Kevin McCarty began his career in public service in 1988 when he joined the Florida Department of Labor & Employment Security, quickly becoming an expert on workers' compensation issues. In 1991, he moved to the Department of Insurance, and in 2003 became the first appointed commissioner of the newly formed Office of Insurance Regulation. McCarty received his law degree in 1986 and his undergraduate degree in political science in 1982 from the University of Florida. He recently responded to a number of questions from Florida Underwriter about insurance matters, both state and national.

Q. Over the past few years it has seemed like open season on insurance companies from some Florida officials. Is there anything on the horizon that will signal to carriers that Florida is willing to work harder to find middle ground, or at least not work so hard to make insurance companies the fall guys?

A. The majority of insurers comply with the laws of this state and we work very well together. However, those companies that do not comply with the law — for example, those that refuse to turn over subpoenaed documents or submit rate filings that do not indicate an actual rate need — may feel the brunt of our enforcement authority. Keep in mind that the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has licensed almost 40 new residential and commercial property writers in Florida since January 2006. That follows the eight back-to-back hurricanes of 2004 and 2005 — hardly evidence of an "open season" on insurance companies.