Florida Pet Owners: New Law Aims to Protect You from Unfair Pet Insurance Denials

Pet ownership in Florida is on the rise, and with it, the popularity of pet insurance. However, many pet owners have faced frustrating situations with denied claims, unclear policy exclusions, and confusing terms. A concerning number of pet insurance claims are denied, leaving owners to shoulder unexpected veterinary costs. In 2023, some of Florida’s largest insurers had high denial rates, with Citizens Insurance denying over 50% of claims. Fortunately, 2026 brings good news for Florida pet owners. A new law, House Bill 655, has taken effect on January 1, 2026, designed to provide stronger consumer protection and regulate the pet insurance industry in the Sunshine State. This law aims to protect you from unfair pet insurance denials.

Why the New Law?

The Florida Legislature recognized the need for greater transparency and consumer rights in the pet insurance market. Many policyholders have experienced confusion and frustration due to:

Unclear claim decisions: Difficulty understanding how insurance companies determine claim payments.
Surprise exclusions: Discovering unexpected limitations in coverage.
Vague definitions: Confusion about pre-existing conditions and waiting periods.

To address these issues, HB 655 was passed to formally regulate pet insurance and introduce mandatory disclosures and consumer rights.

Key Changes Under Florida’s New Pet Insurance Law

The new law brings several significant changes to protect Florida pet owners:

Clear Explanation of Claim Decisions: Pet insurance companies must now provide a clear and detailed explanation of how they calculate claim payments. This includes explaining how reimbursements are calculated, what expenses are covered, and the reasons for any claim denial or partial payment. This aims to eliminate confusing policy language and ensure pet owners understand how their claims are handled.
Disclosure of Medical Exam Requirements: Insurers must clearly disclose any requirements related to pet medical exams. While insurers can request an exam after a policy is purchased, they cannot require an exam solely for policy renewal. This protects long-term policyholders from unexpected barriers to renewing their coverage.
Pre-existing Conditions Must Be Proven: Insurance companies can still deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, but the burden of proof now falls on them. Insurers must demonstrate that the condition existed before the policy’s start date. This prevents companies from denying claims based on vague or unsubstantiated claims of pre-existing conditions.
Waiting Periods Limited: The law allows waiting periods for illnesses or specific conditions but explicitly prohibits waiting periods for accidents. This ensures that pet owners have immediate accident coverage once their policy is active.
Free Look and Cancellation Rights: Policyholders now have the right to review and cancel their pet insurance policy within 30 days of purchase for any reason. If canceled within this period, they are entitled to a full refund. This “free look” period allows pet owners to ensure the policy meets their needs before fully committing.
No Discrimination Based on Wellness Programs: Pet insurance agents cannot market wellness programs as pet insurance or require enrollment in a wellness program as a prerequisite for purchasing pet insurance. This prevents misleading marketing tactics and ensures pet owners can choose the coverage options that best suit their needs.

What This Means for Florida Pet Owners

This new law marks a significant step forward in consumer protection for Florida pet owners. By promoting transparency, fairness, and accountability, the law empowers pet owners with clearer expectations about coverage, fewer hidden exclusions, and stronger rights when disputes arise.

Practical Advice for Florida Pet Owners

To make the most of these new protections, here’s some practical advice:

Review Your Policy Carefully: Take the time to thoroughly read and understand your pet insurance policy, paying close attention to coverage limits, exclusions, and waiting periods.
Keep Detailed Records: Maintain detailed veterinary records, including notes, lab results, and invoices, even for minor visits. This documentation can be crucial in supporting your claims and challenging any denials.
Understand Claim Procedures: Familiarize yourself with the insurance company’s claim procedures, including required forms and documentation.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask Questions: If you have any questions or concerns about your policy or a claim decision, don’t hesitate to contact your insurance company for clarification.
Know Your Rights: Be aware of your rights under the new Florida law, including the right to a clear explanation of claim decisions, the right to challenge unfair denials, and the right to cancel your policy within 30 days for a full refund.

What if Your Claim is Denied?

Even with these new protections, you may still face a denied claim. If this happens:

Review the Denial Letter: Carefully review the denial letter to understand the reasons for the denial.
Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant documentation, including your policy, veterinary records, and any other supporting information.
Appeal the Decision: If you believe the denial was unfair or unjustified, file an appeal with the insurance company.
Seek Legal Assistance: If your appeal is denied or you are unable to resolve the issue with the insurance company, consider consulting with a Florida pet insurance attorney. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your legal options.

Other Important New Florida Laws for Consumers

In addition to the pet insurance law, several other new laws took effect in Florida on January 1, 2026, that may be of interest to consumers:

Animal Cruelty Database: The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is now required to maintain a public online database of individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses. This database, known as “Dexter’s Law,” aims to promote responsible pet ownership and prevent future abuse.
Patient Overpayment Refunds: Healthcare providers are now required to refund patient overpayments within 30 days. Facilities that fail to comply may face fines, while individual medical practitioners could face professional discipline.

Conclusion

Florida’s new pet insurance law represents a significant victory for pet owners, providing greater transparency, fairness, and protection in the pet insurance market. By understanding your rights and taking proactive steps to protect your interests, you can ensure that your furry companions receive the care they deserve without facing unfair claim denials. If you’re a Florida pet owner and believe you’ve been unfairly denied a pet insurance claim, it’s essential to understand your rights and explore your legal options. Contact our firm today for a consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help.