The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF) is a state run mandatory reinsurer which provides reimbursements to insurers writing residential property insurance in the state. The FHCF was created during a special legislative session in November 1993 following Hurricane Andrew. The law requires that if the cash balance of the FHCF is not sufficient to pay losses that a broad base of insurance lines will be assessed to fund revenue bonds to pay the losses.

The FHCF assessments apply to all property and casualty lines of business, including property and casualty business of surplus lines, but excludes those lines of business specifically exempted in Section 215.555, F.S. The emergency assessment is for the purpose of financing the FHCF’s shortfall from the 2005 hurricane season.

The FHCF issued bonds in the amount of $1.35 billion in 2006 and $625 million in 2008 which are currently being financed by a 1% assessment on premiums for the lines of business as noted above for all policies renewed after January 1, 2007. The FHCF issued bonds in the amount of $675.92 million in 2010. The current assessment percentage of 1% will be increased to 1.3% on the assessable lines of business listed above and will be effective on all policies written or renewed on or after January 1, 2011.