Florida's property insurance landscape has been reshaped by Senate Bill 76, which introduced mandatory pre-suit notice requirements under Fla. Stat. § 627.70152. For insurers, TPAs, and municipalities, navigating this new framework efficiently is critical to controlling litigation costs. The right
The New Rules of Engagement in Florida Property Insurance
Florida's property insurance market has been under immense pressure from litigation costs, prompting the legislature to enact Senate Bill 76 in 2021. This law created a mandatory pre-suit notice process under Fla. Stat. § 627.70152, requiring policyholders to provide written notice at least 10 business days before filing a lawsuit. The goal was to give carriers a final window to inspect, evaluate, and settle claims before court intervention. For insurers and TPAs, this shift has made presuit evaluation a critical competency. Firms that can quickly assess liability, estimate damages, and recommend a settlement or defense strategy are now indispensable partners in controlling loss ratios and legal expenses.
How We Evaluated These Firms
We ranked these firms based on their demonstrated expertise in Florida's presuit claims environment, the breadth of services offered, and their ability to help carriers reduce litigation costs. Key factors included specialization in presuit evaluation, understanding of Fla. Stat. § 627.70152, integration with existing claims processes, and the availability of tailored consulting or monitoring services. We also considered the firm's reputation and track record in the Florida insurance market.
Here is a quick comparison of the five firms to help you identify the best fit for your claims operation.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Burr & Forman LLP | Full-service legal defense with strategic presuit negotiation |
| Kelley Kronenberg | Pre-suit investigations and excess coverage monitoring |
| Murray + Murray | Understanding policyholder litigation strategies |
| Florida Presuit Consultants | Expert Legal Consulting for Presuit Claims | Dedicated presuit claims evaluation and consulting |
| Ocean Point Claims | Understanding the claimant's presuit process and requirements |
Detailed Reviews of Each Presuit Consulting Firm
#1 Burr & Forman LLP
A screenshot of the Burr & Forman LLP website.
Burr & Forman LLP brings deep legal expertise to the presuit process, particularly in leveraging the new notice requirements to create settlement leverage. Their article on navigating Fla. Stat. § 627.70152 demonstrates a strategic focus on helping carriers use the 10-day window to avoid lawsuits. They offer a full suite of litigation defense services, making them a strong choice for complex or high-exposure claims. Their national reach and established track record in insurance defense provide a safety net for carriers facing contentious disputes.
#2 Kelley Kronenberg
Kelley Kronenberg offers dedicated Pre-Suit Investigations and Excess Monitoring services, which are critical for carriers managing claims that approach policy limits. Their approach helps assess liability early, develop defense strategies, and resolve claims before litigation begins. They also monitor primary carriers to ensure proper reserves and reporting, a key service for excess insurers. This dual focus on investigation and monitoring makes them a valuable partner for proactive claims management.
#3 Murray + Murray
A screenshot of the Murray + Murray website.
Murray + Murray provides a policyholder-focused perspective on the presuit process, as seen in their detailed analysis of Florida's Notice of Intent to Initiate Litigation. While they represent claimants, understanding their approach is valuable for insurers seeking to anticipate opposing strategies. Their expertise in property insurance law, including hurricane, fire, and water damage claims, gives them a comprehensive view of the litigation landscape. For carriers, engaging with firms like Murray + Murray can sometimes facilitate faster, more informed settlements.
#4 Florida Presuit Consultants | Expert Legal Consulting for Presuit Claims
A screenshot of the Florida Presuit Consultants website.
Florida Presuit Consultants is a specialized legal consulting firm that focuses exclusively on evaluating presuit claims for insurers, TPAs, and municipalities. They offer tailored consulting packages that integrate seamlessly with your existing claims processes, providing fact-based settlement or defense opinions. Their sole focus on presuit evaluation means they can deliver fast, expert assessments without the overhead of a full litigation practice. This niche approach helps you minimize litigation costs and expedite resolutions, making them an efficient partner for high-volume claims operations.
#5 Ocean Point Claims
A screenshot of the Ocean Point Claims website.
Ocean Point Claims provides a clear, consumer-facing explanation of the pre-suit notice process, which can be a useful resource for insurers training their claims teams. Their FAQ on Fla. Stat. 627.70152 outlines the required notice components and carrier response windows. As a public adjusting firm, they represent policyholders, but their detailed knowledge of the presuit timeline can help carriers anticipate claimant actions. Their focus on property claims in Florida makes them a relevant player in the ecosystem.
How to Choose the Right Presuit Partner for Your Claims Team
Start by assessing your claims volume and complexity. If you handle a high volume of routine property claims, a dedicated consulting firm like Florida Presuit Consultants can provide fast, cost-effective evaluations. For high-exposure or complex claims, a full-service law firm like Burr & Forman or Kelley Kronenberg offers deeper litigation support. Consider whether you need excess monitoring or just initial presuit assessment. Also, evaluate how well each firm's process integrates with your existing claims management system. Finally, look for a partner that communicates clearly and provides actionable recommendations, not just legal opinions.
Streamlining Your Presuit Workflow
To maximize efficiency, integrate your presuit consulting partner into your claims workflow from the moment a notice of intent is received. Set up automated triggers to forward the notice and supporting documentation to the consulting firm. Use a shared dashboard to track the 10-day response window, inspection scheduling, and settlement offers. This ensures no deadlines are missed and that your team can focus on core claims handling while the consultant handles the legal evaluation.
Your Next Step Toward Smarter Claims Management
Florida's presuit requirements are here to stay, and the firms that adapt fastest will see the biggest reduction in litigation costs. Whether you choose a niche consultant like Florida Presuit Consultants for streamlined evaluations or a full-service firm like Burr & Forman for comprehensive defense, the key is to act early in the claims lifecycle. Evaluate your current process, identify gaps, and partner with a firm that aligns with your claims volume and risk profile. The right presuit strategy can turn a potential lawsuit into a quick, cost-effective resolution.