The purpose of the proposed rule development is to extend guidance and set forth standards in the use of professional designations or certifications by licensees engaged in the marketing and sale of insurance products. The proposed rule clarifies ...

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
Division of Insurance Agents and Agency Services

Rule No.: RULE TITLE
69B-215.235: Use of Designations
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed rule development is to extend guidance and set forth standards in the use of professional designations or certifications by licensees engaged in the marketing and sale of insurance products. The proposed rule clarifies that lawful designations must be granted only by recognized organizations that maintain published standards and procedures that assure the ongoing competency and ethical conduct of members or conferees. The proposed rule prohibits any use of self-conferred or baseless designations by licensees engaged in the marketing of insurance products. The proposed rule is designed to protect consumers from deceptive trade practices by licensees who claim, or falsely imply, certain levels of expertise or credentials that could reasonably induce consumers to place unwarranted confidence in the quality, accuracy, or veracity of their statements.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Use of designations and certifications in the marketing of insurance products.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 626.9611(1) FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 626.9541(1)(ff) FS.
IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
TIME AND DATE: Tuesday, October 26, 2010, 10:00 a.m.
PLACE: 116 Larson Building, 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 5 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Richard Brinkley, [phone] or [e-mail]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Richard Brinkley, Government Analyst II, Bureau of Investigation, Division of Insurance Agent and Agency Services, Department of Financial Services, 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0319, [phone]

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE FROM THE CONTACT PERSON LISTED ABOVE.