What Florida Bill HB 991 Means for Homeowners Insurance: Understanding Defamation
In today’s digital age, it’s easier than ever for false information to spread and harm someone’s reputation. Florida Bill HB 991 aims to protect individuals from defamation and false light claims, but what does it mean for homeowners insurance? Learn more about the bill and how it may impact your coverage.

Florida Bill HB 991, also known as the “Defamation, False Light, and Unauthorized Publication of Name or Likenesses” bill, was passed by the Florida legislature in 2021 with the aim of protecting individuals from defamation and false light claims, as well as unauthorized use of their name or likeness. The bill has garnered a lot of attention, as it aims to provide more legal protection for individuals in the digital age, where social media platforms have made it easier than ever to spread false information.
One of the primary goals of the bill is to protect individuals from defamation, which occurs when someone makes a false statement that harms another person’s reputation. Defamation can take many forms, such as spreading rumors or making false accusations, and can be committed both online and offline. With the rise of social media, it has become easier than ever for false information to spread quickly, leading to a significant increase in defamation cases.
Another important aspect of the bill is its focus on protecting individuals from false light claims, which occur when someone’s actions or words are portrayed in a way that is misleading or false. For example, if a news organization were to take a statement out of context and use it to create a false narrative, that could potentially lead to a false light claim.
The bill also aims to prevent the unauthorized use of an individual’s name or likeness, which can occur when someone uses another person’s image or name without their permission. This can lead to significant privacy violations, particularly in cases where an individual’s image or name is used for commercial purposes.
While the passing of the bill primarily deals with protecting individuals from defamation and false light claims, it may indirectly impact homeowners insurance. For example, if a homeowner is sued for defamation or false light as a result of something that happened on their property, their homeowners insurance may provide coverage for any damages awarded to the plaintiff, up to the limits of the policy.
However, it’s important to note that most homeowners insurance policies have exclusions for intentional acts, meaning that if the homeowner intentionally defamed or invaded the plaintiff’s privacy, their insurance may not cover the damages. For example, if a homeowner knowingly spreads false information about a neighbor and is sued for defamation, their insurance may not provide coverage.
In conclusion, the passing of Florida Bill HB 991 is an important step in protecting individuals from defamation and false light claims, as well as unauthorized use of their name or likeness. While it may indirectly impact homeowners insurance, it does not directly change any policies or regulations related to homeowners insurance. It’s important for homeowners to understand the potential impact of defamation and false light claims on their insurance coverage, and to take steps to prevent such claims from arising in the first place.