SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRACTICES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting Estimates and Assumptions	Accounting Estimates and Assumptions The Company prepares the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results may materially differ from those estimates. Similar to other property and casualty insurers, the Company’s liability for loss and loss and adjustment expenses ("LAE") reserves, although supported by actuarial projections and other data, is ultimately based on management’s reasoned expectations of future events. Although considerable variability is inherent in these estimates, the Company believes that the liability and LAE reserve is adequate. The Company reviews and evaluates its estimates and assumptions regularly and makes adjustments, reflected in current operations, as necessary, on an ongoing basis
Fair Value	Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability between market participants in the principal market or in the most advantageous market when no principal market exists. Adjustments to transaction prices or quoted market prices may be required in illiquid or disorderly markets in order to estimate fair value. Alternative valuation techniques may be appropriate under the circumstances to determine the value that would be received to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction. Market participants are assumed to be independent, knowledgeable, able and willing to transact an exchange and not acting under duress. Our nonperformance or credit risk is considered in determining the fair value of liabilities. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, estimates of fair value presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current or future market exchange. Refer to Note 3 below for additional information regarding fair value.
Investment	Investments Investments consist of debt and equity securities. Debt securities consist of securities with an initial fixed maturity of more than three months, including corporate bonds, municipal bonds and United States government bonds. Equity securities generally consist of securities that represent ownership interests in an enterprise. The Company determines the appropriate classification of investments in debt and equity securities at the acquisition date and re-evaluates the classification at each balance sheet date. Held-to-maturity debt securities are recorded at the amortized cost, reflecting the ability and intent to hold the securities to maturity. All other debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses during the year, net of the related tax effect applicable to available-for-sale and periods prior to January 1, 2018 for equity securities, are excluded from income and reflected in other comprehensive income (loss), and the cumulative effect is reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized. If a decline in fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to its fair value and the amount of the write-down is recorded as an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) loss on the statement of operations. Any portion of such decline related to debt securities that is believed to arise from factors other than credit is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income rather than against income. As a result of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”) beginning on January 1, 2018 equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Refer to Note 2 below for additional information related to ASU 2016-01. When we invest in certain companies, such as limited partnerships and limited liability companies, and if we determine we are not the primary beneficiary, we account for them using the equity method to determine the carry value, which is included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our maximum exposure to loss is limited to the capital we invest. Net realized gains and losses on investments are determined in accordance with the specific identification method. Net investment income consists primarily of interest income from debt securities, cash and cash equivalents, including any premium amortization or discount accretion and dividend income from equity securities; less expenses related to investments. Refer to Note 4 below for additional information regarding investments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of all deposit or deposit in transit balances with a bank that are available for withdrawal. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of the purchase to be cash equivalents.
Premiums and Unearned Premiums	Premiums and Unearned Premiums The Company recognizes premiums as revenue on a pro-rata basis over the term of the insurance policy. Unearned premiums represent the portion of gross premiums written, related to the unexpired terms of such coverage. Premium receivable balances are reported net of an allowance for estimated uncollectible premium amounts. Such allowance is based upon an ongoing review of amounts outstanding, length of collection periods, the creditworthiness of the insured and other relevant factors. Amounts deemed to be uncollectible are written off against the allowance.
Reinsurance	Reinsurance Reinsurance is used to mitigate the exposure to losses, manage capacity and protect capital resources. Reinsuring loss exposures does not relieve a ceding entity from its obligations to policyholders and cedants. Reinsurance recoverables (including amounts related to claims incurred but not reported) and ceded unearned premiums are reported as assets. To minimize exposure to losses from a reinsurer’s inability to pay, the financial condition of such reinsurer is evaluated initially upon placement of the reinsurance and periodically thereafter. In addition to considering the financial condition of the reinsurer, the collectability of the reinsurance recoverables is evaluated (and where appropriate, whether an allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance recoverables is to be established) based upon a number of other factors. Such factors include the amounts outstanding, length of collection periods, disputes, any collateral or letters of credit held and other relevant factors. To the extent that an allowance for uncollectible reinsurance recoverable is established, amounts deemed to be uncollectible are written off against the allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance recoverables. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company did have any allowances for uncollectible reinsurance recoverables. Ceded premiums written are recorded in accordance with applicable terms of the various reinsurance contracts and ceded premiums earned are charged against revenue over the period of the various reinsurance contracts. This also generally applies to reinstatement premiums paid to a reinsurer, which arise when contractually-specified ceded loss triggers have been breached. Ceded commissions reduce commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses and ceded losses incurred reduce net losses and LAE incurred over the applicable periods of the various reinsurance contracts with third party reinsurers. If premiums or commissions are subject to adjustment (for example, retrospectively-rated or experience-rated), the Company records adjustments to the premiums or ceding commission revenue in the period that changes in the estimated losses are determined. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured business and consistent with the terms of the underlying reinsurance contract.
Deferred Acquisition Costs	Deferred Acquisition Costs Deferred acquisition costs represent those costs that are incremental and directly related to the successful acquisition of new or renewal of existing insurance contracts. The Company defers incremental costs that result directly from, and are essential to, the acquisition or renewal of an insurance contract. Such deferred acquisition costs generally include agent or broker commissions, referral fees, premium taxes, medical and inspection fees that would not have been incurred if the insurance contract had not been acquired or renewed. Each cost is analyzed to assess whether it is fully deferrable. The Company also defers a portion of the employee total compensation and payroll-related fringe benefits directly related to time spent performing specific acquisition or renewal activities, including costs associated with the time spent on underwriting, policy issuance and processing, and sales force contract selling. The acquisition costs are deferred and amortized over the period in which the related premiums written are earned, generally twelve months for homeowners and commercial general liability policies and six months for automobile policies. It is grouped consistent with the manner in which the insurance contracts are acquired, serviced and measured for profitability and is reviewed for recoverability based on the profitability of the underlying insurance contracts. Investment income is anticipated in assessing the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs. The Company assesses the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs on an annual basis or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated using a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, ranging from 5 to 15 years. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. The Company accounts for internal-use software development costs in accordance with accounting guidelines which state that software costs, including internal payroll costs, incurred in connection with the development or acquisition of software for internal use is charged to expense as incurred until the project enters the application development phase. Costs incurred in the application development phase are capitalized and are depreciated using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of 3 years, beginning when the software is ready for use.
Direct Written Policy Fees	Direct Written Policy Fees Policy fees represent a non-refundable application fee for insurance coverage. These policy fees are deferred over the related policy term in a manner consistent with how the related premiums are earned.
Other Income	Other Income Other income represents brokerage, commission related income from the Company’s agency operations, fees generated from the personal automobile line of business as well as recognition of equity method investment results. Brokerage income is recognized over the term of the reinsurance period, typically one year. Commission income from agency operations are recognized up-front upon policy inception. The fees associated with the personal automobile line of business are recognized ratably over the related policy term, generally six months. In applying the equity method, the Company records its initial investment at cost, and subsequently increases or decreases the carrying amount of the investment by its proportionate share of the net earnings or losses with any dividends or distributions received are recorded as a decrease in the carrying value of the investment.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses The reserves for losses and LAE represent management’s best estimate of the ultimate cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred through the balance sheet date. Such liabilities are determined based upon the Company’s assessment of claims pending and the development of prior years’ loss liability, including liabilities based upon individual case estimates for reported losses and LAE and estimates of such amounts that are incurred but not yet reported (“IBNR”). Changes in the estimated liability are charged or credited to operations as the losses and LAE are settled. The estimates of the liability for loss and LAE reserves are subject to the effect of trends in claims severity and frequency and are continually reviewed. As part of this process, the Company review historical data and consider various factors, including known and anticipated legal developments, inflation and economic conditions. As experience develops and other data become available, these estimates are revised, as required, resulting in increases or decreases to the existing liability for loss and LAE reserves. Adjustments are reflected in the results of operations in the period in which they are made and the liabilities may deviate substantially from prior estimates.
Long-Term Debt, Net of Deferred Financing Costs	Long-Term Debt, Net of Deferred Financing Costs The Company records long-term debt, net in the consolidated balance sheets at carrying value. The Company incurs specific incremental costs, other than those paid to lenders, in connection with the issuance of the Company’s debt instruments. These deferred financing costs include loan origination costs, issue costs and other direct costs payable to third parties and are recorded as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability in the consolidated balance sheets, when the debt liability is recorded. The Company amortizes the deferred financing costs as interest expense over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method in the consolidated statements of operations.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company applies the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss, capital loss and tax-credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company will establish a valuation allowance if management determines, based on available information, that it is more likely than not that deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Significant judgment is required in determining whether valuation allowances should be established and the amount of such allowances. The Company’s management makes assumptions, estimates and judgments, which are subject to change, in accounting for income taxes. The Company’s management also considers events and transactions on an on-going basis and the laws enacted as of the Company’s reporting date. The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) was signed into law on December 22, 2017, and the effect of changes in federal tax law and applicable statutory rates is recorded in the consolidated financial statements in the period of enactment. As such, the Tax Act affected the Company’s deferred income tax provision in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the deferred income tax assets and liabilities balances in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017. Both the current and deferred income tax provisions are affected for 2018. Refer to Note 8 below for further information regarding income taxes.
Share-based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation We expense the fair value of stock awards included in our stock incentive compensation plans. The Company grants awards and amortizes them on a straight-line over the vesting term using the straight-line basis for service awards and over successive one-year requisite service periods for performance based awards. For all restricted stock awards (“RSAs”), excluding relative total shareholder return ("TSR"), the fair value is determined based on the closing market price on the date of grant. The TSR grant date fair value are determined using a Monte Carlo simulation and, unlike the performance condition awards, the expense is not reversed if the performance condition is not met. Non-employee directors are treated as employees for accounting purposes.
Basic and Diluted Net Income per Share	Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) per Share Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares, while diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of such common shares and dilutive share equivalents result from the assumed exercise of employee stock options and vesting of restricted common stock and are calculated using the treasury stock method.
Revisions of Previously Issued Financial Statements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, Adopted In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The update replaces all general and most industry specific revenue recognition guidance (excluding insurance) currently prescribed by GAAP. The core principle is that an entity recognizes revenue to reflect the transfer of a promised good or service to customers in an amount that reflects that consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for that good or service. The Company adopted this update and the other related revenue standard clarifications and technical guidance effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. The Company completed the analysis of its non-insurance revenues and has concluded that the implementation did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, which addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-03, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. Most notably, the combined new guidance required equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2018, by reflecting a cumulative adjustment, which increased retained earnings and decreased accumulated other comprehensive income by $1.0 million. This adjustment represented the level of net unrealized gains and losses associated with our equity investments with readily determinable market values as of January 1, 2018. The adoption also resulted in the recognition of $(1.2) million in our consolidated statements of operations and statements of comprehensive income (loss), which represented the change in net unrealized gains and losses on our equity securities for 2018. This new guidance increases our earnings volatility compared to the prior accounting rules. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The update allowed a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017 ("Tax Act"). Guidance had previously required the effect of a change in tax laws or rates on deferred tax balances to be reported in income from continuing operations in the accounting period that includes the period of enactment, even if the related income tax effects were originally charged or credited directly to accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2018, by reflecting a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings with an off-setting adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income for less than $0.1 million.
New Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, Adopted In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The update replaces all general and most industry specific revenue recognition guidance (excluding insurance) currently prescribed by GAAP. The core principle is that an entity recognizes revenue to reflect the transfer of a promised good or service to customers in an amount that reflects that consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for that good or service. The Company adopted this update and the other related revenue standard clarifications and technical guidance effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. The Company completed the analysis of its non-insurance revenues and has concluded that the implementation did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, which addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-03, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. Most notably, the combined new guidance required equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2018, by reflecting a cumulative adjustment, which increased retained earnings and decreased accumulated other comprehensive income by $1.0 million. This adjustment represented the level of net unrealized gains and losses associated with our equity investments with readily determinable market values as of January 1, 2018. The adoption also resulted in the recognition of $(1.2) million in our consolidated statements of operations and statements of comprehensive income (loss), which represented the change in net unrealized gains and losses on our equity securities for 2018. This new guidance increases our earnings volatility compared to the prior accounting rules. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The update allowed a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017 ("Tax Act"). Guidance had previously required the effect of a change in tax laws or rates on deferred tax balances to be reported in income from continuing operations in the accounting period that includes the period of enactment, even if the related income tax effects were originally charged or credited directly to accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2018, by reflecting a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings with an off-setting adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income for less than $0.1 million. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, Not Yet Adopted In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The update superseded the prior lease guidance in Topic 840, Leases and lessees were required to recognize for all leases, with the exception of short-term leases, a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis. Concurrently, lessees are required to recognize a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. The guidance has been adopted effective January 1, 2019, and we expect to reflect approximately an $6 million right-of-use asset, after-tax, and $6 million lease liability, after-tax, on our March 31, 2019 consolidated balance sheets for our leases in existence as of that date. All of the Company's leases were classified as operating leases and we elected the practical expedient, therefore no adjustment to comparative prior periods presented will be made. There will be no significant difference in our pattern of lease expense recognition on our consolidated statements of operations, under this ASU.
Material Distribution Relationships	Material Distribution Relationships Ivantage Select Agency, Inc. The Company is a party to an insurance agency master agreement with Ivantage Select Agency, Inc. (“ISA”), an affiliate of Allstate Insurance Company (“Allstate”), pursuant to which the Company has been authorized by ISA to appoint Allstate agents to offer the Company’s homeowners insurance products to consumers in Florida. As a percentage of the total homeowners premiums we underwrote, 23.8%, 23.8% and 24.1%, were from Allstate’s network of Florida agents, for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. SageSure Insurance Managers, LLC The Company is a party to a managing general underwriting agreement with SageSure Insurance Managers, LLC (“SageSure”) to underwrite our FNIC homeowners business outside of Florida. As a percentage of the total homeowners premiums, 15.0%,10.2% and 6.9% respectively, of the Company’s premiums were underwritten by SageSure, for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 respectively.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FNHC and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and all entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest and any variable interest entity (“VIE”) of which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company’s management believes the consolidated financial statements reflect all material adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly state the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the periods presented. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company identifies a VIE as an entity that does not have sufficient equity to finance its own activities without additional financial support or where the equity investors lack certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The Company assesses its contractual, ownership or other interests in a VIE to determine if the Company’s interest participates in the variability the VIE was designed to absorb and pass onto variable interest holders. The Company performs an ongoing qualitative assessment of its variable interests in a VIE to determine whether the Company has a controlling financial interest and would therefore be considered the primary beneficiary of the VIE. If the Company determines it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, the Company consolidates the assets and liabilities of the VIE in its consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2017, in connection with the investment in Monarch Delaware, the Company had determined that the Company possessed the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and the Company was the primary beneficiary of the VIE. As such, the Company consolidated Monarch Delaware in its consolidated financial statements. Refer to Monarch National Insurance Company above, related to our 100% ownership of Monarch Delaware that became effective on February 21, 2018. In accordance with the accounting standard on consolidation, a primary beneficiary that acquires additional ownership of the previously controlled and consolidated subsidiaries is accounted for as an equity transaction and re-measurement of assets and liabilities of previously controlled and consolidated subsidiaries is not permitted. As a result, we accounted for this transaction by eliminating the carrying value of the non-controlling interest to reflect our 100% ownership interest in MNIC as of February 21, 2018. The difference between the consideration paid and the amount by which the non-controlling interest was eliminated has been recognized in additional paid-in capital. Following the closing, Monarch Delaware and Monarch Holdings were merged into MNIC. Refer to Note 14 below for additional information regarding the VIE.
Principles of Consolidation	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FNHC and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and all entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest and any variable interest entity (“VIE”) of which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company’s management believes the consolidated financial statements reflect all material adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly state the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the periods presented. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company identifies a VIE as an entity that does not have sufficient equity to finance its own activities without additional financial support or where the equity investors lack certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The Company assesses its contractual, ownership or other interests in a VIE to determine if the Company’s interest participates in the variability the VIE was designed to absorb and pass onto variable interest holders. The Company performs an ongoing qualitative assessment of its variable interests in a VIE to determine whether the Company has a controlling financial interest and would therefore be considered the primary beneficiary of the VIE. If the Company determines it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, the Company consolidates the assets and liabilities of the VIE in its consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2017, in connection with the investment in Monarch Delaware, the Company had determined that the Company possessed the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and the Company was the primary beneficiary of the VIE. As such, the Company consolidated Monarch Delaware in its consolidated financial statements. Refer to Monarch National Insurance Company above, related to our 100% ownership of Monarch Delaware that became effective on February 21, 2018. In accordance with the accounting standard on consolidation, a primary beneficiary that acquires additional ownership of the previously controlled and consolidated subsidiaries is accounted for as an equity transaction and re-measurement of assets and liabilities of previously controlled and consolidated subsidiaries is not permitted. As a result, we accounted for this transaction by eliminating the carrying value of the non-controlling interest to reflect our 100% ownership interest in MNIC as of February 21, 2018. The difference between the consideration paid and the amount by which the non-controlling interest was eliminated has been recognized in additional paid-in capital. Following the closing, Monarch Delaware and Monarch Holdings were merged into MNIC. Refer to Note 14 below for additional information regarding the VIE.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRACTICES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

The Company prepares the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results may materially differ from those estimates.

Similar to other property and casualty insurers, the Company’s liability for loss and loss and adjustment expenses ("LAE") reserves, although supported by actuarial projections and other data, is ultimately based on management’s reasoned expectations of future events. Although considerable variability is inherent in these estimates, the Company believes that the liability and LAE reserve is adequate. The Company reviews and evaluates its estimates and assumptions regularly and makes adjustments, reflected in current operations, as necessary, on an ongoing basis

Fair Value

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability between market participants in the principal market or in the most advantageous market when no principal market exists. Adjustments to transaction prices or quoted market prices may be required in illiquid or disorderly markets in order to estimate fair value. Alternative valuation techniques may be appropriate under the circumstances to determine the value that would be received to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction. Market participants are assumed to be independent, knowledgeable, able and willing to transact an exchange and not acting under duress. Our nonperformance or credit risk is considered in determining the fair value of liabilities. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, estimates of fair value presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current or future market exchange.

Refer to Note 3 below for additional information regarding fair value.

Investment

Investments

Investments consist of debt and equity securities. Debt securities consist of securities with an initial fixed maturity of more than three months, including corporate bonds, municipal bonds and United States government bonds. Equity securities generally consist of securities that represent ownership interests in an enterprise. The Company determines the appropriate classification of investments in debt and equity securities at the acquisition date and re-evaluates the classification at each balance sheet date.

Held-to-maturity debt securities are recorded at the amortized cost, reflecting the ability and intent to hold the securities to maturity. All other debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses during the year, net of the related tax effect applicable to available-for-sale and periods prior to January 1, 2018 for equity securities, are excluded from income and reflected in other comprehensive income (loss), and the cumulative effect is reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized. If a decline in fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to its fair value and the amount of the write-down is recorded as an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) loss on the statement of operations. Any portion of such decline related to debt securities that is believed to arise from factors other than credit is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income rather than against income. As a result of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”) beginning on January 1, 2018 equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Refer to Note 2 below for additional information related to ASU 2016-01.

When we invest in certain companies, such as limited partnerships and limited liability companies, and if we determine we are not the primary beneficiary, we account for them using the equity method to determine the carry value, which is included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our maximum exposure to loss is limited to the capital we invest.

Net realized gains and losses on investments are determined in accordance with the specific identification method.

Net investment income consists primarily of interest income from debt securities, cash and cash equivalents, including any premium amortization or discount accretion and dividend income from equity securities; less expenses related to investments.

Refer to Note 4 below for additional information regarding investments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of all deposit or deposit in transit balances with a bank that are available for withdrawal. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of the purchase to be cash equivalents.

Premiums and Unearned Premiums

The Company recognizes premiums as revenue on a pro-rata basis over the term of the insurance policy.

Unearned premiums represent the portion of gross premiums written, related to the unexpired terms of such coverage.

Premium receivable balances are reported net of an allowance for estimated uncollectible premium amounts. Such allowance is based upon an ongoing review of amounts outstanding, length of collection periods, the creditworthiness of the insured and other relevant factors. Amounts deemed to be uncollectible are written off against the allowance.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance is used to mitigate the exposure to losses, manage capacity and protect capital resources. Reinsuring loss exposures does not relieve a ceding entity from its obligations to policyholders and cedants. Reinsurance recoverables (including amounts related to claims incurred but not reported) and ceded unearned premiums are reported as assets. To minimize exposure to losses from a reinsurer’s inability to pay, the financial condition of such reinsurer is evaluated initially upon placement of the reinsurance and periodically thereafter. In addition to considering the financial condition of the reinsurer, the collectability of the reinsurance recoverables is evaluated (and where appropriate, whether an allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance recoverables is to be established) based upon a number of other factors. Such factors include the amounts outstanding, length of collection periods, disputes, any collateral or letters of credit held and other relevant factors. To the extent that an allowance for uncollectible reinsurance recoverable is established, amounts deemed to be uncollectible are written off against the allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance recoverables. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company did have any allowances for uncollectible reinsurance recoverables.

Ceded premiums written are recorded in accordance with applicable terms of the various reinsurance contracts and ceded premiums earned are charged against revenue over the period of the various reinsurance contracts. This also generally applies to reinstatement premiums paid to a reinsurer, which arise when contractually-specified ceded loss triggers have been breached.

Ceded commissions reduce commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses and ceded losses incurred reduce net losses and LAE incurred over the applicable periods of the various reinsurance contracts with third party reinsurers. If premiums or commissions are subject to adjustment (for example, retrospectively-rated or experience-rated), the Company records adjustments to the premiums or ceding commission revenue in the period that changes in the estimated losses are determined.

Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured business and consistent with the terms of the underlying reinsurance contract.

Deferred Acquisition Costs

Deferred acquisition costs represent those costs that are incremental and directly related to the successful acquisition of new or renewal of existing insurance contracts. The Company defers incremental costs that result directly from, and are essential to, the acquisition or renewal of an insurance contract. Such deferred acquisition costs generally include agent or broker commissions, referral fees, premium taxes, medical and inspection fees that would not have been incurred if the insurance contract had not been acquired or renewed. Each cost is analyzed to assess whether it is fully deferrable.

The Company also defers a portion of the employee total compensation and payroll-related fringe benefits directly related to time spent performing specific acquisition or renewal activities, including costs associated with the time spent on underwriting, policy issuance and processing, and sales force contract selling.

The acquisition costs are deferred and amortized over the period in which the related premiums written are earned, generally twelve months for homeowners and commercial general liability policies and six months for automobile policies. It is grouped consistent with the manner in which the insurance contracts are acquired, serviced and measured for profitability and is reviewed for recoverability based on the profitability of the underlying insurance contracts. Investment income is anticipated in assessing the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs. The Company assesses the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs on an annual basis or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated using a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, ranging from 5 to 15 years. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred.

The Company accounts for internal-use software development costs in accordance with accounting guidelines which state that software costs, including internal payroll costs, incurred in connection with the development or acquisition of software for internal use is charged to expense as incurred until the project enters the application development phase. Costs incurred in the application development phase are capitalized and are depreciated using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of 3 years, beginning when the software is ready for use.

Direct Written Policy Fees

Policy fees represent a non-refundable application fee for insurance coverage. These policy fees are deferred over the related policy term in a manner consistent with how the related premiums are earned.

Other Income

Other income represents brokerage, commission related income from the Company’s agency operations, fees generated from the personal automobile line of business as well as recognition of equity method investment results. Brokerage income is recognized over the term of the reinsurance period, typically one year. Commission income from agency operations are recognized up-front upon policy inception. The fees associated with the personal automobile line of business are recognized ratably over the related policy term, generally six months. In applying the equity method, the Company records its initial investment at cost, and subsequently increases or decreases the carrying amount of the investment by its proportionate share of the net earnings or losses with any dividends or distributions received are recorded as a decrease in the carrying value of the investment.

Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

The reserves for losses and LAE represent management’s best estimate of the ultimate cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred through the balance sheet date. Such liabilities are determined based upon the Company’s assessment of claims pending and the development of prior years’ loss liability, including liabilities based upon individual case estimates for reported losses and LAE and estimates of such amounts that are incurred but not yet reported (“IBNR”). Changes in the estimated liability are charged or credited to operations as the losses and LAE are settled.

The estimates of the liability for loss and LAE reserves are subject to the effect of trends in claims severity and frequency and are continually reviewed. As part of this process, the Company review historical data and consider various factors, including known and anticipated legal developments, inflation and economic conditions. As experience develops and other data become available, these estimates are revised, as required, resulting in increases or decreases to the existing liability for loss and LAE reserves. Adjustments are reflected in the results of operations in the period in which they are made and the liabilities may deviate substantially from prior estimates.

Long-Term Debt, Net of Deferred Financing Costs

The Company records long-term debt, net in the consolidated balance sheets at carrying value.

The Company incurs specific incremental costs, other than those paid to lenders, in connection with the issuance of the Company’s debt instruments. These deferred financing costs include loan origination costs, issue costs and other direct costs payable to third parties and are recorded as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability in the consolidated balance sheets, when the debt liability is recorded. The Company amortizes the deferred financing costs as interest expense over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method in the consolidated statements of operations.

Income Taxes

The Company applies the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss, capital loss and tax-credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company will establish a valuation allowance if management determines, based on available information, that it is more likely than not that deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Significant judgment is required in determining whether valuation allowances should be established and the amount of such allowances.

The Company’s management makes assumptions, estimates and judgments, which are subject to change, in accounting for income taxes. The Company’s management also considers events and transactions on an on-going basis and the laws enacted as of the Company’s reporting date. The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) was signed into law on December 22, 2017, and the effect of changes in federal tax law and applicable statutory rates is recorded in the consolidated financial statements in the period of enactment. As such, the Tax Act affected the Company’s deferred income tax provision in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the deferred income tax assets and liabilities balances in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017. Both the current and deferred income tax provisions are affected for 2018. Refer to Note 8 below for further information regarding income taxes.

Share-based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation

We expense the fair value of stock awards included in our stock incentive compensation plans. The Company grants awards and amortizes them on a straight-line over the vesting term using the straight-line basis for service awards and over successive one-year requisite service periods for performance based awards. For all restricted stock awards (“RSAs”), excluding relative total shareholder return ("TSR"), the fair value is determined based on the closing market price on the date of grant. The TSR grant date fair value are determined using a Monte Carlo simulation and, unlike the performance condition awards, the expense is not reversed if the performance condition is not met. Non-employee directors are treated as employees for accounting purposes.

Basic and Diluted Net Income per Share

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) per Share

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares, while diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of such common shares and dilutive share equivalents result from the assumed exercise of employee stock options and vesting of restricted common stock and are calculated using the treasury stock method.

Revisions of Previously Issued Financial Statements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, Adopted

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The update replaces all general and most industry specific revenue recognition guidance (excluding insurance) currently prescribed by GAAP. The core principle is that an entity recognizes revenue to reflect the transfer of a promised good or service to customers in an amount that reflects that consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for that good or service. The Company adopted this update and the other related revenue standard clarifications and technical guidance effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. The Company completed the analysis of its non-insurance revenues and has concluded that the implementation did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, which addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-03, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. Most notably, the combined new guidance required equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2018, by reflecting a cumulative adjustment, which increased retained earnings and decreased accumulated other comprehensive income by $1.0 million. This adjustment represented the level of net unrealized gains and losses associated with our equity investments with readily determinable market values as of January 1, 2018. The adoption also resulted in the recognition of $(1.2) million in our consolidated statements of operations and statements of comprehensive income (loss), which represented the change in net unrealized gains and losses on our equity securities for 2018. This new guidance increases our earnings volatility compared to the prior accounting rules.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The update allowed a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017 ("Tax Act"). Guidance had previously required the effect of a change in tax laws or rates on deferred tax balances to be reported in income from continuing operations in the accounting period that includes the period of enactment, even if the related income tax effects were originally charged or credited directly to accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2018, by reflecting a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings with an off-setting adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income for less than $0.1 million.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, Adopted

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, Not Yet Adopted

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The update superseded the prior lease guidance in Topic 840, Leases and lessees were required to recognize for all leases, with the exception of short-term leases, a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis. Concurrently, lessees are required to recognize a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. The guidance has been adopted effective January 1, 2019, and we expect to reflect approximately an $6 million right-of-use asset, after-tax, and $6 million lease liability, after-tax, on our March 31, 2019 consolidated balance sheets for our leases in existence as of that date. All of the Company's leases were classified as operating leases and we elected the practical expedient, therefore no adjustment to comparative prior periods presented will be made. There will be no significant difference in our pattern of lease expense recognition on our consolidated statements of operations, under this ASU.

Material Distribution Relationships

Ivantage Select Agency, Inc.

The Company is a party to an insurance agency master agreement with Ivantage Select Agency, Inc. (“ISA”), an affiliate of Allstate Insurance Company (“Allstate”), pursuant to which the Company has been authorized by ISA to appoint Allstate agents to offer the Company’s homeowners insurance products to consumers in Florida. As a percentage of the total homeowners premiums we underwrote, 23.8%, 23.8% and 24.1%, were from Allstate’s network of Florida agents, for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

SageSure Insurance Managers, LLC

The Company is a party to a managing general underwriting agreement with SageSure Insurance Managers, LLC (“SageSure”) to underwrite our FNIC homeowners business outside of Florida. As a percentage of the total homeowners premiums, 15.0%,10.2% and 6.9% respectively, of the Company’s premiums were underwritten by SageSure, for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 respectively.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FNHC and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and all entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest and any variable interest entity (“VIE”) of which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company’s management believes the consolidated financial statements reflect all material adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly state the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the periods presented. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company identifies a VIE as an entity that does not have sufficient equity to finance its own activities without additional financial support or where the equity investors lack certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The Company assesses its contractual, ownership or other interests in a VIE to determine if the Company’s interest participates in the variability the VIE was designed to absorb and pass onto variable interest holders. The Company performs an ongoing qualitative assessment of its variable interests in a VIE to determine whether the Company has a controlling financial interest and would therefore be considered the primary beneficiary of the VIE. If the Company determines it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, the Company consolidates the assets and liabilities of the VIE in its consolidated financial statements.

As of December 31, 2017, in connection with the investment in Monarch Delaware, the Company had determined that the Company possessed the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and the Company was the primary beneficiary of the VIE. As such, the Company consolidated Monarch Delaware in its consolidated financial statements. Refer to Monarch National Insurance Company above, related to our 100% ownership of Monarch Delaware that became effective on February 21, 2018. In accordance with the accounting standard on consolidation, a primary beneficiary that acquires additional ownership of the previously controlled and consolidated subsidiaries is accounted for as an equity transaction and re-measurement of assets and liabilities of previously controlled and consolidated subsidiaries is not permitted. As a result, we accounted for this transaction by eliminating the carrying value of the non-controlling interest to reflect our 100% ownership interest in MNIC as of February 21, 2018. The difference between the consideration paid and the amount by which the non-controlling interest was eliminated has been recognized in additional paid-in capital. Following the closing, Monarch Delaware and Monarch Holdings were merged into MNIC. Refer to Note 14 below for additional information regarding the VIE.

Principles of Consolidation

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation