Ms. Connolly said State Farm Florida still had not resolved all of its issues with the OIR's conditional approval by that date, March 6, and so the company made a filing to preserve its rights for an administrative hearing.

Ed Domansky, spokesman for the OIR, said the OIR has heard that State Farm Florida objects to a condition in the approval plan that the company allow its agents to write homeowners policies for companies other than State Farm and Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state's insurer of last resort.

Ms. Connolly said State Farm Florida still believes it can reach an agreement with the OIR without a hearing, but if the company did not make the filing, it would have forfeited its right to a hearing should one become necessary.

The OIR rejected Sate Farm Florida's petition for a hearing on March 24. The OIR noted in a letter to State Farm Florida that the company's petition did not comply with Florida Statutes or Florida Administrative Code.

"Your petition fails to set forth with sufficient particularity 'all disputed issues of material fact' that affect State Farm Florida's 'substantial interests' that would entitle it to an administrative proceeding," the letter states. "Rather, the petition only reflects the company's displeasure with the terms of the Order."

Mr. Domansky said requirements for a petition for an administrative hearing are specific. He added this was State Farm Florida's opportunity to lay out all items of fact that the company disagreed with.

"As the order spells out," Mr. Domansky said, "[State Farm Florida] simply did not adequately lay out their claim" on the disputed issues of fact.

He said the process is now on hold, and the insurer has until April 14 to file an amended petition or else it cannot move forward with its withdrawal plan as presented.

For consumers, Mr. Domansky said the six-month notice before State Farm Florida can issue nonrenewals is now pushed back even further, but he said the OIR is still encouraging affected customers to shop.

State Farm Florida spokesman Chris Neal said the company will resubmit a petition and attempt to address the concerns raised by the OIR. In the meantime, he said the company is still talking to the OIR about its plans.