Florida § 624.609 - Limit of risk.

Full text of Florida Florida Statutes § 624.609 — Limit of risk., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 624.609. Limit of risk.

(1) No insurer shall retain any risk on any one subject of insurance, either as the direct insurer or the reinsurer, whether located or to be performed in this state or elsewhere, in an amount exceeding 10 percent of its surplus to policyholders, except as provided in subsection (5). (2) A “subject of insurance” for the purposes of this section, as to insurance against fire and hazards other than windstorm, earthquake, or other catastrophic hazards, includes all properties insured by the same insurer which are customarily considered by underwriters to be subject to loss or damage from the same fire or the same occurrence of such other hazard insured against. (3) Reinsurance ceded as authorized by s. 624.610 shall be deducted in determining risk retained. As to surety risks, a deduction shall also be made of the amount assumed by any established incorporated cosurety and the value of any security deposited, pledged, or held subject to the surety’s consent and for the surety’s protection. (4) As to alien insurers, other than insurers domiciled in Canada, this section relates only to risks and surplus to policyholders of the insurer’s United States branch. (5) As to fire insurance covering risks adequately protected by automatic sprinklers or risks principally of noncombustible construction and occupancy, the insurer may retain risk as to any one such subject of insurance in an amount not exceeding 25 percent of the sum of its unearned premium reserve applicable to property insurance policies and its surplus to policyholders. (6) “Surplus to policyholders” for the purposes of this section, in addition to the insurer’s capital and surplus, shall be deemed to include any voluntary reserves which are not required pursuant to law and shall be determined from the last sworn statement of the insurer on file with the office, or by the last report of examination of the insurer, whichever is the more recent at time of assumption of risk. (7) This section does not apply to life insurance, health insurance, annuity contracts, title insurance, insurance of wet marine and transportation insurance risks, workers’ compensation insurance, or employers’ liability coverages or to any policy or type of coverage as to which the maximum possible loss to the insurer is not readily ascertainable on issuance of the policy.

Source: official Florida text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida § 624.609

What does Florida Statutes § 624.609 cover?

Section 624.609 ("Limit of risk.") is part of the Florida Statutes, the codified statutory law of Florida. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Florida § 624.609?

A common citation format is "Florida Statutes § 624.609" (Florida). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Florida law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Florida official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Florida attorney.

How does Florida § 624.609 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Florida can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Florida.