July 21, 2025
With Lee Burke—President, Burke Bogart & Brownell
Chances are, you or someone you know is a snowbird. There’s nothing more enjoyable than soaking up the sun down south during Canada’s colder seasons. But Florida’s hurricanes, floods and volatile insurance market can pose major challenges for Canadians who own property there—and for Ontario Brokers, who legally can’t help without a Florida license.
Lee Burke is a Florida broker who’s spent over five decades navigating the state’s complex insurance landscape. He happens to have a soft spot for Canada. We spoke to Lee about Florida’s turbulent market and what Ontario Brokers need to know to better support their cross-border clients.
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I’m the President of Burke Bogart and Brownell Inc., an independent insurance agency based in Florida. I started the firm in 1973 with my mentors Ralph Bogart and Bobby Brownell. Over time, we developed a niche helping out-of-state agents, especially from the northern U.S., serve their Florida clients. That experience has given us deep knowledge of the Florida market, especially as it relates to clients from outside the state.
Q: Why is Florida such a difficult market to navigate?
A: Florida has always been challenging, but things really changed after Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Major insurers realized the scale of potential losses and started significantly reducing their exposure or pulling out completely. Florida remains a very difficult place for anyone outside the state to operate in.
Q: Ontario Brokers often feel stuck—they want to help their clients insure their Florida properties, but licensing makes it difficult. What’s your advice?
A: The best thing an Ontario Broker can do is partner with a licensed Florida agency. When your client says they’re buying in Florida, don’t say “I can’t help”—say “I know someone who can help.” You don’t need to place the policy yourself, just ensure your client ends up with someone trustworthy and experienced.
“Canadian brokers should understand Florida insurance is complex and highly localized. We’re not trying to insure every Canadian, we’re here to help.”
Q: How does your work philosophy reflect Florida’s challenges?
A: I came into the industry with a finance background and trained at a top insurance company. That foundation in underwriting led us to focus on risk management rather than selling policies. Over the past 25 years, we’ve shifted toward risk advisory… talking to clients about managing risk, not just insurance products.
With Florida’s high premiums, that might mean exploring alternatives like increased deductibles, property upgrades or even self-insurance. One client, for example, spent $70,000 on a new roof and saved $15,000 per year in premiums. That’s an 18% return. At the end of the day, people want advice they can trust.
Q: What’s your best advice for bridging the gap between Canadian and U.S. markets?
A: The fundamentals—coverage, forms, procedures—are fairly aligned. But Canada’s market is more structured. Florida regulators have to walk a fine line: push too hard, and insurers exit the market. Canadian brokers should understand Florida insurance is complex and highly localized. We’re not trying to insure every Canadian, we’re here to help. Think of us like the ultimate help desk for Florida insurance. Call us with questions. Even if we’re not placing the policy, we’re happy to guide people in the right direction.
Q: Last question: what’s your connection to Canada?
A: I’ve always had a soft spot for Canada, especially the Maritimes. I visited Nova Scotia in 2004 and fell in love with it. A few weeks later, I bought a 225-year-old farmhouse that reminded me of summers in Vermont. The more time I spent there, the more I appreciated the lifestyle and the people. It’s become a special place for me.