TALLAHASSEE — The state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. quickly appealed after a Hillsborough County circuit judge Friday sided with a homeowner who challenged the constitutionality of a controversial arbitration process to resolve claims disputes.

Attorneys for Citizens on Monday filed a notice of appealing to the 2nd District Court of Appeal after Circuit Judge Melissa M. Polo issued a temporary injunction to block the insurer from sending disputes to the arbitration process at the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings.

The notice also said the appeal results in an automatic stay of Polo’s decision — effectively meaning that the ruling is on hold and the arbitration process can continue while the legal fight plays out. Such automatic stays are common when government agenc

See Full Page