Articles by Amy O'Connor

O'Connor is the Southeast editor for Insurance Journal and associate editor of MyNewMarkets.com.

Florida High Court Set to Hear Constitutional Challenge to Workers’ Comp System

The Florida Supreme Court will hear yet another case challenging the constitutionality of the state’s workers’ comp system on April 16, 2016. The case, Daniel Stahl v. Hialeah Hospital, et al., has been making its way through the state courts …

Report: Florida’s Workers’ Comp Market Still Strong but Uncertainty Remains

The latest workers’ compensation report from Florida’s insurance regulator says the state’s workers’ compensation market remained competitive and well capitalized in 2014, but reforms put in place by state lawmakers in 2003 may have reached their maximum effectiveness. Findings and …

Report: Mississippi Insurers Not Overcharging Coastal Residents

Results of Mississippi’s Clarity Act Data Call are in and they confirm what insurance experts in the state say they already knew: insurers are not overcharging coastal residents in Mississippi. In fact, many Mississippi homeowners insurers are actually losing money …

Departing Florida Insurance Chief McCarty Leaves ‘Huge Shoes to Fill’

News of Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin M. McCarty’s resignation rocked the state Jan. 6 when he announced that he would leave office on May 2, 2016 after 12 years in the post. McCarty has served as the only appointed insurance …

Insurance Noodle Expands Quoting to Homeowners Insurance Market

Insurance Noodle, a membership-based online platform for insurance agents, has rolled out its new homeowner’s insurance quoting capabilities. Agents who join Insurance Noodle can now access homeowner’s quotes for standard, difficult-to-insure, and high-value homes, as well as for renter’s and …

Report: Mississippi Insurers Not Overcharging Coastal Residents

Results of Mississippi’s Property Insurance Clarity Act Data Call are in and they confirm what insurance experts in the state say they already knew: insurers are not overcharging coastal residents in Mississippi. In fact, many Mississippi homeowner insurers are actually …

Florida Lawmakers to Industry: We Want YOU to Join State Flood Insurance Market

We think the time is right for you all to explore the [Florida] flood insurance market.” That was the message Florida Senator Jeff Brandes gave insurance industry attendees at the first ever Florida Flood Insurance Conference on Dec. 9 in …

Industry Reacts to McCarty Resignation, Contemplates His Next Move

Insurance industry reactions to Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty’s decision to resign have been rolling in since the long-time state regulator announced Jan. 5 that he would step down from his position after 12 years in office. “The privilege of …

McCarty Replacement Rumors Start Swirling; Successor Has ‘Huge Shoes to Fill’

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty’s successor has yet to be announced, but whoever takes over will have his or her work cut out for them when McCarty leaves office after 12 years on May 2. “These are some pretty huge …

Florida Insurance Commissioner McCarty to Resign After 12 Years in Job

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin M. McCarty announced today that he is resigning effective May 2, 2016 after 12 years in the post to pursue other job opportunities, according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR). McCarty has served as …