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History
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The Florida Land Title Association has roots that extend back to 1914 when a group of title abstractors joined together to form an association dedicated to improving the practice and procedures of searching land titles. Incorporated in 1971 The Florida Land Title Association, Inc., is a non profit trade association that is still dedicated to serving the land title insuring industry by promoting shared goals of education, professionalism, ethical standards, and to effectively advocate member concerns.
The FLTA is composed of Title Insurance Underwriters (Insurers), Title Insurance Agencies, Abstractors, and Associate Members consisting of Attorney Agents and Vendors who serve the title insurance industry. All of the insurers who do business in the State of Florida are members of FLTA. With over 150 entities who employ over 4,500 persons our membership is strong and growing.
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FLTA Facts
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The Florida Land Title Association is governed by a 13 member board of directors with representation of both agencies and insurers from all regions of Florida. Our by-laws have established a mandatory balance of governance between agency members and insurer members. The presidency of the Association rotates between agency and insurer members each year. The board is charged with the management of the Association and has a permanent office located in Tallahassee with a staff consisting of the Executive Secretary-Treasurer and his assistant. The board meets at least four times annually.
The FLTA has two sections, the agents section and the insurers section. The Sections focus on matters that are critical to their side of the title insurance business. In some instances differences in viewpoint are raised in joint section meetings where communication and consensus building become the paramount objective.
The FLTA has eight standing committees that allow membership involvement in matters of individual interest. These committees are; Governmental Affairs and Judiciary, Public Relations/Allied Industry Liaison, Lenders Liaison, Technology, Continuing Education, Claims Prevention, By-Laws, and Convention.
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Education
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The FLTA has the only professional designation program in Florida. The Florida Institute of Certified Land Title Searchers operates as an independent entity within the FLTA whose purpose is to conduct a yearly examination in title searching and closing proficiency. The CLT Institute Section conducts study seminars for those qualified to sit for the exam and oversees testing and grading of the candidates. Successful candidates are awarded the CLS or CLC designation for expertise in land title searching and land title closing, respectively.
In addition to the professional designations the FLTA hosts a number of continuing education seminars each year in all regions of the state. These seminars are usually 4 hour programs, either live or video taped presentations, that have been approved for credit toward your educational state license requirement. These courses are offered at a discount to FLTA members.
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News and Information
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One of the most important functions the FLTA fulfills is keeping its members informed. The written publications are the monthly newsletter, "The Tallahassee Report" containing topical industry news, technical information, legislative matters, claims information, professional achievements, employment opportunities and the like. Once a year we publish a magazine "Florida Land Title News", that feature articles on industry related topics and allow the leaders of the association an opportunity to share their views. The "FLTA Basic Title Insurance Handbook" is an excellent desk reference for a broad range of title topics including forms, examples, the Administrative Rules governing title insurance, the Uniform Title Standards, and a long list of general title information topics.
Our most recent endeavor is the FLTA Home Page. It is our intention to continue to expand and enhance this electronic medium and keep FLTA in the forefront of providing timely and accurate information to our constituents.
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Reglatory Matters
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A primary mission of the FLTA is advocating board sanctioned positions in the administrative and legislative forums. As a regulated industry, it is paramount that effective communication and access to the Department of Insurance and the state legislature be maintained. The FLTA has continuously worked to promote open and honest communication between regulator and the regulated. The Association has always had a registered lobbyist as well as an effective political action committee (TIFPAC) to assist it in promoting effective governmental relations.
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Join the FLTA
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If you are engaged in the title insurance business and do not belong to the FLTA you are on the outside looking in. Why not give membership a try? There are valuable incentives for new members. Call the click here or office today for membership information.
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