Commercial Property Insurance
Global Approach v. Scottsdale Ins. Co., No. 24-cv-22531-ALTMAN/Hernandez (S.D. of Fla., Oct. 14, 2026- Altman, J.) (adopting the magistrate judge’s report and recommendation in full, and granting in part the defendant’s motion for attorney’s fees, awarding Scottsdale Insurance Company $33,899.80 in attorney’s fees after previously prevailing on summary judgment, and reasoning that because neither party objected to the report and recommendation, only clear-error review was required; after reviewing the report, record, and applicable law, the court found no clear error and therefore accepted the recommendation in full). https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-22531/pdf/USCOURTS-flsd-1_24-cv-22531-4.pdf
Homeowners Property Insurance
Reed and Lonngren v. Citizens Prop. Ins. Corp., No. 6D2025-0917 (6th Dist. of Fla., Oct. 16, 2026- Stargel, J.) (affirming summary judgment for Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, holding that Citizens’ payment of the appraisal award did not constitute a confession of judgment and therefore did not entitle the insureds to prejudgment interest, attorney’s fees, or judgment in their favor, and reasoning that there was no breakdown in the claims-adjustment process and that the insureds’ lawsuit was not a necessary catalyst for payment because Citizens promptly investigated the claim, invoked and participated in appraisal, and timely paid the appraisal award under the policy, making this a “race to the courthouse” case). https://flcourts-media.flcourts.gov/content/download/2496870/opinion/Opinion_2025-0917.pdf
The Fine Print:
The cases discussed are not a comprehensive list of all Florida decisions from this week. SLC may omit some, including PCAs and procedural rulings unrelated to coverage. SLC also excludes any cases in which I am or have been personally involved. These summaries are provided solely for informational purposes and do not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Any opinions expressed are my own and are not intended as legal guidance for any specific situation.