UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. SUBSIDIARY AMERICAN PLATINUM PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY TO LAUNCH COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM

Receives Authorization to Add Fire, Commercial Multi-Peril, and Other Liability Lines of Business in Florida

Fort Lauderdale, FL, August 3, 2016 – Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UVE) announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, American Platinum Property and Casualty Insurance Company (APPCIC), received authorization from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation to amend its Certificate of Authority to add Fire, Commercial Multi-Peril, and Other Liability (collectively “Commercial Residential”) lines of business in Florida. APPCIC is in the process of submitting applicable rates and forms to the Florida regulators and expects to offer Commercial Residential policies in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Sean P. Downes, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “This expansion into the Commercial Residential business is a significant step forward for Universal, and one that will allow us to tap into large complementary markets and advance our organic growth strategy. We are well-positioned to continue efficiently scaling our operations as we leverage our robust, vertically integrated platform, including underwriting, policy issuance, general administration, and claims processing and settlement. We look forward to working with our industry-leading independent agency force to bring these new offerings to market and further drive value for our customers and shareholders.”

APPCIC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. APPCIC currently writes homeowners multi-peril insurance on Florida homes valued in excess of $1 million, which are limits and coverages currently not targeted through its affiliate Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC).

About Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.
Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc., with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is a vertically integrated insurance company performing all aspects of insurance underwriting, distribution and claims. Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is one of the leading writers of homeowners insurance in Florida and is now fully licensed and has commenced operations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Hawaii, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Delaware, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Michigan and Alabama. For additional information on the Company, please visit our investor relations website at www.universalinsuranceholdings.com.

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors
This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. Such statements may include commentary on plans, products and lines of business, marketing arrangements, reinsurance programs and other business developments and assumptions relating to the foregoing. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future results could differ materially from those described, and the Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statements. For further information regarding risk factors that could affect the Company’s operations and future results, refer to the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Investor Contact:
Andy Brimmer / Mahmoud Siddig
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
212-355-4449