Specifically, Nationwide said it would not renew about 35,000 homeowners' policies and roughly 12,000 commercial policies purchased mainly for condominiums, apartments and rental properties, beginning March 1, 2006. Additionally, the company will non-renew roughly 4,800 mobile home policies at that time and has said it will stop writing new coverage for mobile homes and personal property as of Thursday.

Although Mr. Rommel said the non-renewals would not affect any Florida homeowners during this hurricane season, the state's chief financial officer, Tom Gallagher, said the move was a cause for concern.

"I'm deeply concerned that Nationwide Insurance is non-renewing over 35,000 customers in the state of Florida," Mr. Gallagher said. "In light of the four hurricanes that struck Florida last year and the two that affected our state this year, including Hurricane Katrina, there has been enormous strain placed on the homeowners and policyholders of this state."

Additionally, Mr. Gallagher called on the state's chief insurance regulator, Kevin McCarty, to "bring Nationwide back to the table." He called for the company to re-think its position in light of recent decisions by the state.

"After having been granted a rate increase just last month, Nationwide needs to reconsider its decision and renew these policies," he said. "We all have a responsibility during this difficult time to bring healing to the economy of Florida and the nation as quickly as possible."

To prepare for the non-renewals, Mr. Rommel said Nationwide will work with its agents to help affected policyholders find other insurance coverage.

"Our agents know the needs of our policyholders better than anyone," he said. "In these specific circumstances, we feel a responsible course of action is to allow our agents to work with their customers individually to identify other coverage options."