Accusing them of soliciting and selling unauthorized health insurance, Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation ordered three companies stop writing insurance business in the state.

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty issued cease and desist orders against Peck & Peck Inc., and Depawix Health Resources, both located in Atlanta, Ga., and Green Cross Managed Health, based in Jacksonville, Fla.

McCarty’s office began investigating the companies’ actions earlier this year and determined that the three are marketing group and individual health insurance plans to small businesses and individuals, both directly and through licensed and unlicensed agents. The office alleges that the plans were marketed under the guise of selling an employment opportunity with Depawix that provides medical benefits.

Kevin McCarty

Groups and individuals who want to participate in the Green Cross program are required to be “dually employed” by Depawix, the office said, in addition to any existing employment.

“Unauthorized sales of insurance products are serious violations of the law,” McCarty said in a statement. “The Florida legislature has determined that the unauthorized transaction of insurance constitutes an imminent and immediate threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of this state.”

The three companies have 30 days to appeal the order with the District Court of Appeal and must honor and otherwise fully service all valid claims on any and all policies the companies have executed.

Florida CFO Alex Sink, whose office oversees the insurance department, added that unauthorized health insurance “can lead to serious financial hardship for Floridians, which is why Florida’s licensed agents should be vigilant about protecting consumers from this type of scam.”

“We will take the most aggressive action possible against anyone who sold these unauthorized products and put Floridians at risk,” Sink said.