Fidelity Fire and Casualty Company and First Protective Insurance Company have requested average statewide rate increases of 24.8% for their dwelling fire programs. The proposed rate increases would be effective October 9, 2011, for new and renewal business. The requested rate increases are not uniform. Some areas are subject to higher rate increases. Florida law allows the Office of Insurance Regulation to hold a public hearing for any purpose within the scope of the Insurance Code deemed to be necessary. Input from the insurers as well as interested parties will be received at this public hearing. If you are unable to attend this public hearing, please forward your comments to the Office of Insurance Regulation at ratehearings@floir.com; the subject line of your e-mail should read “Fidelity Fire and Casualty Company/First Protective Insurance Company.”