People's Trust Insurance Wins Key Procedural Rulings in Florida Courts

People's Trust Insurance achieved victories in two Florida appellate courts on May 13, 2026, involving procedural missteps by homeowners. Both rulings support the insurer's position in disputes over property insurance claims.

In the first case, Yasmani Sanchez v. People's Trust Insurance Company, the issue arose from a breach of contract claim related to a wind damage loss. The trial court initially referred the matter to non-binding arbitration, where the arbitrator ruled in favor of the insurer, concluding that People's Trust was not liable to Sanchez. After the arbitration, Sanchez filed for a trial de novo within two days, yet the motion referenced an outdated version of Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.820(h) and lacked the necessary notice rejecting the arbitration decision, as required by a Florida Supreme Court amendment.

The updated rule mandates that this rejection notice be included in the same document requesting a trial, filed within 20 days of the arbitrator's decision. Sanchez subsequently filed an amended motion with the rejection notice, but it was outside the allowed timeframe. Consequently, People's Trust sought to enter the arbitration decision as the final judgment, which the trial court approved. On appeal, Sanchez's argument for substantial compliance was dismissed, with Judge Lindsey stating it conflicted with the rule's straightforward requirements. This decision mirrors a similar ruling from the Fourth District Court of Appeal, emphasizing strict adherence to procedural rules.

In the second case, Yarima Moreno v. People's Trust Insurance Company, the focus was on compliance with presuit notice requirements under section 627.70152(3)(a) of the Florida Statutes. Moreno submitted a property damage claim and initially sent the required presuit notice but later voluntarily withdrew her lawsuit. Upon refiling an identical lawsuit without issuing a new presuit notice, People's Trust moved to dismiss, asserting that each new lawsuit necessitates a fresh notice. The trial court concurred, and Moreno's appeal led the Fourth District Court of Appeal to clarify that presuit notices must precede every new suit due to updated demands for damages and fees, deeming the original notice insufficient for a subsequent lawsuit.

Both cases highlight the critical importance of adhering strictly to procedural requirements, clearly defining boundaries for homeowners. These rulings provide a robust foundation for Florida property insurers to pursue dismissals or final judgments when policyholders do not comply with established procedures. Presently, the decisions affirm procedural expectations, although a potential amendment to Rule 1.820 by the Florida Supreme Court could alter these requirements in the future. For now, the judgments favor People's Trust Insurance, bolstering their position in regulatory compliance disputes.