Stephen Weinstein’s new Florida insurer has been shortlisted for an industry publication’s 2026 Start-Up of the Year award.

The St Petersburg-based property insurer, Mangrove Property Insurance Company, was launched last year to offer admitted homeowners’ insurance in “the Sunshine State”.

Insurance industry news and market intelligence publication, Insurance Insider, has announced a shortlist for its award, saying that it was a significant achievement being recognised by their judges, reflecting the “outstanding work taking place across the industry.”

Mr Weinstein, the former chairman of the Bermuda Business Development Agency, is chairman of Bermuda-based specialty reinsurer, Itasca Re and director of the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences.

He spent nearly 20 years as a senior executive and executive committee member at the Bermudian-based global reinsurer, Renaissance Re. Mr Weinstein also sat on the Government’s Covid-19 Economic Advisory Committee.

The Insider said the award “recognises the most compelling debut or breakthrough by a start-up within the past three years, honouring entrants that bring fresh thinking, disruptive models, and innovative solutions.” The winner will be announced in September.

Mr Weinstein, Mangrove’s founder and chief executive officer, said it was an honour for the insurer to be named to the list.

He added: “Since our April 2025 launch, we’ve assembled the best team in the Florida homeowners’ market, established and grown relationships with independent agents in all 67 Florida counties, placed two record setting reinsurance programmes, issued our first catastrophe bond, and built out our Grove Repair Solution with independent restoration experts across the state.

“I’m grateful that this nomination reflects on the accomplishments and shared vision of our internal team and external partners.”