(1) A general lines agent may make reasonable service charges for financing insurance premiums on policies issued or business produced by such an agent or agency, s. 626.9541 notwithstanding. The service charge shall not exceed $3 per installment. The maximum service charge shall not exceed $36 per year. In lieu of such service charges, an insurance agent or agency, at the sole discretion of such agent or agency, may charge a rate of interest not to exceed 18 percent simple interest per year on:(a) The unpaid balance; or
(b) The average unpaid balance as billed over the term of the policy and subject to endorsement changes. The interest authorized by this paragraph may be billed in equal installments.
(2) Every such agent or agency engaging in premium financing whose total service charge per year or rate of interest is more than as provided in subsection (1) shall be subject to part XV of this chapter.
