Bulletin: FL000101

Dear Associates:

Under date of August 20th, 2002, Stewart Title Guaranty Company through the Florida Legal Department issued Bulletin FL000100 , which advised all agents of new concerns of the Department of Insurance as to various questionable practices by some agents

Recently underwriters and agents have been contacted directly by investigators working for the Department of Insurance seeking backup information on potential violations in the field and reducing the information received into the form of affidavits with the intent of using those affidavits to lead to the filing of complaints resulting in live testimony at hearings. It is still impossible to determine the extent to which the Department will follow through on these matters, but it is our concern that all Stewart Title offices and agents follow only sound business like ethical conduct in the exercise of their business.

As in the past, The Department focuses on anti rebate, improper advertising practices, and sham ABA as well as anything that might be considered an unfair trade practice.

Accordingly we caution you to use only the best practices or be aware that consequences may follow in the form of charges, public hearings, and suspension or revocation of licenses.