About the Commissioner
Kevin M. McCarty
Commissioner of the
Office of Insurance Regulation
Commissioner
Kevin McCarty
Since his appointment as insurance commissioner in January 2003, Kevin
McCarty has secured his reputation as an innovator, utilizing technology to improve the regulatory
process, as a fierce defender of seniors and historically discriminated minorities, and as a
national leader who is forging a coalition to implement a national catastrophe strategy.
McCarty began his career in public service in 1988 becoming an expert in workers compensation issues with
the Department of Labor & Employment Security. He used his experience to segue into a position with the
Florida Department of Insurance in 1991. In 1992, McCarty became a resource to implement strategies to
improve the private marketplace following the devastation of Hurricane Andrew.
It was McCarty's diverse experience, and successful implementation of key programs that prompted Gov. Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet to select him as the first appointed insurance commissioner in January
2003. Gov. Bush described McCarty as "a highly qualified regulatory executive," who would "provide
continuity" to the newly formed Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR).
Throughout his career, McCarty has cited three main principles that have guided his vision of
government's role in society: 1) Government should serve and ultimately be accountable to the
people; 2) Government should be transparent in its operations, and treat its clients fairly and
equitably; and 3) Government should protect those who are unable to protect themselves.
McCarty used these guiding principles to encourage the passage of critical legislation during the 2008
Legislative session.
He cites two bills as the main accomplishments of the Office: 1) Senate Bill 2082, which was designed to
provide Florida's senior citizens greater protections when they purchase annuity products; and Senate
Bill 2534, which creates greater opportunities for uninsured Floridians to gain access to affordable
health care. Specifically, the Cover Florida Health Care Access Program, championed by Governor Charlie
Crist, provides a low-cost, guaranteed-issue health plan for Floridians who are currently unable to
purchase health insurance.
McCarty also has been asked to
testify before the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C. as an expert witness on multiple insurance
issues on behalf of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and as Florida Insurance
Commissioner. The NAIC has also appointed McCarty to be Chairman of several high-profile committees
including the
Property & Casualty Insurance Committee, the Catastrophe Working Group
Committee, and the Disaster Reporting Committee. In December 2008, McCarty
was elected by his peers to the position
of NAIC's secretary-treasurer. In December 2009, McCarty was elected to the
post of NAIC's vice president.
McCarty received his law degree in 1986 and his
undergraduate degree in political science in 1982 both from the
University of Florida.
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