by an FSLSO staff member and can be caused for several reasons, such as a temporary lapse of the agent’s surplus lines self-appointment. A Florida surplus lines agent is required to be licensed and self-appointed when placing business.

Unknown or Ineligible Insurer (NIN)
This TIQ can occur when the transaction has an incorrect insurer NAIC number or the insurer is not an eligible surplus lines insurer. The Unknown or Ineligible Insurer (NIN) TIQ will occur when the user has selected “Other Surplus Insurer” from the insurer drop down menu or submits through Batch. “Other Surplus Lines Insurer” should only be used when placing 12.5% or less of the coverage with an ineligible insurer pursuant to 626.918(6), F.S. If the transaction is questioned for this reason, an FSLSO staff member will accept the questioned transaction after receipt of proper documentation. This TIQ also occurs when an insurer has changed their name midterm during the policy, and an endorsement is filed with the insurer’s previous name. The user will need to make this correction.

Invalid Coverage Code/Tax Status Combination (CTS)
A transaction will be questioned if a coverage code is submitted with a tax status that does not apply to that particular coverage code.

Please note: This TIQ type only occurs as a result of submissions made via Batch. The SLIP+ environment is programmed so this will not occur.

Certain coverage codes, such as motor truck cargo, ocean marine, and aviation, are exempt from the surplus lines premium tax and have a specific tax status. SLIP+ has been programmed to only allow each coverage code’s specific tax status, however Batch allows all tax statuses which will create this questioned transaction. Only the user can correct this questioned transaction.

Eligible Agency Not Found (NAY)
This TIQ occurs when a transaction is submitted with an agency that is no longer active in our database. The Eligible Agency Not Found (NAY) TIQ will need to be worked by an FSLSO staff member. Florida requires each place of business that engages in any activity that may be performed only by a licensed insurance agent to hold an insurance agency license. If the agency license number you are filing under is no longer active in our database, you will receive this questioned transaction.

There may be steps you need to follow to update your agency information. An FSLSO staff member will advise what steps need to be taken, if any.

Zero Premium (ZP)
This TIQ occurs when a transaction is submitted with a 0 in the premium field and a dollar value in the policy fee field. The Zero Premium (ZP) TIQ can only be accepted by an FSLSO staff member. An FSLSO staff member will review each ZP TIQ to determine the validity of the additional fee and either accept the questioned transaction or inquire further.

An FSLSO staff member will review each ZP TIQ to determine the validity of the additional fee and either accept the questioned transaction or inquire further.

Future Effective Date (FED)
Transactions that are submitted more than six months in advance of the effective date are questioned in order to verify the validity of the effective date. If you receive the Future Effective Date (FED) TIQ, verify the effective date of the transaction. Typically the user has made a simple error and entered the incorrect year. If this is so, edit the date. If the date is correct, contact an FSLSO Analyst to advise the date is correct, and we will manually accept the questioned transaction.

New Business Renewal (NBR)
This TIQ occurs when a new business and a renewal transaction are filed with the same effective date. The New Business Renewal (NBR) TIQ has to be corrected by the user before it can be manually accepted by an FSLSO staff member.

Invalid State Specified (ISS)
This TIQ only applies to multistate transactions and can be triggered for several reasons.

If a multistate Batch file with an initiating transaction effective on or after July 1, 2020, is submitted using any state allocations other than Florida or Non-Florida, it will be questioned. SLIP+ is programmed to only accept  Florida or Non-Florida after June 30, 2020. 

If an endorsement is filed on an initiating transaction effective on or after July 1, 2020, and the initiating transaction is subsequently backed out, it will be questioned. Once the initiating transaction is backed out, the endorsement becomes either a standalone type 2 transaction (SA2) or would be associated with an initiating transaction effective prior to July 1, 2020, triggering the ISS TIQ.

An initiating transaction effective prior to July 1, 2020 (i.e., June 1, 2020) and a subsequent endorsement effective after July 1, 2020 (i.e., July 15, 2020) are filed using state-by-state premium tax allocations. Then, an initiating transaction effective on or after July 1, 2020 (i.e., July 2, 2020) is filed on the same policy. The endorsement transaction will be questioned because it would now be associated with an initiating transaction effective on or after July 1, 2020, meaning the state allocation selections will need to be updated to Florida and Non-Florida.

Only the user can correct this questioned transaction.

What coverage codes does the EMPA surcharge apply to?

Applicable coverage codes: 

  • 1000 Commercial Property
  • 1001 Builders Risk - Commercial
  • 1003 Apartments - Commercial
  • 1005 Commercial Package
  • 1006 Condominium - Commercial
  • 1017 Collateral Protection (force placed coverage)
  • 2000 Homeowners-HO-1
  • 2001 Homeowners-HO-2
  • 2002 Homeowners-HO-3
  • 2003 Homeowners-HO-4 - Tenant
  • 2004 Homeowners-HO-5
  • 2005 Homeowners-HO-6 - Condo Unit Owners
  • 2006 Homeowners-HO-8
  • 2007 Builders Risk - Residential
  • 2009 Dwelling Property
  • 2010 Farmowners Multi-Peril
  • 2011 Mobile Homeowners

State and governmental entities are NOT exempt and therefore are also assessable.

Is international/non-U.S. premium taxable?
No. International/non-U.S. premiums do not have to be filed with FSLSO. For more information on this topic, refer to Bulletin 2012-03 regarding filing changes on multistate risks bearing non-U.S. premium.
What is the maximum amount an insurance company can charge for a policy fee?
There is no limit on fees imposed by a surplus lines insurer. Still, the fee amount should be charged in consideration for the insurance contract, remitted to the insurer, and not retained by the agent or MGA.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions about regulatory requirements and compliance?
If you have additional questions about regulatory requirements and compliance, please contact Agent Services at 800-562-4496, option 1 or email agent.services@fslso.com.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions about filing?
If you have additional questions about filing, please contact Agent Services at 800-562-4496, option 1 or email agent.services@fslso.com
Am I required to file non-premium bearing ($0.00) endorsements?
No. Non-premium-bearing transactions are not required to be filed with our office. Florida regulations require all premium-bearing policy transactions placed with an eligible surplus lines insurer, taxable or non-taxable, to be electronically submitted to the FSLSO within 30 days from the effective date of the transaction
How do I add more than one coverage code for a policy?
To add more than one coverage code to a policy in SLIP+, you will need to file a separate transaction for each coverage code and its applicable premium. 
When filing a multistate policy in SLIP+, is the Service Office fee applied to the total gross premium or just the Florida-allocated premium?
The Service Office fee is assessed on the gross premium (premium plus policy fees) of the multistate policy.
What effective date should I use when filing an audit endorsement in SLIP+?
When submitting an audit endorsement in SLIP+, file the endorsement within the original policy period to which the audit belongs. Do not file the audit using the issue date or extend the policy expiration date.
Where can I find a list of eligible surplus lines insurers?
To view the surplus lines companies eligible to do business in the State of Florida, please visit our Eligible Insurers page.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions about Eligibility to Export/Diligent Effort?
If you have additional questions about Eligibility to Export/Diligent Effort, please contact Agent Services at 800-562-4496, option 1 or email agent.services@fslso.com.