SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule14A-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No. )

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HCI GROUP, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

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April 30, 201929, 2020            

TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS:Dear Fellow Shareholders,

On behalf of the HCI Board of Directors, you are cordially invitedJust as we continuously seek to attend the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 3 p.m., Eastern time, atimprove our headquarters: Cypress Commons, 5300 West Cypress Street, Suite 105, Tampa, Florida 33607. Shareholders will be admitted beginning at 2:30 p.m.

We are proud of the relationshipsbusiness operations, we have built withalso continuously seek to improve our shareholders and the frequent dialogue we have with them. In 2018, we continued our practice of engaging with shareholders to understand their perspectives and solicit their input on a variety of issues. Since the 2018 annual shareholders’ meeting, we have held conversations with shareholders representing nearly half of our outstanding shares. During these conversations, we discussed HCI’s business strategy, its board composition, its corporate governance policiespractices. And we do that with input from you. We routinely reach out to shareholders. We’ve heard from you and its executive compensation practices, as well as its policies on corporate social and environmental responsibility. Through these conversations, we gained a valuable understanding of shareholder perspectives. We appreciate the thoughtful and meaningful feedback we received.we’ve listened.

As a result, of shareholder input,in 2019 we have refreshed portions of our Proxy Statement to make it easier to read and understand. We have included, for example, a table of contents, a Proxy Statement Summary, and enhanced visuals and charts. We have provided also additional information on our executive compensation process and the peer group of companies we use for benchmarking executive pay. We also added a section describing our environmental, social and governance policies.

Most important, we recently added two new individuals to our Board of Directors: Loreen M. Spencer, a retired Audit Partnerformer audit partner with Deloitte & Touche LLP, and Sue Watts, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President for Application Services, Infrastructure and Digital Servicesan executive at Capgemini SE, a global technology consulting firm. Both are accomplished business leaders who bring diversityMore recently, the board established a Chief Executive Officer Share Ownership Policy and a Sustainability Committee of thought, experiencethe Board of Directors. The Sustainability Committee looks at our environmental and skillssocial policies. You can read about our directors, the CEO Share Ownership Policy and the Sustainability Committee in the accompanying Proxy Statement.

It’s important that we hear from you in connection with the annual shareholders meeting. Please read the accompanying Proxy Statement and follow the voting instructions it contains so that your vote will contribute to our long-term strategy.be counted.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank you for your continued investment and support. Your vote at the shareholder meeting is very important. Please sign and return the accompanying proxy card or follow the instructions on the card for voting by telephone or internet so your shares can be voted as you direct.in HCI.

Yours truly,Sincerely,

Paresh Patel

Paresh Patel

Chairman of the Board

Chief Executive Officer

5300 West Cypress Street, Suite 100

Tampa, Florida 33607

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Thursday, May 30, 2019June 4, 2020

3 p.m. Eastern time

Cypress Commons

5300 West Cypress Street, Suite 105

Tampa, Florida 33607

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of HCI Group, Inc. will be held at 3 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, May 30, 2019June 4, 2020 at Cypress Commons, located at 5300 West Cypress Street, Suite 105, Tampa, Florida 33607. Shareholders will be admitted beginning at 2:30 p.m. The principal purposes of the Annual Meeting will be to cover the following items of business:

You may vote if you were a shareholder of record as of April 11, 2019.14, 2020.

Our 20182019 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is not a part of this Proxy Statement, is enclosed.

It is important that your shares be represented at the Annual Meeting and voted in accordance with your instructions. Please indicate your instructions by promptly signing and dating the enclosed proxy card and mailing it in the enclosed postage-paid,pre-addressed envelope, or by following the instructions on the proxy card for telephone or internet voting.

Please note thatCOVID-19 health concerns and related government orders may inhibit the ability of shareholders, directors, officers and others to convene and interact. Accordingly, our Annual Meeting may be shortened to focus solely on the formal agenda items described above.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

Andrew L. Graham

Secretary and General Counsel

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

This summary highlights information that can be found elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. It does not contain all the information that you should consider. You should read the entire Proxy Statement before voting.

Information About the Annual Meeting

Items of Business

We do not anticipate that any other business matters will be brought before the meeting for a vote. However, if any other matters are presented, it is the intention of the persons named in the proxy to vote the proxy as recommended by the Board of Directors or, if no recommendation is given, in their own discretion using their best judgment.

How to Vote

By Internet		By Phone		By Mail		In Person
www.proxyvote.com		Call the phone number listed on your proxy card		Follow the instructions on your proxy card		Vote by ballot at our Annual Meeting

Call the phone number listed on your proxy card or HCI’s proxy advisor, Alliance Advisors LLC, at 1866-613-3005 (toll free in the United States).

PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

Annual Meeting Rules of Conduct

To ensure fair, orderly and constructive meetings, the Board of Directors has adopted rules of conduct for shareholder meetings, including that only shareholders of record as of the record date or their duly authorized representatives are entitled to vote or address the meeting; no one may address the meeting unless called upon by the presiding officer of the meeting; and the use of cameras, audio or video recording equipment, communications devices or similar equipment is prohibited. Individuals who violate these rules may be removed. (See “About the Annual Meeting: Are there rules of Conduct?”)

Upon your written request, we will provide you with a copy of our 20182019 Annual Report on Form10-K, including exhibits, free of charge. Send your request to HCI Group, Inc., c/o Kevin Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations,Rachel Swansiger, Staff Attorney, 5300 West Cypress Street, Suite 100, Tampa, Florida 33607.

PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

Financial Highlights

Our business performance in 2019 continued our long-term record of strong financial and operating results. Net income in 2019 was $26.6 million, or $3.31 diluted earnings per common share, up from $17.7 million in the previous year. We also maintained a strong balance sheet, paid $13.0 million in dividends, and returned an additional $18.8 million to shareholders in the form of share repurchases. TypTap Insurance Company, our technology-driven insurance subsidiary, increased gross written premium 315% compared with 2018.

Over the past decade, HCI has delivered solid results for shareholders. Our Return on Equity (ROE) has averaged 19% over this period, and we have reported strong levels of Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT), despite several hurricanes that had a material impact on our core homeowners insurance business. The Company has been profitable in 47 of the last 49 quarters and has paid dividends in 38 consecutive quarters.

PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

SHAREHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Since the 20182019 annual shareholders’ meeting, we have reached out to many of our largest shareholders. We focusedshareholders, focusing on our 2030 largest shareholders, representingwhich represent approximately 77.4%71% of our outstanding common stock. During the past 12 months, the ChairmanChair of the Compensation Committee and our Senior Vice President of Investor Relations spoke with 117 shareholders representing nearly 50%23.7% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. During these conversations, we heard from shareholders regarding our Board composition, corporate governance policies and executive compensation practices, as well as our policies on corporate social and environmental (E&S) responsibility. Of the shareholders who declined our request for a call, many stated the reason for doing so was satisfaction with HCI’s overall approach to governance, compensation and E&S matters.

SHAREHOLDER ENGAGEMENTGOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHTS

We are committed to maintaining a high standard of corporate governance to support the creation of shareholder value. We have a Lead Independent Director, a board comprised of a majority of independent directors and a director share ownership requirement. More recently, the board established a Share Ownership Policy for the Chief Executive Officer and created a Sustainability Committee to assist the board in its oversight of environmental and social policies.

What we heardHow we respondedGovernanceExecutive CompensationEnvironmental, Social & GovernanceShareholders provided feedback and wantedWe also took steps to hear our plans regarding board composition, including ethnic and gender diversity andimprove the structure of our classified board." Our Proxy Statement highlights the ethnic and gender diversity of our current Boardboard of Directorsdirectors. In 2019 we welcomed to the board Loreen Spencer, a retired former audit partner with Deloitte & Touche LLP, and disclosesSue Watts, an executive at Capgemini SE, a global technology consulting firm. Both new directors participated in our ongoing efforts to increase diversity on our Board." In 2018, we established a Board Observer Program, to train selected individualswhich was established in public company board operations, governance and law, among other things, and prepare them to serve on public company boards as well as provide for us a means2018 to identify future, exceptionally well qualified Boardhigh-potential director candidates. In selecting program participants, we plan

We have a Code of Conduct to emphasize segmentsensure that the conduct of our population thatemployees, officers and directors remains in compliance with laws, regulations and ethical principles. Employees, officers and directors are underrepresented on public company boards. The initial participants were Loreen Spencer and Sue Watts, bothprohibited from engaging in derivative trading or hedging of whom were recently appointed to our Board of Directors.We believe staggered, three-year terms and the resulting continuity enable directors, in particular independent directors, to focus assecurities. We do not have a group on the company's long-term performance for the benefit of the shareholders.Shareholders wanted to hear from us regarding our methodology and calculation ofshareholder rights plan (“poison pill”).

Our executive compensation particularly forprograms are designed to align the interests of our Chief Executive Officer." In 2016, we retained a nationally-recognized compensation consulting firm to review our Chief Executive Officer's annual compensation program, which at the time was made upexecutives with those of salary and a formula-based annual cash bonus. Based on feedback from our shareholders and the consulting firm, we shifted muchuse a balanced mix of the focus of the plan away from short-term cash-based compensation to long term compensation in the form of equity grants.cash and long-term equity-based incentives that is benchmarked against our industry peers. We believe the current plan balances short-term incentives with long-term incentives in the compensation plan of our Chief Executive Officer and better aligns the Chief Executive Officer's interests withhave a clawback policy that of the shareholders." Based upon advice from our compensation consulting firm, we provide our chiefprovides for pay reimbursement by an executive officer with annual grants of restricted shares, which vest over a period of time, and out-of-the-money stock purchase options." Benchmarking to competitors is one of the factors we use in making compensation decisions. The core peer group of Florida-based insurance companies we use for benchmarking our chief executive officer's compensation appears within the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Proxy Statement. We believe this group best represents our direct competitors.Shareholders wanted us to describe how we contribute to our community, promote diversity in our Board and our workforce, and manage the environmental risks to the Company." We have added a section to our Proxy Statement describing our Environmental, Social and Governance policies and practices (See page 14)." Climate change is a long-term risk to our business. We mitigate the risks posed by climate change by issuing policies of one-year duration and by securing reinsurance that substantially covers our risks from catastrophic storms and floods." We offer competitive benefits to our employees including options for health coverage and short-term and long-term disability insurance at no cost to the employee. We award restricted stock to employees to align their interests with shareholder interests and ensure our employees share in our success. We have committed to paying a living wage to all of our full-time employees." Our Board of Directors oversees our cybersecurity efforts and receives ongoing reports on those efforts from management. We maintain policies designed to safeguard our data and the data of our customers. We have adopted a Cyber Incident Response Plan and engage in penetration testing, internal and external audits of our cybersecurity controls and simulated cyber attacks scenarios to gauge our preparedness for these situations.under appropriate circumstances.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors

HCI Group, Inc. (the “Company,” “HCI,” “we” or “us” or when possessive “our”) conducts business through its officers and other employees, under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer and with the oversight of the Board of Directors, to enhance the long-term value of the Company for its shareholders. The members of Board of Directors are periodically elected by the shareholders to oversee management and to ensure that the long-term interests of the Company and the shareholders are being served. Each director is expected to perform as a director in good faith with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances and in a manner the director reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the Company.

Board of Directors Leadership Structure

In our current Board leadership structure, Paresh Patel serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Patel’s role includes providing ongoing feedback on the direction and performance of the Company, serving as Chairman of regular meetings of the Board of Directors, setting the agenda of Board meetings and leading the Board of Directors in anticipating and responding to changes in our business. Mr. Patel also plays a significant role in formulating and executing the Company’s strategic plans, technology efforts and investment decisions. We believe Board oversight and planning is a collaborative effort among the directors, each of whom has unique skills, experience and education, and this structure facilitates collaboration and communication among the directors and management and makes best use of their respective skills.

The Board of Directors has established a Lead Independent Director position and adopted a Lead Independent Director Charter. The Lead Independent Director serves pursuant to that charter. Under the Lead Independent Director Charter, the Lead Independent Director is elected annually by the independent directors. Our current Lead Independent Director is Gregory Politis. He was elected to that position in 2017 andre-elected to the position in April 2018 and again in April 2019. A current copy of the Lead Independent Director Charter is available on our website:www.hcigroup.com. Select “Investor Information” and then “Corporate Governance.” The Board of Directors believes having a Lead Independent Director enhances management accountability to the Board of Directors.

Under the Lead Independent Director Charter, the Lead Independent Director has the following responsibilities:

The Lead Independent Director also functions as a channel of communication between the Board and the Company’s shareholders and may be reached as described under Communicating with the Board of Directors on page 11. The Board of Directors continually reviews the effectiveness of our Board leadership structure to evaluate whether the structure remains appropriate for the Company and may determine to alter this leadership structure any time based on existing circumstances at that time.

MATTER NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Board of Directors

Director

Age

Primary Occupation

Director Since

Committee Memberships

Committee Chair

Independent

Age

Director Since

Primary Occupation

Nominees for Election:

Nominees for Election:

Nominees for Election:

Wayne Burks

Yes

72

2013

Director and Former Chief Financial Officer, Romark LC.

Jay Madhu

No

53

2007

President and Chief Executive Officer, Oxbridge Re Holdings Ltd.

Anthony Saravanos

No

49

2007

President, Greenleaf Capital, a subsidiary of HCI Group, Inc.

Continuing in Office:

Continuing in Office:

Paresh Patel

No

57

2007

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, HCI Group, Inc.

James Macchiarola

Yes

71

2013

Retired Vice President, Orange Business Services

Gregory Politis

Yes

68

2007

President, Xenia Management Corporation

George Apostolou

68

Founder, Apostolou Construction

2007

Yes

69

2007

Founder, Apostolou Construction

Paresh Patel

56

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, HCI Group, Inc.

2007

Gregory Politis

67

President, Xenia Management Corporation

2007

Continuing in Office:

Wayne Burks

71

Vice President and Former Chief Financial Officer, Romark LC.

2013

James Macchiarola

70

Retired Vice President, Orange Business Services

2013

Jay Madhu

52

President and Chief Executive Officer, Oxbridge Re Holdings Ltd.

2007

Harish Patel

62

Director, Medenet, Inc.

2011

Yes

63

2011

Director, Medenet, Inc.

Anthony Saravanos

48

President, Greenleaf Capital

2007

Loreen Spencer

53

Retired Audit Partner, Deloitte & Touche, LLP

2019

Yes

54

2019

Retired Audit Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP

Sue Watts

57

Chief Operations Officer and Executive Vice President, Capgemini SE

2019

Yes

58

2019

Executive Vice President, Capgemini SE

Audit:         Governance & Nominating:         Compensation:Board Committee Memberships

MATTER NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Director Tenure

Board Selection Process

In accordance with the Company’s articles of incorporation, the Board of Directors is divided into three classes. Each class consists of three or four directors. All directors within a class have the same three-year terms of office. The class terms expire at successive annual shareholders’ meetings so that each year one class of directors is elected at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.Meeting. The Board does not believe arbitrary term limits on a director’s service are appropriate, nor does it believe that directors should expect to bere-nominated upon expiration of a three-year term. Each year the Board of Directors proposes a slate of nominees for election at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Meeting.

The Governance and Nominating Committee is tasked with identifying and selecting individuals believed to be qualified as candidates to serve on the Board and recommending to the Board candidates to stand for election as directors at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders or, if applicable, at a special meeting of the shareholders. The Governance and Nominating Committee identifies director candidates in numerous ways. Generally, the candidates are known to and recommended by members of the Board of Directors or management. The Governance and Nominating Committee also considers director candidates recommended by shareholders. Shareholders may submit recommendations for

MATTER NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

recommendations for Board nominees directly to the Board or at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. See page 1052 for information on submitting director nominations to the Board. A shareholder wishing to nominate an individual for election to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, rather than recommend a candidate to the Governance and Nominating Committee must comply with the advance notice requirements set forth in the Company’s bylaws, a copy of which can be found on the Company’s website,www.hcigroup.com, by selecting the “Investor Information” tab followed by “Corporate Governance.”

Qualifications of Board Members

In selecting individuals for Board membership, the Board of Directors considers a variety of attributes, criteria and factors, including experience, skills, expertise, diversity, personal and professional integrity, character, temperament, business judgment, time availability, dedication and conflicts of interest. At a minimum, director candidates must be at least 18 years of age, have sufficient time to devote to their Board duties and have such business, financial, technological or legal experience or education to enable them to make informed decisions on behalf of the Company. A majority of the Board members must be independent, as determined by the Board of Directors, in accordance with the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. In general, the Board affirmatively determines whether a director has any direct or indirect material relationship with the Company. All members of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Governance and Nominating Committee must be independent, with members of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee meeting higher levels of independence.independence as required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Members of the Audit Committee must be financially literate as determined by the Board and at least one member must be an Audit Committee Financial Expert as described in the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Diversity of Skills and Experience of Directors

*Includes experience in the areas of insurance, technology and real estate.

Diversity and Board Tenure

We believe that a variety of perspectives, opinions and backgrounds among the Board members is important to the Board’s ability to perform its duties. Our Board is diverse in terms of gender, ethnicity, culture, education and business backgrounds.

Board tenure diversity is equally important, as we seek to achieve thean appropriate balance of years of service among Board members. Our senior directors have deep knowledge of our Company and business operations, while new directors provide fresh perspectives. Our current Board of Directors has an average tenure of 7.99.1 years.

MATTER NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Independent Directors

Based upon recommendations of our Governance and Nominating Committee, the Board of Directors has determined that current directors George Apostolou, Wayne Burks, James Macchiarola, Harish M. Patel, Gregory Politis, Loreen Spencer, and Sue Watts are “independent directors” meeting the independence tests set forth in Section 303A.02 of the New York Stock Exchange Listing Manual, including having no material relationship with the Company (eithereither directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Company).Company. In the case of Mr. Apostolou, the Board considered his role as a director of First Home Bank, where the Company had during 20182019 as much as approximately $15$13 million on deposit. In the view of the Boarddeposit, and concluded that the amount of the deposits iswas not material to the Company or the bank.

Shareholder Votes at 2018Director Election Results

At our 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders,

At our 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, James Macchiarola George Apostolou, Paresh Patel and Harish PatelGregory Politis werere-elected to the Board with vote totals detailed below.

While we view these results as a significant improvement from previous years, we strive for continuous improvement and intend to continue our shareholder outreach and other efforts.

Biographies of Directors Standing for Election (Class B)

MATTER NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Biographies of Directors Continuing in Office

Directors whose present terms continue until 2020Standing for Election (Class C):

MATTER NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

MATTER NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Biographies of Directors Continuing in Office

Directors whose present terms continue until 2021 (Class A):

MATTER NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

MATTER NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Directors whose present terms continue until 2022 (Class B)

MATTER NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

MATTER NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Director Compensation

Directors who are employees of the Company do not receive any additional compensation for their service as directors. During 2019, the Compensation Committee reviewed and redesigned the compensation program fornon-employee directors with the assistance of Pearl Meyer, a leading compensation firm, and input from our shareholders. The plan established in September 2019 provides better alignment with shareholder interests and market practice while placing overall compensation at the 50% percentile of the Company’s insurance industry peers. Eachnon-employee director receives a cash payment of $25,000 per quarter and an annual stock award of $25,000.

The following table sets forth information with respect to compensation earned by each of our directors (other than employee directors) during the year ended December 31, 2019.

The aggregate number of stock awards outstanding for eachnon-employee director as of December 31, 2019 was as follows:

MATTER NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Principal Shareholders

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of April 10, 2020 by:

The number and percentage of shares beneficially owned are based on 7,912,649 common shares outstanding as of April 10, 2020. Information with respect to beneficial ownership has been furnished by each director, officer or beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which generally require that the individual have voting or investment power with respect to the shares. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by an individual listed below and the percentage ownership of that individual, shares underlying options, warrants and convertible securities held by each individual that are exercisable or convertible within 60 days of April 10, 2020, are deemed owned and outstanding, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other individual. Except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table, or as required by applicable community property laws, all individuals listed have sole voting and investment power for all shares shown as beneficially owned by them. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes, the address for each principal shareholder is HCI Group, Inc., 5300 West Cypress Street, Suite 100, Tampa, Florida 33607.

MATTER NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

MATTER NO. 2 RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Company’s Audit Committee has appointed Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2019. At the Annual Meeting,2020, and shareholders will be asked to ratify the Audit Committee’s appointment of Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP asat the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.Annual Meeting. Regardless of the outcome of this vote, the Audit Committee will retain the sole authority to appoint the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. If the appointment is not ratified, then the Audit Committee will reconsider its appointment. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee may appoint a different independent registered public accounting firm for the Company.

Representatives from Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting. The representativesThey will have an opportunity to make a statement and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

The persons named in the enclosed proxy card intend, unless otherwise directed, to vote such proxy “FOR” ratification of the appointment of Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. This proposal will be approved if the number of votes for the proposal exceeds the number of votes against the proposal.

Auditing Fees

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees for services related to the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 provided by Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP, our principal accountant:accountant, related to the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:

MATTER NO. 2 RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Pre-Approval Policies

All auditing services andnon-auditing services arepre-approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee delegates this authority to the ChairmanChair of the Audit Committee for situations whenpre-approval by the full Audit Committee is not convenient. Any decisions made by the ChairmanChair of the Audit Committee must be disclosed at the next Audit Committee meeting.

MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

We are seeking an advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers for 2019.

Thissay-on-pay vote is advisory andnon-binding on our Board, but our Compensation Committee will take into consideration the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions. At the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, 94.16% of the votes cast favored oursay-on-pay proposal and 76.35% of the votes cast approved the Board recommendation to hold thesay-on-pay vote annually.

Our Board believes that our current executive compensation program appropriately links the compensation realized by our executive officers to performance and properly aligns the interests of executive officers with those of our shareholders. A description of our executive compensation programs and a discussion of the pay decisions for 2019 for the Chief Executive Officer and our other named executive officers are included in Compensation Discussion and Analysis below.

Our Board recommends that our shareholders vote in favor of the following resolution:

“RESOLVED” that the shareholders approve compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers as disclosed in the Company’s Proxy Statement with respect to the Company’s 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to Item 402 of RegulationS-K including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section, the Summary Compensation Table and other compensation tables and related discussion and disclosure.

Our engagement with shareholders continued over the past twelve months, when the Chairman of our Compensation Committee had discussions with 11 of our 20 largest shareholders, representing nearly 50% of our outstanding shares.

Our Board believes that our current executive compensation program appropriately links compensation realized by our executive officers to our performance and properly aligns the interests of our executive officers with those of our shareholders. A description of our executive compensation programs and a discussion of the pay decisions for 2018 for the chief executive officer and our other named executive officers are included in Compensation Discussion and Analysis below.

Our Board recommends that our shareholders vote in favor of the following resolution:

“RESOLVED” that the shareholders approve compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers as disclosed in the Company’s

HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement with respect to the Company’s 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation		S-K including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section, the Summary Compensation Table and other compensation tables and related discussion and disclosure. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTEFOR APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AS DISCLOSED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT — ITEM 3 ON YOUR PROXY CARD HCI Group, Inc.2019 Proxy Statement 2923 MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS   Report of the Compensation Committee The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this Proxy Statement. Based on such review and discussion, the Compensation Committee believes the Compensation Discussion and Analysis represents the intent and actions of the Compensation Committee with regard to executive compensation and has recommended to the Board of Directors that it be included in this Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference into the Company’s Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2019. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE James Macchiarola, ChairmanChair Wayne BurksLoreen Spencer Harish Patel Compensation Discussion and Analysis Introduction The following discussion describes the principal objectives of our executive compensation programs with respect to our “named executive officers,” outlines those programs, and describes how we believe our executive compensation programs with respect to our named executive officers, outlines the elements of those programs and describes how we believe they meet our objectives. Named executive officers include the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the three most highly compensated executive officers. The following individuals served as named executive officers during 2019: Name and office Paresh Patel, Chief Executive Officer the Mark Harmsworth, Chief Financial Officer Anthony Saravanos, President - Real Estate Division Karin Coleman, Executive Vice President and the three most highly compensated executive officers. The following individuals served as named executive officers during 2018:President, Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. (HCPCI) Name and officeAndrew L. Graham, General Counsel Paresh Patel, Chief Executive Officer Mark Harmsworth, Chief Financial Officer Anthony Saravanos, President - Real Estate Division Karin Coleman, Executive Vice President Andrew L. Graham, General Counsel Under our Compensation Committee charter, the Compensation Committee has the authority to set the compensation of the named executive officers and to grant equity awards under the Company’s 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Key Information Our compensation plans are designed to incentivize executive behavior that drives positive financial performance, which leads to increased shareholder returns. We believe our compensation plans support this objective and the 2018 executive compensation decisions reflect ourpay-for-performance philosophy. Performance on the Company’s financial and strategic goals is an important factor in our compensation decisions. The compensation awarded in 2018 to our Chief Executive Officer, Paresh Patel, and our other named executive officers reflects the Company’s accomplishments during the year and ourpay-for-performance framework. Our business performance in 2018 continued our long-term record of strong financial and operating results. Net income for 2018 totaled $17.7 million or $2.34 diluted earnings per common share. Investment income from 2017 to 2018 increased 45%. We also maintained a strong balance sheet. In 2018 our market capitalization grew 52%, our stock price increased 70% and we paid $12.5 million in dividends. 30 HCI Group, Inc.2019 Proxy Statement MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Pay-for-Performance Framework Our compensation plans are designed to incentivize executive behavior that drives positive financial performance, which leads to increased shareholder returns. We believe our 2019 executive compensation decisions support this objective. Performance on the Company’s financial and strategic goals is an important factor in our compensation decisions. The compensation awarded in 2019 to our Chief Executive Officer, Paresh Patel, and our other named executive officers reflects the Company’s accomplishments during the year and ourpay-for-performance philosophy. Our business performance in 2019 continued our long-term record of strong financial and operating results. Net income for 2019 totaled $26.6 million, or $3.31 diluted earnings per share, up from $17.7 million in the previous year. We also maintained a strong balance sheet, paid $13.0 million in dividends, and returned an additional $18.8 million to shareholders in the form of share repurchases.     24 HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS   • As illustrated in the following charts, the Company’s Return on Equity (ROE) has averaged 20% over the past decade, and the Company has reported strong levels of Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT)(1) as well, despite several hurricanes materially impacting our core homeowners insurance business.(2) While hurricanes are a factor our management cannot control, management can control how they respond to those events. In the opinion of the Compensation Committee, the Company’s response to recent hurricanes was well planned and well executed. The Company has delivered strong financial results over the long term. As illustrated in the following charts, the Company’s Return on Equity (ROE) has averaged 19% over the past decade, and the Company has reported strong levels of Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) (1) as well, despite several hurricanes that had a material impact on our core homeowners insurance business.(2) While hurricanes are a factor our management cannot control, management can control how they respond to those events. In the opinion of the Compensation Committee, the Company’s response to the hurricanes of 2016-2018 was well-planned and well-executed. (1) Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) is a financial measurement not recognized in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and should not be viewed as an alternative to GAAP measures of performance. It excludes from net income or loss 1) interest expense, and 2) income tax expense, or income tax benefit in the case of a net loss. HCI believes this financial measurement is a preferable gauge of operating profit. A reconciliation of EBIT to GAAP net income/loss is provided in Appendix A. (2) (1) Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) is a financial measurement not recognized in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and should not be viewed as an alternative to GAAP measures of performance. It excludes from net income or loss 1) interest expense, and 2) income tax expense, or income tax benefit in the case of a net loss. HCI believes this financial measurement is a preferable gauge of operating profit. A reconciliation of EBIT to GAAP net income/loss is provided in Appendix D.Financial results for 2016, 2017 and 2018 were affected by Hurricane Matthew, Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Michael, respectively. (2) Financial results for 2016, 2017 and 2018 were affected by Hurricane Matthew, Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Michael, respectively.   HCI Group, Inc.2019 Proxy Statement 31 HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement 25 MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The Company’s share price performance and record of consistent dividend payments have provided solid returns to shareholders relative to its core peer group. The illustration below shows the total return performance of HCI shares and those of its core peers over the past five years. Comparison of HCI to its core peer group using total shareholder return for the last five years: The compensation program for our CEO is designed to reward outstanding performance and align pay with the interests of shareholders. The majority of the CEO’s pay is “at risk” and includes performance-based cash and long-term equity awards. For 2019, 84% of Mr. Patel’s compensation wasat-risk, as illustrated below.     26 HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Principal Objectives and Approach In designing our executive compensation programs, the Compensation Committee’s principal objectives are to attract and retain highly skilled executives, incentivize executives to achieve strong corporate performance without encouraging excessive risk and align the interests of our executives with the interests of our shareholders. Benchmarking To attract and retain key executives, we carefully consider our market environment when setting pay levels for our executives, recognizing that we are in a highly competitive industry in which talented people are a significant driver of value. In 2016, Willis Towers Watson assisted the Compensation Committee in benchmarking and in conductingpay-level and incentive-design analysis. They used two groups of peer companies representing the principal potential talent market: the insurance industry and the software industry. While the Company’s primary business is property and casualty insurance, its success relies on the development and implementation of custom software developed in house by our Exzeo software division. Willis Towers Watson first used the following insurance and software industry peer groups to set the overall ranges of our compensation plan: Insurance Industry   For 2018, 82% of Mr. Patel’s compensation wasat-risk, as illustrated below.Atlantic American Corporation   Baldwin & Lyons, Inc.   *FedNat Holding Company First Acceptance Corporation *Heritage Insurance Holding, Inc. Kinsdale Capital Group, Inc. National Interstate Holdings, Inc. *United Insurance Holdings Corporation *Universal Insurance Holding, Inc. We engaged in extensive shareholder outreach, focusing on our 20 largest shareholders, representing approximately 77.4% Software Industry Bazaar Voice, Inc.         Blucora, Inc. Bottomline Technologies, Inc. BroadSoft, Inc.         Ebix, Inc. EnerNOC, Inc. EPIQ Systems, Inc. Guidewire Software, Inc. Jive Software, Inc.         Majesco Microstrategy, Inc.         QUAD, Inc. Silver Springs Networks, Inc. * Member of our outstanding common stock. During the past 12 months, the Chairman of the Compensation Committee and our Senior Vice President of Investor Relations spoke with 11 shareholders representing nearly half of the Company’s outstanding common stock.Core Peer Group. The companies within each peer group are all U.S.-based publicly held companies similar in size to our Company. Each year, the Committee benchmarks compensation using a core peer group of publicly held property and casualty companies based in Florida because these companies are similar to us in terms of insurance services and market opportunity. The members of the core peer group are indicated in the above figure. The Committee reviews the compensation, financial performance and shareholder returns of these core peer companies during the process of finalizing the total compensation award for our Chief Executive Officer. The cash bonus and total compensation for our CEO may be higher or lower than the target reference point for Chief Executive Officers in the core peer group because of factors such as performance and retention, as well as size and complexity of the job. HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement 27 MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The following table and chart show the compensation of Chief Executive Officers in our core peer group based on the disclosures in their proxy statements.     (in $ thousands)   Company   Salary     Cash Bonus     Stock Awards     Equity Options Awards     Other     Total Compensation   2019 HCI   $ 950.0     $ 1,550.0     $ 1,917.6     $ 1,345.3     $ 313.8     $ 6.076.7   2018 HCI   $ 950.0     $ 569.0     $ 1,396.8     $ 939.4     $ 407.5     $ 4,262.7   FedNat Holding Company - 2018   $ 1,000.0     $ 534.2     $ 872.8       —     $ 16.2     $ 2,423.2   Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc. - 2018   $ 2,205.0     $ 6,500       —       —     $ 30.0     $ 8,735.0   United Insurance Holdings Corp. - 2018   $ 1,000.0     $ 900.0     $ 1,343.8       —     $ 25.5     $ 3,269.3   Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. - 2018   $ 2,217.5     $ 6,606.5     $ 3,604.4     $ 5,433.9     $ 61.1     $ 17,923.4       The following table summarizes the share price performance and dividend payouts of companies in our core peer group based on the disclosures in their financial statements. Company   12/31/2019 Market Cap (in $ millions)     12/31/2018 Stock Price     12/31/2019 Stock Price     % Change     2019 Dividends per Share   HCI Group, Inc.   $ 363.2     $ 50.81     $ 45.65       -10 %    $ 1.60   FedNat Holding Company   $ 239.7     $ 19.92     $ 16.63       -17 %    $ 0.33   Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc.   $ 398.6     $ 14.72     $ 14.72       -10 %    $ 0.24   United Insurance Holdings Corp.   $ 542.6     $ 16.62     $ 12.61       -24 %    $ 0.24   Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.   $ 913.5     $ 37.92     $ 27.99       -26 %    $ 0.77   28 HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement 32 HCI Group, Inc. MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 2019 Company Performance Performance on the Company’s financial and strategic goals is an important factor in our compensation decisions. The compensation awarded in 2019 to our Chief Executive Officer, Paresh Patel, and our other named executive officers reflects the Company’s accomplishments during the year and ourpay-for-performance framework. Our view of corporate performance includes not just financial measures but numerous nonfinancial, qualitative factors as well, including the Company’s success in creating and advancing strategic initiatives, planning for and responding to hurricanes and other catastrophic events, providing excellent customer service and passing regulatory examinations. No formula or set of metrics can appropriately capture all the drivers of performance or substitute for sound management. Therefore, the Compensation Committee retains discretion in awarding cash, equity and other benefits to executives. Our business performance in 2019 continued our long-term record of strong financial and operating results. Net income for 2019 totaled $26.6 million or $3.31 diluted earnings per common share, up from $17.7 million in the previous year. We also maintained a strong balance sheet, paid $13.0 million in dividends, and returned an additional $18.8 million to shareholders in the form of share repurchases. Over the long term, the Company has had consistent profitability,best-in-class profit margins and a record of consistent dividend payments. The Company has been profitable in 47 of the last 49 quarters and paid dividends in 38 consecutive quarters. Its Return on Equity (ROE) has averaged 19% over the past decade, and it has reported strong levels of Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT), despite several hurricanes that had a material impact on its core homeowners insurance business (see the charts underPay-for-Performance on page 25). Hurricanes, of course, are a factor that heavily affects our financial results but which management cannot control. However, the response to those events is within management’s control. In the opinion of the Compensation Committee, the Company’s response to recent hurricanes was well planned and well executed. Customer retention is also a key success factor for our business, and we are pleased that our homeowners insurance policyholders have been insured by us for an average of approximately six and a half years. We believe customer retention indicates, among other things, an excellent level of customer service. The Company had notable strategic achievements in 2019. TypTap Insurance Company, our technology-driven insurance subsidiary, increased gross written premium 315% over 2018. We also expanded the geographic reach of our core insurance business and now offer flood insurance in five states. In addition, our real estate division completed several projects and acquisitions to add strategic balance and diversification. Compensation Committee Engagement with Shareholders The Compensation Committee considers the opinions of shareholders in making compensation decisions. In 2017, the Chair of the Compensation Committee and our Senior Vice President of Investor Relations established an ongoing program to speak with our shareholders twice annually – once during the “off season” and once prior to proxy voting. The purpose of the“off-season” conference calls is to understand investor perspectives regarding compensation, governance and any additional matters, and to update shareholders on our compensation and governance initiatives. We focused the engagement program on our 30 largest shareholders, representing approximately 71.2% of our outstanding common stock. During the past 12 months, the Chair of the Compensation Committee and our Senior Vice President of Investor Relations spoke with 7 shareholders representing nearly 23.7% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. To assist with our shareholder engagement program, we have hired the proxy advisory firm Alliance Advisors. 2020 Compensation Plan Review In 2020, the Compensation Committee decided to assess the compensation program for the CEO and our named executive officers and retained Pearl Meyer, a leading executive compensation firm to assist with this review. The purpose of the review is to understand current best practices in compensation design and to identify areas where the Company’s pay programs can be improved in order to strengthen alignment with shareholder interests and promote the long-term success of our strategy. HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement 29 MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The Chair of the Compensation Committee and our Senior Vice President of Investor Relations discussed the purpose and scope of the review with investors during our engagement calls to solicit their input. We anticipate that the review will be completed in June 2020, and its findings will be incorporated in the Board’s annual compensation and budget planning process for 2021 as well as negotiations with the CEO on a new employment agreement. Elements of Executive Compensation The Compensation Committee uses a balanced set of pay elements to determine executive compensation levels, including base salaries, short-term cash performance bonuses and long-term equity incentives comprising restricted stock awards and, in the case of the Chief Executive Officer, stock purchase option awards. We believe these elements create appropriate incentives for driving strong corporate performance, align the interests of our executives with those of our shareholders, and enable us to retain and reward outstanding executive talent. During 2016 and 2017 the Compensation Committee reviewed and redesigned the compensation program of our Chief Executive Officer, Paresh Patel, with the assistance of Willis Towers Watson, a leading compensation firm, and input from shareholders. The plan established in 2017 strengthened the alignment of interests between Mr. Patel and shareholders and provided competitive compensation while ensuring a strong link between pay and performance. It also created a better balance relative to the Company’s core peer group. The Chief Executive’s 2019 executive compensation award includes a short-term cash bonus payment and long-term equity awards that are consistent with the redesigned plan. Compensation Process The Compensation Committee uses a common-sense approach to setting executive compensation. It considers objective measures of business performance as well as the judgment and knowledge of Committee members as to the talents, work habits and contributions of our executive officers. The following provides an overview of the annual compensation process used for CEO compensation. 30 HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS   Principal Objectives and Approach In designing our executive compensation programs, the Compensation Committee’s principal objectives are to attract and retain highly skilled executives, align executive compensation with corporate performance (without encouraging excessive risk) and align the interests of our executives with the interests of our shareholders. Benchmarking To attract and retain key executives, we carefully consider our market environment when setting pay levels for our executives, recognizing that we are in a highly competitive industry in which talented people are a significant driver of value. In 2016, Willis Towers Watson assisted the Compensation Committee in benchmarking and in conductingpay-level and incentive-design analysis. They used two groups of peer companies representing the principal potential talent market: the insurance industry and the software industry. While the Company’s primary business is property and casualty insurance, its success relies on the development and implementation of custom software developed in house by our Exzeo software division. The Committee benchmarks compensation annually using a core peer group of publicly held property and casualty companies based in Florida, because these companies are similar to us in terms of insurance services and market opportunity. The Committee reviews compensation and shareholder returns of these core peer companies during the process of finalizing chief executive officer compensation. The cash bonus and total compensation for our Chief Executive Officer may be higher or lower than the target reference point for chief executive officers in the core peer group because of factors such as performance and retention, as well as size and complexity of the job. The companies within each peer group are all U.S.-based publicly held companies similar in size to our Company. The selected peer companies are listed below. Insurance Industry Atlantic American Corporation Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. *FedNat Holding Company First Acceptance Corporation *Heritage Insurance Holding, Inc. Kinsdale Capital Group, Inc. National Interstate Holdings, Inc. *United Insurance Holdings Corporation *Universal Insurance Holding, Inc. Software Industry Bazaar Voice, Inc.         Blucora, Inc. Bottomline Technologies, Inc. BroadSoft, Inc.         Ebix, Inc. EnerNOC, Inc. EPIQ Systems, Inc. Guidewire Software, Inc. Jive Software, Inc.         Majesco Microstrategy, Inc.         QUAD, Inc. Silver Springs Networks, Inc. * Member of Core Peer Group. HCI Group, Inc.2019 Proxy Statement 33 MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The following table summarizes the compensation of chief executive officers in our core peer group based on the disclosures in their proxy statements.     (in $ millions)           (in $ thousands)   Company   Market Cap            Salary     Cash Bonus     Stock Awards     Equity Options Awards     Other     Total Compensation   2018 HCI   $ 434.3             $ 950.0     $ 569.0     $ 1,396.8     $ 939.4     $ 407.5     $ 4,262.7   2017 HCI   $ 286.3             $ 950.0       —     $ 1,588.4     $ 1,247.4     $ 344.8     $ 4,130.6   FedNat Holding Company - 2017   $ 254.7             $ 1,000.0     $ 698.3     $ 1,250.0       —     $ 16.2     $ 2,964.5   Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc. - 2017   $ 442.8             $ 2,060.0     $ 4,633.0       —       —     $ 44.9     $ 6,737.9   United Insurance Holdings Corp. - 2017   $ 715.2             $ 1,000.0     $ 1,000.0     $ 322.2       —     $ 25.0     $ 2,347.2   Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. - 2017   $ 1,319.0             $ 2,217.5     $ 7,361.9     $ 2,999.9     $ 6,613.7     $ 59.8     $ 19,252.8   The following table summarizes the performance of companies in our core peer group based on the disclosures in their financial statements. Company 12/31/2018 Market Cap (in $ millions) 12/31/2017 Stock Price 12/31/2018 Stock Price % Change 2018 Dividends per Share HCI Group, Inc. $ 434.3 $ 29.90 $ 50.81   70 % $ 1.475 FedNat Holding Company $ 254.7 $ 16.57 $ 19.92   20 % $ 0.240 Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc. $ 442.8 $ 18.02 $ 14.72   -18 % $ 0.240 United Insurance Holdings Corp. $ 715.2 $ 17.25 $ 16.62   -4 % $ 0.240 Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. $ 1,319.0 $ 27.35 $ 37.92   39 % $ 0.730 2018 Company Performance Performance on the Company’s financial and strategic goals is an important factor in our compensation decisions. The compensation awarded in 2018 to our Chief Executive Officer, Paresh Patel, and our other named executive officers reflects the Company’s accomplishments during the year and ourpay-for-performance framework. We view corporate performance not just financially, but broadly to include numerous nonfinancial, qualitative factors, including the Company’s success in creating and advancing strategic initiatives, planning for and responding to hurricanes and other catastrophic events, providing excellent customer service, and passing regulatory examinations. As no formula or set of metrics can appropriately capture all the drivers of performance, or substitute for sound management, the Compensation Committee retains discretion in awarding cash, equity and other benefits to executives. Our business performance in 2018 continued our long-term record of strong financial and operating results. Net income for 2018 totaled $17.7 million or $2.34 diluted earnings per common share. Investment income from 2017 to 2018 increased 45%. We also maintained a strong balance sheet, which is a key component of our business strategy. It enables us to move quickly when strategic opportunities arise. Our shareholders benefited. In 2018 our market capitalization grew 52%, our stock price increased 70%, and we paid $12.5 million in dividends. Long term, the Company has had consistent profitability andbest-in-class profit margins. The Company’s Return on Equity (ROE) has averaged 20% over the past decade, and it has reported strong levels of Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) as well, despite several hurricanes materially impacting our core homeowners insurance business (see the charts under Key Information above). The Company has been profitable in 43 of the last 45 quarters and paid dividends in 34 consecutive quarters. Customer retention is also a key success factor for our business, and we are pleased that our homeowners insurance policyholders have been insured by us for an average of approximately six and a half years. We believe customer retention indicates, among other things, an excellent level of customer service. 34 HCI Group, Inc.2019 Proxy Statement MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Hurricanes, of course, are a factor that heavily affects our financial results but which our management cannot control. However, our response to those events is within management’s control. In the opinion of the Compensation Committee, the Company’s response to recent hurricanes was well planned and well executed. The Company had notable strategic achievements in 2018. TypTap Insurance Company, our technology-driven insurance subsidiary, which began business in 2016 by addressing a critical market demand for flood insurance, expanded its product offerings to include homeowners insurance deploying new technology developed by our Exzeo technology division. As a consequence, in 2018 TypTap increased gross written premium 67% over 2017. Other strategic achievements were the expansion of our core insurance business to other states. We now offer flood insurance in five states. In addition, our real estate division completed several projects and acquisitions adding strategic balance and diversification. Compensation Committee Engagement with Shareholders The Compensation Committee considers the opinions of shareholders in making compensation decisions. Following the 2016say-on-pay vote, the Chairman of the Compensation Committee and our Senior Vice President of Investor Relations established an ongoing program to speak with our shareholders twice annually – once during the “off season” and once prior to proxy voting. The purpose of the“off-season” conference calls is to understand investor perspectives regarding compensation, governance and any additional matters, and to update shareholders on our compensation and governance initiatives. We focused the engagement program on our 20 largest shareholders, representing approximately 77.4% of our outstanding common stock. During the past 12 months, the Chairman of the Compensation Committee and our Senior Vice President of Investor Relations spoke with 11 shareholders representing nearly 50% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. To assist with our shareholder engagement program, we have hired the proxy advisory firm, Alliance Advisors. The main areas of feedback we received from investors and the actions we took in response are summarized in the following table. Disclosure TransparencyWhat We Heard:Compensation Committee's Response:General preferences for simplicity and clarity in the disclosure of the executive compensation plan. Redesigned the Proxy Statement to enhance readability and clarity of the executive compensation plan disclosure.Provide output of shareholders' major compensation concerns raised during the engagement calls. Disclosed in the Proxy Statement shareholders major concerns about compensation. Proposed resolution for shareholder approval to hold the advisory say-on-pay vote annually. Disclose peer groups used to benchmark compensationProvided complete list of peer group companies used for compensation benchmarking.Pay Program DesignWhat We Heard:Compensation Committee's Response:Overall, supportive of our pay program design and did not want to see any major changes to the fundamental design. The equity portion of the Chief Executive Officer's compensation is a blend of restricted shares and stock options. Some shareholder preferred a use of performance-based equity compensation. Stock options are issued at an "out-of-the-money" exercise price and by definition are performance-based. The Compensation Committee is evaluating the benefits/risks of basing restricted share awards on specific performance criteria. HCI Group, Inc.2019 Proxy Statement 35 MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Elements of Executive Compensation The Compensation Committee uses a balanced set of pay elements to determine executive compensation levels, including base salaries, short-term cash performance bonuses and long-term equity incentives comprising restricted stock awards and, in the case of the Chief Executive Officer, stock purchase option awards. We believe these elements create appropriate incentives for driving strong corporate performance, align the interests of our executives with those of our shareholders, and enable us to retain and reward outstanding executive talent. During 2016 and 2017 the Compensation Committee reviewed and redesigned the compensation program of our Chief Executive Officer, Paresh Patel, with the assistance of Willis Towers Watson, a leading compensation firm, and input from shareholders. The plan established in 2017 aligns Mr. Patel’s and the shareholders’ interests and provides competitive compensation while ensuring a strong link between pay and performance. It also creates a better balance relative to the core peer group with which we compete for talent. The Chief Executive’s 2018 executive compensation award includes a short-term cash bonus payment and long-term equity awards that are consistent with the redesigned plan. Compensation Process The Compensation Committee uses a common-sense approach to setting executive compensation. It considers objective measures of business performance as well as the judgment and knowledge of Committee members as to the talents, work habits and contributions of our executive officers. Performance Measures When determining executive compensation, the Compensation Committee examines Company performance on two financial metrics, EBIT (EarningsEarnings Before Interest and Taxes)Taxes (EBIT) and Return on Equity (ROE). We believe these measures most accurately reflect the performance of the business and the value created for shareholders. In determining the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, each year the Compensation Committee sets performance targets for EBIT and ROE to provide an appropriate incentive for achieving corporate goals. The Company’s actual results for EBIT and ROE are compared against the targets, and the Chief Executive Officer is eligible to receive a cash bonus based on a percentage of his base salary, provided certain minimum performance levels are achieved. The Compensation Committee also awards equity compensation in the form of restricted stock and, in the case of the Chief Executive Officer, stock purchase options to create a significant incentive for achieving long-term financial and strategic goals and to retain talented executives. When determining equity awards, the Committee considers competitive market dynamics, peer-group compensation levels and the Company’s overall financial performance. Equity awards vest over a four-year period. Role of the Board of Directors and Management in Compensation Decisions The Compensation Committee views the determination of compensation to beas a collaborative effort, and it welcomes and seeks input from executive officers, other directors and shareholders. At least annually, before executive compensation is set for the year, the Compensation Committee discusses its compensation philosophy with the full Board of Directors and briefs the Board of Directors on the structure of the Company’s executive compensation programs. The ChairmanChair of the Compensation Committee attempts to ensure thatmaintains an open communication existsdialogue between the Compensation Committee and the Company’s largest shareholders with regard to discuss executive compensation. The ChairmanChair reports to the Committee and the Board of Directors any material issues raised during these shareholder discussions, and the Committee and the Board of Directors, in good faith, address those issues. In setting compensation offor the named executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee invites the Chief Executive Officer to present his evaluation of each named executive officer’s performance 36 HCI Group, Inc.2019 Proxy Statement MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS during the year and provide recommendations regarding each executive’s base salary, performance bonus and equity compensation. The Committee has full authority to accept, modify or reject these recommendations. The Compensation Committee discusses Mr. Patel’s compensation and related proposals with him. Decisions regarding Mr. Patel’s compensation are made by the Committee and reviewed by the Board without Mr. Patel present. Role of the Compensation Consultant To assist in determining compensation of our CEO and named executive officers, the Company engages the services of leading compensation advisory firms. The Company retained Willis Towers Watson a leading compensation advisory firm. Inin 2016 Willis Towers Watson assisted the Committeeand will be using Pearl Meyer in understanding2020 to understand market compensation practices and levels to help ensure our executive compensation programs are reasonably designed to attract and retain highly skilled executives in our competitive environment. In 2017, Willis Towers Watson helped Compensation Policies Related to Risk Management The Board of Directors has considered risks associated with the Compensation Committee reviewCompany’s compensation policies and redesignpractices and identified no compensation policies or practices that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation plan to address shareholder concerns and be more consistent with market practices.Company. HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement 31 MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Executive Officers of the Company The following table provides information with respect to our named executive officers as of April 11, 2019:14, 2020:   Name   Age    Title Paresh Patel   5657    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark Harmsworth   5556    Chief Financial Officer Andrew L. Graham   6162    Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Anthony Saravanos   4849    Director, Division President — Real Estate Karin Coleman   5859    Executive Vice President and President, HCPCI Biographical information for Messrs. Patel and Saravanos appears above under the heading Directors.       MARK HARMSWORTH   Chief Financial Officer   QUALIFICATIONS   Mark Harmsworth has served as the Chief Financial Officer of our Company since May 2017. He joined HCI in December 2016 as Senior Vice President of Finance. Prior to that, Mr. Harmsworth was President of JMH Consultancy Group, where he served as consulting Chief Strategy Officer for Stewart Information Services, a New York Stock Exchange listed global real estate services company. Mr. Harmsworth has served in a range of executive leadership positions throughout his career, including Chief Financial that, Mr. Harmsworth was President of JMH Consultancy Group, where he served as consulting Chief Strategy Officer for Stewart Information Services, a New York Stock Exchange listed global real estate services company. Mr. Harmsworth has served in a range of executive leadership positions throughout his career, including Chief Financial Officer of First American Title Insurance Company, a global specialty insurance company; Senior Executive Vice President of First Canadian Title Insurance Company; and Executive Vice President of RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada Inc., a regionalsub-franchisor of RE/MAX real estate brokerage services in eastern Canada, the eastern United States and Europe. HeMr. Harmsworth is a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. HarmsworthAccountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto.   HCI Group, Inc.2019 Proxy Statement 37 MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS     ANDREW L. GRAHAM   Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary   QUALIFICATIONS Andrew L. Graham has served as our General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since June 1, 2008. Mr. Graham served from 1999 to 2007 in various capacities, including General Counsel, for Trinsic, Inc. (previously namedZ-Tel Technologies, Inc.), a publicly held provider of communications services headquartered in Tampa, Florida. From 2011 to 2016, Mr. Graham served on the Internal Audit Committee of Hillsborough County, Florida. From 2007 to 2011, he served on the Board of Trustees of Hillsborough County, Florida. From 2007 to 2011, he served on the Board of Trustees of Hillsborough Community College, a state institution serving more than 43,000 students annually. Since 2015, he has served as a director for LM Funding America, Inc., a NASDAQ listed specialty finance company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. Mr. Graham holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Accounting from Florida State University and a Juris Doctor, as well as a Master of Laws (L.L.M.) in Taxation, from the University of Florida College of Law.   32 HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS     KARIN COLEMAN   Executive Vice President and President, Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc.   QUALIFICATIONS Karin Coleman has served as the Executive Vice President of HCI since December 2017. She joined the Company in 2009 as Vice President of Corporate Services. Ms. Coleman oversees human resources, regulatory and legislative affairs, vendor management and community relations. Prior to joining HCI, Ms. Coleman served nine years as Vice President of Take Stock in Children, located in Miami, Florida, the state’s largest public-private partnership providing college access and assistance toat-risk 2017. In 2019, she was appointed as President of Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc. (HCPCI), HCI’s largest operating subsidiary. She joined the Company in 2009 as Vice President of Corporate Services. Ms. Coleman oversees human resources, regulatory and legislative affairs, vendor management and community relations. Prior to joining HCI, Ms. Coleman served nine years as Vice President of Take Stock in Children, located in Miami, Florida, the state’s largest public-private partnership providing college access and assistance toat-riskchildren, overseeing legislative and strategic partnerships. Previously, she served in various roles over 13 years at Florida Progress Corporation located in St. Petersburg, Florida. Ms. Coleman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from the University of South Florida and has earned her senior professional in human resources certification (SPHR). Arrangements as to Selection and Nomination of Executive Officers We are aware of no arrangements as to the selection or appointment of executive officers. 20182019 Executive Pay Decisions The annual base salaries, annual cash performance bonuses and equity awards of our named executive officers in 20182019 were as follows.follows:   Name and Office    Base Salary ($)      Cash Bonus ($)      Equity Grant   Paresh Patel, Chief Executive Officer      950,000        569,000        150,000 (a)  Mark Harmsworth, Chief Financial Officer      320,000        100,000        3,500 (b)  Andrew L. Graham, General Counsel      250,000        100,000        3,500 (b)  Anthony Saravanos, President - Real Estate Division      225,000        100,000        3,500 (b)  Karin Coleman, Executive Vice President      225,000        100,000        3,500 (b)  Name and Office    Base Salary ($)      Cash Bonus ($)      Equity Grant   Paresh Patel, Chief Executive Officer      950,000        1,550,000        150,000 (a)  Mark Harmsworth, Chief Financial Officer      320,000        125,000        3,500 (b)  Andrew L. Graham, General Counsel      250,000        125,000        3,500 (b)  Anthony Saravanos, President - Real Estate Division      225,000        125,000        3,500 (b)  Karin Coleman, Executive Vice President and President HCPCI      225,000        125,000        3,500 (b)  (a)  Represents 110,000 share purchase options and 40,000 restricted shares. (b)  Shares of restricted stock. 38 HCI Group, Inc.2019 Proxy Statement MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The annual base salary for Mr. Patel of $950,000 was unchanged from 2017,2018, the amount provided in his 2016 employment agreement with the Company (see Employment Agreements). The base salary amount positions Mr. Patel at the lower level of the core peer group. The annual base salaries for all other named executive officers were increasedunchanged in 2018 to reflect competitive market considerations.2019. Cash bonus awards for all other named executive officers reflected the achievement of the Company’s financial goals and individual performance. CEO Cash Bonus and Equity Compensation In March 2018,April 2019, the Compensation Committee established an incentive pay plan to outline the cash bonus available to be earned by Mr. Patel for 2018.2019. Under the plan, the bonus was based on actual results compared against two performance measures, Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) and Return on Equity (ROE), with each performance measure given equal weight. The 20182019 targets were $60$58.5 million for EBIT and 16%16.5% ROE. A bonus could be paid under either or both measures, but a threshold level of performance (equal to 70% of the applicable target) had to be reached for any bonus to be payable for each respective target. The Compensation Committee concluded, following input from the compensation consultant and shareholders, that EBIT and ROE best represented the Company’s financial performance and thus best served as appropriate metrics to link HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement 33 MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS the CEO’s pay with performance and align his interests with those of shareholders. The Committee set the potential bonus payout range at 50% to 200% of base salary, based on the achievement of EBIT and ROE targets. The targets and payouts at the lower levels were designed to be reasonably achieved and to reward the Chief Executive Officer for continued consistent performance. At the higher levels, they were designed to reward the CEO for extraordinary performance. The performance measures and possible bonus payouts are summarized below.                                 Bonus Payouts at Levels Achieved:   Performance Measure    Weight      Performance Target      Actual Result      Threshold - 70% of Target is Achieved      Target - 100% is Achieved      Maximum - 200% of Target is Achieved   EBIT      50 %     $ 60,000,000      $ 45,550,000 (1)     $ 475,000      $ 950,000      $ 1,900,000   ROE      50 %       16 %       9 %     $ 475,000      $ 950,000      $ 1,900,000                                 Bonus Payouts at Levels Achieved:   Performance Measure    Weight      Performance Target      Actual Result      Threshold - 70% of Target is Achieved      Target - 100% is Achieved      Maximum - 200% of Target is Achieved   EBIT      50 %     $ 58,500,000      $ 50,648,063 (1)     $ 475,000      $ 950,000      $ 1,900,000   ROE      50 %       16.5 %       14.3 %     $ 475,000      $ 950,000      $ 1,900,000   (1)  Adjusted for bonus expense deducted from earnings. The Company’s 20182019 financial performance was adversely affected by losses sustainedresulting from Hurricane Michael.Florida hail storms during the first quarter. As a result, Mr. Patel did not meet theachieved 86% of both his EBIT and ROE target but did achieve 76% of the EBIT target. Based on these results, Mr. Patel was paidtargets, which resulted in a cash bonusaward of $569,000. Although$1,476,752. In addition, the Compensation Committee hadawarded Mr. Patel a $73,248 discretionary bonus in recognition of his efforts related to the discretionsharp growth in revenue in the TypTap business unit, bringing his total cash compensation to award an additional cash$1,550,000. Inclusive of the discretionary bonus above the amount determined byCEO received 81.6% of the performance calculations, it did not do so.eligible bonus. During 2018,2019, Mr. Patel was awarded 40,000 shares of restricted stock and 110,000 stock purchase options having an exercise price of $40$53 per share. Each award is subject to a four-year vesting period intended to encourage long-term performance and executive retention. The Committee plans to award new tranches of equity compensation annually, which we believe is an appropriate practice and consistent with our industry peers. The Compensation Committee believes Mr. Patel’s total compensation recognizes his significant contributions to the Company’s success and creates strong incentives to achieve its long-term strategic goals and increase shareholder value. HisOver the past five years, Mr. Patel’s total compensation has varied according to the Company’s financial performance, which is consistent with ourpay-for-performance philosophy. The following graph shows his annual bonus compared to ROE, a key performance measure. Mr. Patel’s total compensation is in the middle range of compensation for chief executive officersChief Executive Officers in our core peer group. 34 HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Executive Compensation Benefit Plans and Other Practices 401(K) Plan The Company has a 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing Plan that qualifies as a defined contribution plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under the 401(k) Plan, participating employees are eligible for Company matching and discretionary profit-sharing contributions. Plan participants may elect to defer up to one HCI Group, Inc.2019 Proxy Statement 39 MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS hundred percent of theirpre-tax gross wages, subject to annual limitations. The Company matching contribution is limited to a maximum of four percent of the employee’s annual salary or wage and is fully vested when contributed. Eligibility and vesting of the Company’s discretionary profit-sharing contribution is subject to the plan participant’s years of service. There has been no discretionary profit-sharing contribution since the 401(k) Plan’s inception. Employment Agreements Certain executives’ compensationCompensation and other arrangements for certain executives are set forth in employment agreements. These employment agreements, areas described below. Paresh Patel. On December 30, 2016, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Paresh Patel, our Chief Executive Officer. The agreement calls for a four-year term of employment beginning January 1, 2017 and will automatically renew for additionalone-year terms unless either party delivers written notice ofnon-renewal to the other at least 90 days before expiration of the initial term or any renewal term. During the term of the agreement, Mr. Patel will be paid a base annual salary of $950,000 (or a higher amount as may be set from time to time by the Company’s Board of Directors). He will be entitled to any additional bonus compensation provided for by resolution of the Company’s Board of Directors or applicable committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Patel will also be entitled to participate in our medical, dental, life, disability and retirement benefits plans, if any, upon substantially the same terms applicable to other Company executives. In the event of termination without good cause, Mr. Patel will be entitled to accrued base salary, accrued vacation pay and other time off, each through the date of termination. He will also be entitled to severance compensation of his base salary for six months after the date of termination. If we terminate Mr. Patel’s employment for good cause, he will be entitled only to accrued base salary, accrued vacation pay and other paid time off, each through the date of termination. If Mr. Patel chooses to terminate his employment, he will be entitled to accrued base salary, accrued vacation pay and other paid time off, each through the date of termination. The agreement provides that during the time of Mr. Patel’s employment and for a period of six months after termination of employment, he will not enter into, engage in, be employed or consult with any business that competes with HCI. Mark Harmsworth.OnNovember23, 2016, we enteredinto an employment agreement with Mr. Harmsworth, our Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Harmsworth initially served as Senior Vice President of Finance and assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer on May 16, 2017. The agreement calls for a four-year term of employment beginning on December 5, 2016 and will automatically renew for additionalone-year terms unless either party delivers written notice ofnon-renewal at least 90 days before expiration of the initial term or any renewal term.During the term of the agreement, Mr. Harmsworth will be paid a base annual salary of $300,000 (or higher amount as may be set from time to time by the Company’s Board of Directors). Mr. Harmsworth was paid an initial signing bonus of $15,000 and an additional bonus of $25,000 after one month of employment. In 2017, Mr. Harmsworth was entitled to a bonus of not less than $100,000. He is entitled to any additional compensation provided by resolution of the Company’s Board of Directors or applicable committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Harmsworth was awarded 40,000 shares of restricted stock subject to a four-year vesting period. He is also entitled to participate in our medical, dental, life, disability and retirement benefits plans, if any, upon substantially the same terms applicable to other Company executives. Under his employment agreement, in the event of termination without good cause, Mr. Harmsworth is entitled to accrued base salary, accrued vacation pay and other time off, each through the date of termination. He will also be entitled to severance compensation of his base salary for 12 months after the date of termination. If we terminate Mr. Harmsworth’s employment for good cause, he will be entitled to only accrued base salary and accrued paid time off, each through the date of termination. If Mr. Harmsworth chooses to terminate his employment, he will be entitled to accrued base salary and accrued paid time off, each through the date of termination. The agreement provides that during the time of Mr. Harmsworth’s employment and for a period of 12 months after termination of employment, he will not enter into, engage in, be employed or consult with any business that competes with HCI. Mr. Harmsworth’s agreement regarding the 40,000 restricted shares awarded to him at the beginning of his employment provides that if his employment is terminated without good cause, then up to 10,000 of his remaining unvested shares will vest. 40 HCI Group, Inc.2019 Proxy Statement MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Clawback Policy Our Compensation Committee charter contains a clawback policy. It provides that in appropriate circumstances the Committee will require an executive officer to reimburse the Company for incentive compensation payments predicated upon financial results that were subsequently restated and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accounting and Tax Considerations In designing our compensation programs, we consider thetheir potential accounting and tax effects on the Company and our employees. In allocating among different components of compensation, we consider the accounting expense and potential reward associated with each separate component of compensation. HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement 35 MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS To assist with the payment of their income taxes when their restricted shares vest or their stock options are exercised, our executives are entitled to surrender a portion of their holdings to the Company for the payment of taxes. Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code [Section 162(m)] generally disallows a tax deduction to a public corporation for compensation over $1,000,000 paid in any fiscal year to a company’s chief executive officerChief Executive Officer or other named executive officers (excluding the company’s principal financial officer, in the case of tax years commencing before 2018). However, in the case of tax years commencing before 2018, the statute exempted qualifying performance-based compensation from the deduction limitation if certain requirements were met. Section 162(m) was amended in December 2017 by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to eliminate the exemption for performance-based compensation (other than with respect to certain grandfathered arrangements entered into prior to November 2, 2017) and to expand the group of named executive officers who may be covered by the deduction limit under Section 162(m). For 2018,2019, approximately $692,000$1,796,000 of HCI’s executive officer compensation was determined to be nondeductible under Section 162(m). The Compensation Committee expects in the future to authorize compensation in excess of $1,000,000 to one or more named executive officers that will not be deductible under Section 162(m) when it believes that doing so is in the best interests of HCI Group, Inc. and its shareholders. Pension or Other Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Plans Except for the Company’s 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing Plan described above under Compensation Discussion and Analysis, we have not had and currently do not have a pension or other retirement plan or a nonqualified deferred compensation plan. Accordingly, the pension benefit table, the nonqualified deferred compensation table, and any related disclosures have been omitted from the discussion below. The Company’s 401(k) Plan matching contributions are described in footnote 1 to the Summary Compensation Table below.on page 37. Potential Payments Upon Termination orChange-in-Control At December 31, 2018,2019, Paresh Patel and Mark Harmsworth are the only named executive officers due cash compensation in the event of termination of employment. The amount In the event of compensation payable to such named executive officers upon voluntary termination, involuntary termination without good cause, Mr. Patel will be entitled to accrued base salary, accrued vacation pay and other time off, each through the date of termination. He will also be entitled to severance compensation of his base salary for six months after the date of termination. If we terminate Mr. Patel’s employment for good cause, he will be entitled only to accrued base salary, accrued vacation pay and other paid time off, each through the date of termination. If Mr. Patel chooses to terminate his employment, he will be entitled to accrued base salary, accrued vacation pay and other paid time off, each through the date of termination. The agreement provides that during the time of Mr. Patel’s employment and for a period of six months after termination of employment, he will not enter into, engage in, be employed or consult with cause and terminationany business that competes with HCI. Under his employment agreement, in the event of permanent disabilitytermination without good cause, Mr. Harmsworth is entitled to accrued base salary, accrued vacation pay and other time off, each through the date of termination. He will also be entitled to severance compensation of his base salary for 12 months after the date of termination. If we terminate Mr. Harmsworth’s employment for good cause, he will be entitled to only accrued base salary and accrued paid time off, each through the date of termination. If Mr. Harmsworth chooses to terminate his employment, he will be entitled to accrued base salary and accrued paid time off, each through the date of termination. The agreement provides that during the time of Mr. Harmsworth’s employment and for a period of 12 months after termination of employment, he will not enter into, engage in, be employed or death of the executive is set forth above under Employment Agreements. consult with any business that competes with HCI. Under our 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan, restricted shares vest immediately upon a change of control unless the surviving entity assumes the obligation or issues replacement securities. Further, restricted shares vest immediately if the holder’s employment is terminated within 12 months after a change in control.     36 HCI Group, Inc.        20192020 Proxy Statement 41 MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS   Summary Compensation Table The following table provides summary information concerning compensation for services rendered in all capacities awarded to, earned by or paid to our named executive officers during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 2017 and 2016.2017. Note that Securities and Exchange Commission rules require us to report stock awards at the grant-date fair value of the entire award in the year of the grant rather than reporting this expense over the service period as we do for financial reporting purposes. Fair value of stock and option awards is estimated in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 718 Compensation—Stock Compensation. Hence, in the table below, each amount appearing under Stock Awards and Option Awards is an estimate of the award’s fair value at the grant date, regardless of whether vesting has occurred. Stock awards included in the summary compensation below were, in all cases, restricted stock awards that contain service-only provisions. Thus, the values given for these awards are based on the value of the Company’s stock on the grant date. The actual values on the vesting date will almost certainly differ from the estimated values.   Name and Principal Position    Year    Salary    Bonus    Stock Awards   Option Awards   All Other Compensation(1)    Total    Year      Salary      Bonus      Stock Awards   Option Awards   All Other Compensation(1)      Total   Paresh Patel Chief Executive Officer      2018      $ 950,000      $ 569,000      $ 1,396,800 (2)    $ 939,400 (4)    $ 407,519      $ 4,262,719      2019      $ 950,000      $ 1,550,000      $ 1,917,600 (2)    $ 1,345,300 (4)    $ 313,769      $ 6,076,669     2017      $ 950,000        —      $ 1,588,400 (3)    $ 1,247,388 (4)    $ 344,769      $ 4,130,557   2018      $ 950,000      $ 569,000      $ 1,396,800 (3)    $ 939,400 (4)    $ 407,519      $ 4,262,719     2016      $ 934,479      $ 1,250,000        —     —   $ 278,148      $ 2,462,627   2017      $ 950,000        —      $ 1,588,400 (3)    $ 1,247,388 (4)    $ 344,769      $ 4,130,557   Mark Harmsworth Chief Financial Officer      2018      $ 313,846      $ 100,000      $ 153,405 (2)      —   $ 54,316      $ 621,567      2019      $ 320,000      $ 125,000      $ 144,550 (2)      —     $ 47,100      $ 636,650     2017      $ 300,000      $ 100,000      $ 44,050 (3)      —   $ 65,469      $ 509,519   2018      $ 313,846      $ 100,000      $ 153,405 (3)      —     $ 54,316      $ 621,567     2016        —        —        —     —     —        —   2017      $ 300,000      $ 100,000      $ 44,050 (3)      —     $ 65,469      $ 509,519   Andrew L. Graham General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary      2018      $ 236,154      $ 100,000      $ 153,405 (2)      —   $ 18,962      $ 508,521      2019      $ 250,000      $ 125,000      $ 144,550 (2)      —     $ 22,200      $ 541,750     2017      $ 205,000      $ 90,000      $ 110,125 (3)      —   $ 16,775      $ 421,900   2018      $ 236,154      $ 100,000      $ 153,405 (3)      —     $ 18,962      $ 508,521     2016      $ 205,000      $ 100,000      $ 80,525 (3)      —   $ 16,637      $ 402,162   2017      $ 205,000      $ 90,000      $ 110,125 (3)      —     $ 16,775      $ 421,900   Anthony Saravanos President, Real Estate Division      2018      $ 209,615      $ 100,000      $ 153,405 (2)      —   $ 9,516      $ 472,536      2019      $ 225,000      $ 125,000      $ 144,550 (2)      —     $ 12,200      $ 506,750     2017      $ 175,000      $ 90,000      $ 110,125 (3)      —   $ 18,375      $ 393,500   2018      $ 209,615      $ 100,000      $ 153,405 (3)      —     $ 9,516      $ 472,536     2016      $ 175,000      $ 200,000      $ 80,525 (3)      —   $ 17,438      $ 472,963   2017      $ 175,000      $ 90,000      $ 110,125 (3)      —     $ 18,375      $ 393,500   Karin Coleman Executive Vice President      2018      $ 209,615      $ 100,000      $ 153,405 (2)      —   $ 17,900      $ 480,920   2017      $ 175,000      $ 90,000      $ 110,125 (3)      —   $ 15,575      $ 390,700   2016        —        —        —     —     —        — Karin Coleman Executive Vice President and President, HCPCI      2019      $ 225,000      $ 125,000      $ 144,550 (2)      —     $ 21,200      $ 515,750     2018      $ 209,615      $ 100,000      $ 153,405 (3)      —     $ 17,900      $ 480,920     2017      $ 175,000      $ 90,000      $ 110,125 (3)      —     $ 15,575      $ 390,700   (1)  In 2019, Mr. Patel received $304,000 in cash dividends on unvested restricted stock and $9,269 in Company contributions to our 401(k) Plan, Mr. Harmsworth received $40,700 in cash dividends on unvested restricted stock and $6,400 in Company contributions to our 401(k) Plan, Mr. Graham received $12,200 in cash dividends on unvested restricted stock and $10,000 in Company contributions to our 401(k) Plan, Mr. Saravanos received $12,200 in cash dividends on unvested restricted stock, and Ms. Coleman received $12,200 in cash dividends on unvested restricted stock and $9,000 in Company contributions to our 401(k) Plan. In 2018, Mr. Patel received $398,250 in cash dividends on unvested restricted stock and $9,269 in Company contributions to our 401(k) Plan, Mr. Harmsworth received $48,163 in cash dividends on unvested restricted stock and $6,154 in Company contributions to our 401(k) Plan, Mr. Graham received $9,516 in cash dividends on unvested restricted stock and $9,446 in Company contributions to our 401(k) Plan, Mr. Saravanos received $9,516 in cash dividends on unvested restricted stock, and Ms. Coleman received $9,516 in cash dividends on unvested restricted stock and $8,385 in Company contributions to our 401(k) Plan. In 2017, Mr. Patel received $336,000 in cash dividends on unvested restricted stock and $8,769 in Company contributions to our 401(k) Plan, Mr. Harmsworth received $56,700 in cash dividends on unvested restricted stock and $8,769 in Company contributions to our 401(k) Plan, Mr. Graham received $8,575 in cash dividends on unvested restricted stock and $8,200 in Company contributions to our 401(K) Plan, Mr. SaravonosSaravanos received $18,375 in cash dividends on unvested restricted stock, and Ms. Coleman received $8,575 in cash dividends on unvested restricted stock and $7,000 in Company contributions to our 401(k) Plan. In 2016, Mr. Patel received $270,000 in cash dividends on unvested restricted stock and $8,148 in Company contributions to our 401(k) Plan, Mr. Graham received $8,438 in cash dividends on unvested restricted stock and $8,200 in Company contributions to our 401(K) Plan, and Mr. Saravanos received $17,438 in cash dividends on unvested restricted stock. (2)  See the description, table and footnotes under Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 20182019 below, which include details of each of the 20182019 grants to our named executive officers. (3)  See the description, table and footnotes under Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 20182019 below, which include details of each of these 20172018 and 20162017 grants. HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement 37 MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (4)  This amount was calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718. The assumptions used in calculating the amount are discussed at Note 21 Stock-Based Compensation of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 20182019 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 8, 2019. The Company granted no stock purchase options to executive officers in 2016.6, 2020. 42 HCI Group, Inc.2019 Proxy Statement MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 20182019 The following table sets forth information regarding all plan-based awardsPlan-Based Awards granted to our named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2018.2019. The stock awards identified in the table below are also reported in the table that follows—Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2018.2019.             Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards   Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards   All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units   All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options   Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards   Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards             Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards   Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards   All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units   All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options   Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards   Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards                                           Name   Grant Date   Date Authorized   Threshold ($)   Target ($)   Maximum ($)   Threshold (#)   Target (#)   Maximum (#)   (#)   (#)   ($/share)   ($)(1)   Grant Date   Date Authorized   Threshold ($)   Target ($)   Maximum ($)   Threshold (#)   Target (#)   Maximum (#)   (#)   (#)   ($/share)   ($)(1)   Paresh Patel   2/8/18   2/8/18     —     —     —     —     —     —   40,000 (2)      —     —   1,396,800     1/15/19       1/15/19       —       —       —       —       —       —       40,000 (2)      —       —       1,917,600   Paresh Patel   2/8/18   2/8/18     —     —     —     —     —     —     —   110,000 (3)    $ 40   939,400     1/15/19       1/15/19       —       —       —       —       —       —       —       110,000 (3)    $ 53       1,345,300   Mark Harmsworth   6/19/18   6/19/18     —     —     —     —     —     —   3,500 (4)      —     —   153,405     6/14/19       6/14/19       —       —       —       —       —       —       3,500 (4)      —       —       144,550   Andrew L. Graham   6/19/18   6/19/18     —     —     —     —     —     —   3,500 (4)      —     —   153,405     6/14/19       6/14/19       —       —       —       —       —       —       3,500 (4)      —       —       144,550   Anthony Saravanos   6/19/18   6/19/18     —     —     —     —     —     —   3,500 (4)      —     —   153,405     6/14/19       6/14/19       —       —       —       —       —       —       3,500 (4)      —       —       144,550   Karin Coleman   6/19/18   6/19/18     —     —     —     —     —     —   3,500 (4)      —     —   153,405     6/14/19       6/14/19       —       —       —       —       —       —       3,500 (4)      —       —       144,550   (1)  Represents the aggregate grant date fair value, calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718, of restricted stock awards granted in 2018.2019. The grant date fair value for each restricted stock award with service-only conditions such as those granted in 20182019 is based on the market value of the Company’s stock on the grant date. (2)  On February 8, 2018,January 15, 2019, Mr. Patel received a restricted stock grant of 40,000 shares. Restrictions on 10,000 will lapse on February 8January 15 of each year beginning February 8, 2019.January 15, 2020. The grantee has all the rights of a shareholder in connection with the restricted shares including the right to receive dividends at the same rate applicable to all common shareholders. (3)  On February 8, 2018,January 15, 2019, Mr. Patel received a grant of 110,000 stock options at an exercise price of $40$53 per share. Commencing on February 8, 2019January 15, 2020 and continuing on the same day of each calendar year thereafter through and including February 8, 2022,January 15, 2023, the amount of 27,500 options will vest and become exercisable on each such annual vesting date. Once vested, the options may be exercised at any time up to and including February 8, 2028.January 15, 2029. (4)  On June 19, 2018,14, 2019, the named executive officer received a restricted stock grant of 3,500 shares. Restrictions on 875 shares will lapse on May 20 of each year beginning on May 20, 2019.2020. Each grantee has all the rights of a shareholder in connection with the restricted shares including the right to receive dividends at the same rate applicable to all common shareholders.     38 HCI Group, Inc.        20192020 Proxy Statement 43 MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS   Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 20182019 The following table sets forth information regarding outstanding stock option and restricted stock awards held by our named executive officers at December 31, 2018,2019, including the number of shares underlying both exercisable and unexercisable portions of each option as well as the exercise price and expiration date of each outstanding option.   Name   Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options - Exercisable   Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options - Unexercisable   Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options   Option Exercise Price   Option Expiration Date   Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#)   Market Value of Shares of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(1)   Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#)   Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($)   Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options - Exercisable   Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options - Unexercisable   Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options   Option Exercise Price   Option Expiration Date   Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#)   Market Value of Shares of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(1)   Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#)   Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($)   Paresh Patel     —     —     —     —     —     —     —   200,000 (3)    10,162,000   55,000     55,000 (2)      —     $ 40     1/7/2027       —       —       —       —     27,500   82,500 (2)      —   $ 40   1/7/2027     —     —     —     —   27,500     82,500 (2)      —     $ 40     2/8/2028       —       —       —       —       —   110,000 (2)      —   $ 40   2/8/2028     —     —     —     —   —     110,000 (2)      —     $ 53     1/15/2029       —       —       —       —       —     —     —     —     —   30,000 (4)    1,524,300     —     —   —       —       —       —       —     20,000 (3)    913,000       —       —       —     —     —     —     —   40,000 (4)    2,032,400     —     —   —       —       —       —       —     30,000 (3)    1,369,500       —       —   Paresh Patel   —       —       —       —       —     40,000 (3)    1,826,000       —           —       —       —       —       —     10,000 (4)    456,500       —       —       —     —     —     —     —   20,000 (5)    1,016,200     —     —   —       —       —       —       —     500 (5)    22,825       —       —       —     —     —     —     —   750 (6)    38,108     —     —   —       —       —       —       —     2,625 (6)    119,831       —       —       —     —     —     —     —   3,500 (7)    177,835     —     —   —       —       —       —       —     3,500 (7)    159,775       —       —   Andrew L. Graham     —     —     —     —     —   625 (8)    31,756     —     —     —       —       —       —       —     625 (8)    28,531       —       —       —     —     —     —     —   1,250 (9)    63,513     —     —   —       —       —       —       —     1,250 (9)    57,063       —       —       —     —     —     —     —   1,875 (10)    95,269     —     —   —       —       —       —       —     2,625 (6)    119,831       —       —       —     —     —     —     —   3,500 (7)    177,835     —     —   —       —       —       —       —     3,500 (7)    159,775       —       —   Anthony Saravanos     —     —     —     —     —     —     —   12,000 (11)    609,720     —       —       —       —       —     625 (8)    28,531       —       —       —     —     —     —     —   625 (8)    31,756     —     —   —       —       —       —       —     1,250 (9)    57,063       —       —       —     —     —     —     —   1,250 (9)    63,513     —     —   —       —       —       —       —     2,625 (6)    119,831       —       —       —     —     —     —     —   1,875 (10)    95,269     —     —   —       —       —       —       —     3,500 (7)    159,775       —       —       —     —     —     —     —   3,500 (7)    177,835     —     — Karin Coleman     —     —     —     —     —   625 (8)    31,756     —     —     —       —       —       —       —     625 (8)    28,531       —       —       —     —     —     —     —   1,250 (9)    63,513     —     —   —       —       —       —       —     1,250 (9)    57,063       —       —       —     —     —     —     —   1,875 (10)    95,269     —     —   —       —       —       —       —     2,625 (6)    119,831       —       —       —     —     —     —     —   3,500 (7)    177,835     —     —   —       —       —       —       —     3,500 (7)    159,775       —       —   (1)  The market value for the shares of stock that have not yet vested was determined using the closing market price of our common stock on December 31, 2018.2019. The closing market price on December 31, 20182019 was $50.81$45.65 per share. (2)  On January 15, 2019, Mr. Patel was granted 110,000 stock options with an exercise price of $53 and an expiration date of January 15, 2029. The options will vest in equal annual installments over four years, so long as Mr. Patel remains employed by the Company. On February 8, 2018, Mr. Patel was granted 110,000 stock options with an exercise price of $53$40 and an expiration date of February 8, 2028. The options will vest in equal annual installments over four years, so long as Mr. Patel remains employed by the Company. On January 7, 2017, Mr. Patel was granted 110,000 stock options with an exercise price of $40 and an expiration date of January 7, 2027. The options will vest in equal annual installments over four years, so long as Mr. Patel remains employed by the Company. (3) On May 16, 2013, Mr. Patel received a restricted stock grant of 400,000 shares. As originally granted, restrictions on 100,000 shares were to lapse one year after the closing price of HCI common shares equaled or exceeded each of the following target prices for 20 consecutive     44 HCI Group, Inc.        20192020 Proxy Statement 39 MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS   (3)  trading days; $35, $50, $65 and $80 provided On January 15, 2019, Mr. Patel remained employed bywas granted 40,000 shares of restricted stock. Restrictions on 10,000 shares lapse on January 15 of each year following the Company. The $35 price target with respect to this grant was met on October 8, 2013. In March 2016, Mr. Patel forfeited 100,000 unvested restricted shares that would have vested one year afterof the closing price of HCI’s stock equaled or exceeded $50 for a period of 20 consecutive days. Mr. Patel has all the rights of a shareholder in connection with the restricted shares including the right to receive dividends at the same rate applicable to all common shareholders. (4) grant. On February 8, 2018, Mr. Patel was granted 40,000 shares of restricted stock. Restrictions on 10,000 shares lapse on February 8 of each year following the year of the grant. Mr. Patel has all the rights of a shareholder in connection with the restricted shares including the right to receive dividends at the same rate applicable to all common shareholders. On January 7, 2017, Mr. Patel was granted 40,000 shares of restricted stock. Restrictions on 10,000 shares lapse on January 7 of each year following the year of the grant. Mr. Patel has all the rights of a shareholder in connection with the restricted shares including the right to receive dividends at the same rate applicable to all common shareholders. (5)(4)  On December 5, 2016, Mr. Harmsworth was granted 40,000 restricted shares. Restrictions on 10,000 shares lapse on December 5 of each year beginning on December 5, 2017. The granteeMr. Harmsworth has all the rights of a shareholder in connection with the restricted shares including the right to receive dividends at the same rate applicable to all common shareholders. (5) On June 6, 2017, Mr. Harmsworth was granted 1,000 restricted shares. Restrictions on 250 shares lapse on May 20 of each year beginning on May 20, 2018. Mr. Harmsworth has all the rights of a shareholder in connection with the restricted shares including the right to receive dividends at the same rate applicable to all common shareholders. (6)  On June 6, 2017, Mr. Harmsworth was19, 2018, 3,500 restricted shares were granted 1,000 restricted shares.to the named executive officer. Restrictions on 250875 shares will lapse on May 20 of each year beginning on May 20, 2018.2019. The granteeofficer has all the rights of a shareholder in connection with the restricted shares including the right to receive dividends at the same rate applicable to all common shareholders. (7)  On June 19, 2018,14, 2019, 3,500 restricted shares were granted to the named executive officer. Restrictions on 875 shares will lapse on May 20 of each year beginning on May 20, 2019. Each grantee2020. The officer has all the rights of a shareholder in connection with the restricted shares including the right to receive dividends at the same rate applicable to all common shareholders. (8)  On May 20, 2015,June 6, 2016, 2,500 restricted shares were granted to the named executive officer. Restrictions on 625 shares lapse on May 20 of each year beginning on May 20, 2016. Each grantee2017. The officer has all the rights of a shareholder in connection with the restricted shares including the right to receive dividends at the same rate applicable to all common shareholders. (9)  On June 6, 2016, 2,500 restricted shares were granted to the named executive officer. Restrictions on 625 shares lapse on May 20 of each year beginning on May 20, 2017. Each grantee has all the rights of a shareholder in connection with the restricted shares including the right to receive dividends at the same rate applicable to all common shareholders. (10) On June 6, 2017, restricted shares were granted to the named executive officer. Restrictions on 625 shares lapse on May 20 of each year beginning on May 20, 2018. Each grantee has all the rights of a shareholder in connection with the restricted shares including the right to receive dividends at the same rate applicable to all common shareholders. (11) On May 16, 2013, Mr. Saravanos received a restricted stock grant of 24,000 shares. As originally granted, restrictions on 6,000 shares were to lapse one year after the closing price of HCI common shares equaled or exceeded each of the following target prices for 20 consecutive trading days, $35, $50, $65 and $80, provided Mr. Saravanos remains employed by the Company. The $35 price target with respect to this grant was met on October 8, 2013. In March 2016, Mr. Saravanos forfeited 6,000 unvested restricted shares that would have vested one year after the closing price of HCI’s stock equaled or exceeded $50 for a period of 20 consecutive days. The granteeofficer has all the rights of a shareholder in connection with the restricted shares including the right to receive dividends at the same rate applicable to all common shareholders. Option Exercises and Stock Vested in 20182019 The following table sets forth information regarding option exercises and stock vested by our named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2018.2019.      Option Awards    Stock Awards    Option Awards      Stock Awards   Name    Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#)    Value Realized on Exercise ($)    Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#)   Value Realized on     Vesting ($)    Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#)      Value Realized on Exercise ($)      Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#)   Value Realized on     Vesting ($)   Paresh Patel        —        —      10,000   343,300          —        —        20,000       973,000       Mark Harmsworth        —        —      10,250 (1)    544,478          —        —        11,125 (1)      500,926       Andrew L. Graham        —        —      2,500 (2)    100,906          —        —        2,750 (2)      112,998       Anthony Saravanos        —        —      2,500 (3)    100,906          —        —        2,750 (3)      112,998       Karin Coleman        —        —      2,500 (4)    100,906          —        —        2,750 (4)      112,998       (1)  3,9964,199 of these shares were surrendered to cover Mr. Harmsworth’s minimum federal income tax liability, for a net issuance of 6,2546,926 shares. The market value of the shares surrendered was approximately $212,671.$189,772. (2)  681689 of these shares were surrendered to cover Mr. Graham’s minimum federal income tax liability, for a net issuance of 1,8192,061 shares. The market value of the shares surrendered was approximately $27,216.$28,311. (3)  704710 of these shares were surrendered to cover Mr. Saravanos’ minimum federal income tax liability, for a net issuance of 1,7962,040 shares. The market value of the shares surrendered was approximately $28,189.$29,174. (4)  702708 of these shares were surrendered to cover Ms. Coleman’s minimum federal income tax liability, for a net issuance of 1,7982,042 shares. The market value of the shares surrendered was approximately $28,105. HCI Group, Inc.2019 Proxy Statement 45 MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Principal Shareholders The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of April 11, 2019 by: Each person who is known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding common stock Each of our directors and named executive officers All directors and named executive officers as a group The number and percentage of shares beneficially owned are based on 8,529,868 common shares outstanding as of April 11, 2019. Information with respect to beneficial ownership has been furnished by each director, officer or beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which generally require that the individual have voting or investment power with respect to the shares. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by an individual listed below and the percentage ownership of that individual, shares underlying options, warrants and convertible securities held by each individual that are exercisable or convertible within 60 days of April 11, 2019, are deemed owned and outstanding, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other individual. Except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table, or as required by applicable community property laws, all individuals listed have sole voting and investment power for all shares shown as beneficially owned by them. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes, the address for each principal shareholder is HCI Group, Inc., 5300 West Cypress Street, Suite 100, Tampa, Florida 33607.   Beneficially owned Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Number of Shares Percent Blackrock, Inc.(1)   1,146,867   13.45 %  Dimensional Fund Advisors LP(2)   746,930   8.76 %  The Vanguard Group, Inc.(3)   479,333   5.62 %  LSV Asset Management(4)   502,552   5.89 %  Executive Officers and Directors Paresh Patel(5)   1,057,500   12.28 %  Mark Harmsworth(6)   38,269   *  George Apostolou(7)   117,880   1.38 %  Wayne Burks(9)   12,100   *  Andrew L. Graham(8)   33,976   *  James Macchiarola(9)   19,500   *  Jay Madhu(10)   98,176   1.15 %  Harish M. Patel(11)   113,295   1.33 %  Gregory Politis(12)   414,000   4.85 %  Anthony Saravanos(13)   141,183   1.66 %  Karin Coleman(14)   20,940   *  Susan Watts   240   *  Loreen Spencer   0   *  All Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (13 individuals)   2,067,059   24.12 %  * Less than 1.0%. (1) This information is based on Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2019 by Blackrock, Inc., 55 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10055. (2) This information is based on Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 8, 2019 by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, Building One, 6300 Bee Cave Road, Austin, Texas 78746.$29,092.     4640           HCI Group, Inc.        20192020 Proxy Statement MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS   (3) This information is based on Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 11, 2019 by The Vanguard Group, Inc., 100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355. (4) This information is based on Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2019 by LSV Asset Management, 155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4600, Chicago, IL 60606. (5) Includes 447,000 shares held by Paresh & Neha Patel; 35,000 shares held in Mr. Patel’s individual retirement account; 82,500 shares issuable pursuant to options that are currently exercisable or become exercisable within 60 days; and 290,000 restricted shares. Excludes 247,500 shares issuable pursuant to options that are not currently exercisable or become exercisable within 60 days. (6) Includes 24,250 restricted shares. (7) Includes 99,880 shares held by George & Poppe Apostolou and 12,000 restricted shares. (8) Includes 2,875 shares held in Mr. Graham’s individual retirement account and 7,250 restricted shares. Of total shares held, 19,264 are pledged as security. (9) Includes 12,000 restricted shares. (10) Includes 75,000 shares held by Universal Finance & Investments, LLC, voting and investment power over which is held by Mr. Madhu; 2,803 shares held in Mr. Madhu’s individual retirement account; 12,000 restricted shares; and 267 shares held by Mr. Madhu’s son. (11) Includes 81,295 shares held by Harish and Khyati Patel; 20,000 shares issuable pursuant to options that are currently exercisable or become exercisable within 60 days; and 12,000 restricted shares. Of total shares held, 74,080 are pledged as security. (12) Includes 200,000 shares held by Gregory & Rena Politis and 12,000 restricted shares. Of total shares held, 196,000 are pledged as security. (13) Includes 80,000 shares held by HC Investment LLC, voting and investment power over which is held by Mr. Saravanos; 1,200 shares held by Anthony & Maria Saravanos as custodian for their son, Kostos Anthony Saravanos; 1,200 shares held by Mr. Saravanos as custodian for his niece, Elliana Tuite; 1,200 shares held by Mr. Saravanos as custodian for his nephew, Nolan Tuite; and 19,250 restricted shares. (14) Includes 7,250 restricted shares. Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance Based solely upon a review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed for the year 2018, we believe all our directors, officers and beneficial owners complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them except for George Apostolou, who filed one Form 4 reporting one transaction seven days after the applicable due date and Harish Patel, who filed one Form 4 reporting one transaction two days after the applicable due date. Compensation Policies Related to Risk Management The Board of Directors has considered risks associated with the Company’s compensation policies and practices and identified no compensation policies or practices that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. CEO Pay Ratio In accordance with Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 402(u) of RegulationS-K, we are providing the following information about the ratio of the total annual compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, Paresh Patel, to the total annual compensation of our median employee. As permitted by Item 402(u), we are using the same median employee that we identified in our Proxy Statement for our 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. We believe that there have been no changes in our employee population or employee compensation arrangements that would significantly impact the pay ratio. For 2018,2019, our last completed fiscal year:   The median employee total annual compensation (excluding our Chief Executive Officer) was $41,017   Our Chief Executive Officer’s total annual compensation as reported in our 20182019 Summary Compensation Table was $4,262,719$6,076,669   The ratio of Chief Executive Officer to median employee total annual compensation was 104148 to 1 In determining the median employee, we prepared a list of employees as of December 31, 2017 which consisted of a total of 412 employees with 325 located in the United States and 87 (21%) located in India. We then identified our median employee based on total annual compensation calculated with the same methodology used for our named executive officers as set forth in our Summary Compensation Table. The components used to determine total annual compensation were annualized for those employees who were not employed for the full year of 2017. We did not adjust for the difference in cost of living between India and the Tampa Bay area. To resolve the issue of selecting a median from an even number of data points, we selected the employee whose salary would yield a higher pay ratio. The median employee is based in the United States. HCI Group, Inc.2019 Proxy Statement 47 MATTER NO. 3 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS We have elected to disclose a supplemental ratio that includes the value of health care benefits paid by the Company. Because these benefits are provided on a broad,non-discretionary basis, the value is not required to be reported in the 2018 Summary Compensation Table. However, if we include the value of these benefits, the total annual compensation of our median employee would increase by $6,577 and the total annual compensation of our CEO would increase by $6,577, resulting in a ratio of our CEO’s annual total compensation to the annual total compensation of our median employee of 90128 to 1. We believe that the pay ratio presented above is a reasonable estimate. Because the Securities and Exchange Commission rules for identifying the median employee and calculating the pay ratio allow companies to use different methodologies, exemptions, estimates and assumptions, this pay ratio may not be comparable to the pay ratio reported by other companies.     HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement 4841 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE We are committed to maintaining a high standard of corporate governance as an essential means of strengthening shareholder value. Accordingly, HCI has adopted the following policies and programs to promote effective corporate governance: We have a strong Lead Independent Director position with a publicly available charter A majority of our directors are independent We prohibit derivative trading or hedging of our securities by our employees, officers, and Board members We have no poison pill Our Code of Conduct ensures the conduct of employees, officers and directors remains in compliance with laws, regulations and ethical principles Our Chief Executive Officer is required to hold shares equaling three times his or her base salary within five years of becoming Chief Executive Officer Within five years of joining the Board, each new director is expected to own at least $200,000 of our common stock We established a Board Observer Program to prepare individuals to serve on public company boards, particularly individuals from under-represented communities, and broaden our pool of available Board candidates. In 2019, we appointed two new directors, both of whom are women and participated in the Board Observer Program. Board of Directors HCI Group, Inc. conducts business through its officers and other employees under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer and with the oversight of the Board of Directors to enhance the long-term value of the Company for its shareholders. The members of Board of Directors are periodically elected by the shareholders to oversee management and to ensure that the long-term interests of the Company and its shareholders are being served. Each director is expected to perform as a director in good faith with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances and in a manner the director reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the Company. Board of Directors Leadership Structure In our current Board leadership structure, Paresh Patel serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Patel’s role includes providing ongoing feedback on the direction and performance of the Company, serving as Chairman of regular meetings of the Board of Directors, setting the agenda of Board meetings and leading the Board of Directors in anticipating and responding to changes in our business. Mr. Patel also plays a significant role in formulating and executing the Company’s strategic plans, technology efforts and investment decisions. We believe Board oversight and planning is a collaborative effort among the directors, each of whom has unique skills, experience and education, and this structure facilitates collaboration and communication among the directors and management and makes best use of their respective skills. The Board of Directors has established a Lead Independent Director position and adopted a Lead Independent Director Charter. The Lead Independent Director serves pursuant to that charter, which provides for the annual election of the Lead Independent Director by the independent directors. Our current Lead Independent Director is Gregory Politis. He was elected to that position in 2017 andre-elected in April of each year thereafter. The Board of Directors believes having a Lead Independent Director enhances management accountability to the Board of Directors. Under the Lead Independent Director Charter, the Lead Independent Director has the following responsibilities: To preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors at which the Chairman of the Board is not present, including executive sessions of the independent directors To call meetings of the independent directors To serve as the principal liaison between the Chairman of the Board and the independent directors, including providing the Chairman feedback after Board meetings To be available, when appropriate, for consultation and direct communication with shareholders 42           HCI Group, Inc.        20192020 Proxy Statement MATTER NO. 4 APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE FREQUENCY OF HOLDING AN ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATIONCORPORATE GOVERNANCE Under Section 14A To lead the independent directors’ evaluation of the Chief Executive Officer’s effectiveness as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer The Lead Independent Director also functions as a channel of communication between the Board and the Company’s shareholders and may be reached as described under Communicating with the Board of Directors on page 8. The Board of Directors continually reviews the effectiveness of this leadership structure to evaluate whether it remains appropriate for the Company and may determine to alter the structure at any time. A current copy of the Lead Independent Director Charter is available on our website:www.hcigroup.com. Select “Investor Information” and then “Corporate Governance.” Board Meetings The Board of Directors typically meets monthly, except in August, with additional meetings as necessary to review and discuss the performance of the Company, its plans and prospects and any immediate issues it faces. In 2019, 10 Board meetings were held. Each director attended at least 75% of the Board and applicable committee meetings. Directors are expected to attend all Board meetings with only occasional absences and to prepare by reading any materials presented to them in advance of the meetings. Directors are expected to participate fully in the activities of any Board committee to which they may be elected and likewise to attend and prepare for all committee meetings. In addition to its general oversight of management, the Board of Directors performs a number of specific functions, including: (a) Selecting, evaluating and compensating the Chief Executive Officer and overseeing Chief Executive Officer succession planning (b) Providing counsel and oversight on the selection, evaluation, development and compensation of senior management (c) Reviewing, monitoring, providing counsel and, where appropriate, approving fundamental financial and business strategies and major corporate actions (d) Assessing major risks facing the Company and reviewing options for their mitigation (e) Ensuring processes are in place for maintaining the integrity of the Company with respect to its financial statements; compliance with law and ethics; relationships with customers, vendors and agents; and relationships with other interested parties Independent directors and othernon-management directors meet and communicate regularly without management participation.Non-management directors include directors who are not executive officers of the Company or otherwise employed by the Company but are not considered to be independent by virtue of a material relationship, former status, family membership or any other reason. The Lead Independent Director presides at meetings of independent directors. Committees of the Board of Directors The Board of Directors previously established three committees to assist the Board in performing its functions: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Governance and Nominating Committee. In addition, in March 2020 the Board established a new committee, the Sustainability Committee. The current charters of these committees are published on the Company’s website,www.hcigroup.com, and are mailed to shareholders on written request. The members and the chairmen of the Board committees are elected annually by the Board of Directors. Audit Committee The Company has a separately designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, we are required every six years to have an advisory shareholder vote on1934. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include the frequency of having the advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers (as described at Matter 3). The shareholders last voted on this frequency matter in 2013. Our Board of Directors has determined that the advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers should and will be held every year. We are requesting that shareholders vote on this frequency. Specifically, we are asking shareholders to vote on whether the advisory vote on executive compensation should occur every year, every two years or every three years.following: The Company’s Board of Directors believes that a frequency of “every year” for the advisory vote on executive compensation is the appropriate choice for conducting and having shareholders vote on this matter. Shareholders are being asked to vote on the following resolution: RESOLVED, that the shareholders of the Company approve, on an advisory basis, the frequency with which the shareholders of the Company will vote on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers as disclosed in the Company’s Proxy Statement by selecting one of the following choices: “FOR” every year; “FOR” every two years; “FOR” every three years; or “ABSTAIN” from voting. While this advisory vote on the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation of our named executive officers is not binding on the Company, the Compensation Committee andAssisting our Board of Directors valuein its oversight of the opinionsquality and integrity of our shareholdersaccounting, auditing and will consider the vote outcome when determining the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation.reporting practices THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE OPTION OF EVERY YEAR AS THE FREQUENCY WITH WHICH SHAREHOLDERS WILL VOTE ON THE COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANY’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS — ITEM 4 ON YOUR PROXY CARD.     HCI Group, Inc.        2020 Proxy Statement 43 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Overseeing the work of our internal accounting and auditing processes Discussing with management our processes to manage business and financial risk Making appointment, compensation and retention decisions regarding the independent registered public accounting firm engaged by the Company, and overseeing their efforts to prepare or issue audit reports on our financial statements Establishing and reviewing the adequacy of procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by our Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, as well as addressing confidential, anonymous submissions of concern by employees regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters Reviewing and discussing with management and the independent registered public accounting firm our annual and quarterly financial statements and related disclosures The Audit Committee comprises three members: Wayne Burks, Chair, Loreen Spencer and Harish M. Patel. Since our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, we are governed by its listing standards. Accordingly, each member of the Audit Committee meets the independence tests set forth in Section 303A.02 of the New York Stock Exchange Listing Manual and the criteria for independence set forth inRule 10A-3(b)(1) of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Burks and Ms. Spencer qualify as Audit Committee financial experts. The Audit Committee met formally four times during 2019 and otherwise acted by unanimous written consent. The Board of Directors has adopted a written Audit Committee Charter. A current copy of the charter is available on our websitewww.hcigroup.com. Click “Investor Information” and then “Corporate Governance.” Compensation Committee The Compensation Committee’s responsibilities include the following: Reviewing and approving the compensation programs applicable to our executive officers Recommending to the Board of Directors the executive compensation programs and periodically reviewing administration policies for the programs Reviewing and approving the corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the executive officers; evaluating the performance of the executive officers in light of those goals, objectives and strategies; and setting the compensation level of the executive officers based on this evaluation Reviewing on a periodic basis the operation of our executive compensation programs to determine whether they are properly coordinated and achieving their intended purposes Administering and making awards under the Company’s 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan, and monitoring and supervising the administration of any other benefit plans the Company may have Reviewing and approving compensation of outside directors The Compensation Committee has the authority to determine the compensation of the named executive officers and thenon-employee directors and to make equity awards under the Company’s 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan. At least annually the Compensation Committee considers the results of the Company’s operations and its financial position and makes compensation determinations. The Compensation Committee currently comprises three directors: James Macchiarola, Chair, Loreen Spencer and Harish M. Patel, each of whom meets the independence tests set forth in Section 303A.02 of the New York Stock Exchange Listing Manual. The Compensation Committee met formally four times during 2019 and otherwise acted by unanimous written consent. The Board of Directors has adopted a formal Compensation Committee Charter. A current copy of the charter is available on our website,www.hcigroup.com. Click “Investor Information” and then “Corporate Governance.” The Compensation Committee is committed to apay-for-performance focus and open communications with shareholders. 44 HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Governance and Nominating Committee The functions of the Governance and Nominating Committee include the following: Establishing criteria for selection of potential directors, taking into account all factors it considers appropriate Identifying and selecting individuals believed to be qualified as candidates to serve on the Board and recommending candidates to the Board to stand for election as directors at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders or, if applicable, at a special meeting of the shareholders Recommending members of the Board to serve on the committees of the Board Advancing the Board’s commitment to diversity by identifying outstanding individuals from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds for consideration as possible board members Evaluating and ensuring the independence of each member of a Board committee that is required to be composed of independent directors Developing and recommending to the Board a set of corporate governance principles appropriate for our Company and consistent with the applicable laws, regulations and listing requirements Developing and recommending to the Board a Code of Conduct for our Company’s directors, officers and employees Ensuring that the Company makes all appropriate disclosures regarding the process for nominating candidates for election to the Board, including any process for shareholder nominations, the criteria established by the committee in evaluating candidates for nomination for election to the Board, and any other disclosures required by applicable laws, regulations or listing standards Reporting regularly to the Board regarding meetings of the Committee, other matters relevant to the Committee’s discharge of its responsibilities, and recommendations as the Committee may deem appropriate The Governance and Nominating Committee currently comprises three members: Sue Watts, Chair, James Macchiarola and George Apostolou, each of whom meets the independence tests set forth in Section 303A.02 of the New York Stock Exchange Listing Manual. The Governance and Nominating Committee held two meetings in 2019. The Board of Directors has adopted a written Governance and Nominating Committee Charter. A current copy of the charter is available on our website atwww.hcigroup.com. Click “Investor Information” and then “Corporate Governance.” Each of the proposed director nominees was recommended by the Governance and Nominating Committee to the Board of Directors. The Governance and Nominating Committee identifies director candidates in numerous ways. Generally, the candidates are known to and recommended by members of the Board of Directors or management. In evaluating director candidates, the Governance and Nominating Committee considers a variety of attributes, criteria and factors, including experience, skills, expertise, diversity, personal and professional integrity, character, temperament, business judgment, time availability, dedication and conflicts of interest. At a minimum, director candidates must be at least 18 years of age and have such business, financial, technological or legal experience or education to enable them to make informed decisions on behalf of the Company. The Governance and Nominating Committee has not adopted a specific policy on diversity. However, in practice it has identified and recommended individuals of diverse ethnic, cultural and business backgrounds. The Governance and Nominating Committee will consider director candidates recommended by shareholders. Any shareholder wishing to recommend one or more director candidates should send the recommendations before November 1 of the year preceding the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders to the Secretary of the Corporation, Andrew L. Graham, 5300 West Cypress Street, Suite 100, Tampa, Florida 33607. Each recommendation should set forth the candidate’s name, age, business address, business telephone number, residence address, and principal occupation or employment and any other attributes or factors the shareholder wishes the Committee to consider, as well as the shareholder’s name, address and telephone number and the class and number of shares held. The HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement 45 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Committee may require the recommended candidate to furnish additional information. The secretary will forward recommendations of qualified candidates to the Governance and Nominating Committee, and those candidates will be given the same consideration as all other candidates. A shareholder wishing to nominate an individual for election to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders rather than recommend a candidate to the Governance and Nominating Committee must comply with the advance notice requirements set forth in our bylaws. See Shareholder Proposals for Presentation at the 2020 Annual Meeting on page 51 for further information. Sustainability Committee In March 2020, the Board created a Sustainability Committee to provide a greater focus and structure to carry out its oversight responsibilities on matters relating to environmental and social issues. The functions of the Sustainability Committee include the following: Providing oversight and guidance with respect to material environmental, social and other sustainability matters involving the Company Receiving updates from management regarding the Company’s environmental, social and other sustainability activities Reporting regularly to the Board regarding meetings of the Committee, other matters relevant to the Committee’s discharge of its responsibilities, and recommendations as the Committee may deem appropriate Conducting or authorizing studies and investigations into any matter of interest or concern with respect to material environmental, social and other sustainability matters involving the Company The Sustainability Committee is composed of two members: Jay Madhu, Chair, and Anthony Saravanos. In the coming year the Committee expects to provide advice to management regarding the Company’s efforts to continue to improve the environmental performance of its owned real estate and to mitigate its risk exposure to climate change. The Company mitigates its climate risk by offering insurance policies with only aone-year duration and securing reinsurance. We support the recommendations developed by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). As a leading property and casualty insurer, we believe we are well positioned to monitor industry developments and develop best practices in this area that will contribute to the effective management and reporting of climate-related risks and opportunities. The Board recognizes that many shareholders are keenly interested in sustainability issues and the Company’s policies and actions. We are committed to providing regular updates to our shareholders on these matters. Oversight of Environmental and Social Matters HCI Group, Inc. is committed to operating with integrity, contributing to our community, promoting diversity in our Board and our workforce, and managing the environmental risks to the Company. In addition, we take proactive steps to secure our data and safeguard our customers’ data. We believe ESG oversight begins at the top. In March 2020, our Board of Directors established the Sustainability Committee, which is tasked with providing oversight and guidance with respect to material environmental, social and other sustainability matters. Management subsequently ensures implementation of ESG policies at all levels of the Company and regularly reports to the Committee regarding the status of ESG initiatives. Our integrated approach ensures that we achieve our ESG goals. Additionally, this year we formally adopted Company-wide Environmental and Human Rights Policies. 46 HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement CORPORATE GOVERNANCE In addition to the foregoing high level ESG developments, the following is a summary of our environmental and social policies and activities. Environmental The most material environmental risk to the Company is that of extreme weather. Notably, climate change may cause an increase in the number and intensity of extreme weather events that may affect our profitability. We work to mitigate this risk by offering insurance policies with only aone-year duration and securing reinsurance from other insurance companies that indemnify us against losses we might incur as the result of catastrophic events impacting our policyholders. Social Community Contribution We believe in enriching our community through charitable work, including volunteer opportunities for our management and employees. The HCI Group Foundation contributes to charitable causes throughout our community, and our employees participate in dozens of local charities. Some examples include Paint Your Heart Out Tampa, Hope Children’s Home, Metropolitan Ministries of Tampa, One Blood Florida Blood Services, Habitat for Humanity and the Clearwater Jazz Foundation. Another charitable initiative encourages our partner agents to recommend their favorite causes, and the Foundation makes a contribution on their behalf. Charities like K9s for Warriors, Turkeys Take Flight and The Special Olympics benefit from this initiative and bring HCI and our partner agents closer to the communities we serve. Work Environment We adhere to a harassment prevention policy which details how to report and respond to harassment issues and prohibits any form of retaliation. This includes mandatory harassment prevention training for all employees. We are committed to paying a living wage to all of our full-time employees. We offer competitive benefits to our employees including options for health coverage and short-term and long-term disability insurance at no cost to the employee. We also award restricted stock to employees to align their interests with shareholder interests. Additionally, ourBravo program allows employees to earn paid time off as well as cash bonuses for engaging in charitable causes, continued education and professional development activities. Diversity We value a diverse and inclusive work environment. Our workforce comprises men and women of many races, religions, and national origins, and we forbid any form of discrimination based upon these factors. HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement 47 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Our Board is highly diverse in terms of gender, ethnicity, culture, education and business backgrounds, and our U.S.-based workforce is 55% female and approximately 30%non-white. The graphics below do not account for our international workforce, which consists of 107 employees located in Noida, India. Access to Independent Advisors The Board and its committees have the authority at any time to retain outside accounting, financial, compensation, recruiting, legal or other advisors. The Company will provide appropriate funding, as determined by the Board or any committee, to compensate such independent outside advisors, as well as to cover the ordinary administrative expenses incurred by the Board and its committees in carrying out their duties. Director Attendance at Annual Meeting of Shareholders Board members are encouraged but not required to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. All ten of our directors sitting forre-election or continuing in office attended the 2019 Annual Meeting. Board of Directors Role in Risk Oversight The Board of Directors plays a significant role in monitoring risks to the Company and directly reviews matters involving major risks. For example, the Board annually reviews the level and design of our reinsurance programs. Reinsurance is insurance we buy from other insurance companies to cover hurricanes and other catastrophes. The Board of Directors also typically approves strategic initiatives and large or unusual investments or expenditures of the Company’s resources. Our Board of Directors oversees our cybersecurity efforts and receives ongoing reports on those efforts from management. We maintain policies designed to safeguard our data and the data of our customers. We have adopted a Cyber Incident Response Plan and engage in penetration testing, internal and external audits of our cybersecurity controls, and simulated cyberattack scenarios to gauge our preparedness for these situations. We also provide mandatory cybersecurity training for all employees. We carry Cyber Insurance which includes access to a Cyber Incident Response team in the case of a cyber event. The Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Governance and Nominating Committee were established by the Board to assist in ensuring that material risks are identified and managed appropriately. The Board and its committees regularly review material operational, financial, compensation and compliance risks with executive management. The Audit Committee is responsible for assisting the Board of Directors in its oversight of the quality and integrity of our accounting, auditing and reporting practices, and discussing with management our processes to manage business and financial risk. The Compensation Committee considers risk in connection with its design of our 48 HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement CORPORATE GOVERNANCE compensation programs for our executives. The Governance and Nominating Committee regularly reviews the Company’s corporate governance structure and Board committee assignments. Each committee regularly reports to the full Board of Directors. Communicating with the Board of Directors We have established procedures by which shareholders may communicate with members of the Board of Directors, individually or as a group. Shareholders wishing to communicate with the Board of Directors or a specific member of the Board may send written communications addressed to: Board of Directors, HCI Group, Inc., c/o Andrew L. Graham, Secretary of the Corporation, 5300 West Cypress Street, Suite 100, Tampa, Florida 33607. The mailing envelope should clearly specify the intended recipient or recipients, which may be the Board of Directors as a group or an individual member of the Board. The communication should include the shareholder’s name and the number of shares owned. Communications that are not racially, ethically or religiously offensive, commercial, pornographic, obscene, vulgar, profane, defamatory, abusive, harassing, threatening, malicious, false or frivolous in nature will be promptly forwarded to the specified members of the Board of Directors. We have also established procedures by which all interested parties (not just shareholders) may communicate directly with ournon-management or independent directors as a group. Any interested party wishing to communicate with ournon-management or independent directors as a group may send written communications addressed to: Board of Directors, HCI Group, Inc., c/o Andrew L. Graham, Secretary of the Corporation, 5300 West Cypress Street, Suite 100, Tampa, Florida 33607. The mailing envelope should clearly specify the intended recipients, which may be thenon-management directors or the independent directors as a group. The Secretary will promptly forward the envelope for distribution to the intended recipients. Board Observer Program In 2018, we established a Board Observer Program to train selected individuals in public company board operations, governance and law, among other things, and prepare them to serve on public company boards. The program also provides for us a means to identify exceptionally well qualified candidates for our Board. In considering program participants, we emphasize segments of the population that may be underrepresented on public company boards. With limited exceptions, participants receive all board materials and are invited to attend and participate in all board meetings, although they do not have voting privileges. The initial participants were Loreen Spencer and Sue Watts, both of whom were appointed to our Board of Directors. (See their biographies on page 12.) For the 2019-2020 year, the program includes one male and one female observer. Director Education We engage in ongoing efforts to educate our directors on matters important to their service as directors. Our General Counsel advises each new director on fiduciary duties and securities-reporting requirements. When a director is appointed to a new committee of the Board, the General Counsel advises the committee on the role of that particular committee under law, rules and the committee’s charter. Annual Evaluations The Board of Directors conducts an annual evaluation to determine if the Board and its committees are functioning effectively. Likewise, each Board committee conducts an annual self-evaluation to determine if it is functioning effectively. Director Share Ownership Policy We have a director share ownership policy that generally requires new directors to acquire $200,000 of the Company’s shares within five years of their initial election to the Board of Directors and then hold those shares until retirement from the Board. HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement           49 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CEO Share Ownership Policy We believe ownership requirements align the interests of management and shareholders and promote a long-term focus. Under our CEO share ownership policy, the Chief Executive Officer is required to hold shares equal in value to three times his or her base salary. Ownership arrangements counted toward meeting the requirement include shares owned by the Chief Executive Officer outright, shares owned jointly (or by the entireties) with the Chief Executive Officer’s spouse, restricted shares issued to the Chief Executive Officer by the company and shares held for the Chief Executive Officer in company-sponsored plans. The Chief Executive Officer will have five years from the date of becoming Chief Executive Officer to meet the applicable ownership requirement. Mr. Patel currently meets this requirement and has never sold any of his shares. Transactions with Related Persons First Home Bank During the first quarter of 2018, the Company purchasedsix-month certificates of deposit totaling approximately $15 million from First Home Bank in Seminole, Florida. Our directors, Anthony Saravanos and George Apostolou, are also directors of First Home Bank and its holding company. The deposits earned interest at the bank’s customary rates, which were competitive with other banks in the region. In May 2018, the Company moved the funds from the certificate of deposit accounts to a money market account. The Company has withdrawn this balance, and at December 31, 2019, the Company had no deposits with First Home Bank. Policies for Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons Our policy for approval or ratification of transactions with related persons is for those transactions to be reviewed and approved by a majority of disinterested directors. That policy is set forth in both our Code of Conduct (See Code of Ethics below) and our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which can be found atwww.hcigroup.com. Select “Investor Information,” “Corporate Governance,” and then “Corporate Governance Guidelines.” The policy provides no standards for approval. Directors apply individual judgment and discretion in deciding such matters. Adverse Interests We are not aware of any material proceedings in which an executive officer or director is a party adverse to the Company or has a material interest adverse to the Company. Anti-Hedging Policy To ensure the interests of our employees, officers and directors are aligned with the long-term interests of our shareholders, the Company has an anti-hedging policy that prohibits employees, officers and directors from directly or indirectly engaging in hedging transactions related to HCI’s securities. This includes the use of financial instruments such as exchange funds, prepaid variable forwards, equity swaps, puts, calls, collars, forwards and other derivative instruments, as well as the establishment of a short position in the Company’s securities. Code of Ethics We have adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to all employees and directors, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The Code of Ethics is available on our website atwww.hcigroup.com. Select “Investor Information” at the top, then select “Corporate Governance” and then “Code of Conduct.” We intend to disclose any change to or waiver from our Code of Ethics by posting such change or waiver to our website in the same section described above. 50 HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Corporate Governance Guidelines To promote effective governance of the Company, we have adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines. A current copy of our Corporate Governance Guidelines is available on our website:www.hcigroup.com. Select “Investor Information” at the top, then select “Corporate Governance” and then “Corporate Governance Guidelines.” Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance Based solely upon a review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed for the year 2019, we believe all our directors, officers and beneficial owners complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them. Compensation Policies Related to Risk Management The Board of Directors has considered risks associated with the Company’s compensation policies and practices and identified no compensation policies or practices that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. APPENDIX A: Questions and Answers About theShareholder Proposals for Presentation at Next Year’s Annual Meeting Shareholder proposals intended to be considered for inclusion in next year’s Proxy Statement and form of proxy for presentation at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must comply with Securities and Exchange Commission Rule14a-8. The deadline for submitting such proposals is December 31, 2020 (120 days before the date of this year’s mailing date without regard to the year), unless the date of the 2021 Annual Meeting is more than 30 days before or after theone-year anniversary date of the 2020 Annual Meeting, in which case proposals must be submitted a reasonable time before we print our proxy materials for the 2021 Annual Meeting. Shareholders wishing to submit proposals for the 2021 Annual Meeting outside the process of Securities and Exchange Commission Rule14a-8 must comply with the advance notice and other provisions of Article II, Section 11 of our bylaws. To be timely, notice of the proposal must be received by the Company by March 16, 2021, unless the date of the 2021 Annual Meeting is more than 30 days before or after theone-year anniversary date of the 2020 Annual Meeting, in which case the notice must be delivered at least 45 days before the Company sends its proxy materials to shareholders for the 2021 Annual Meeting. Address proposals to HCI Group, Inc., Attention: Andrew L. Graham, Secretary of the Corporation, 5300 West Cypress Street, Suite 100, Tampa, Florida 33607. The specific requirements for submitting shareholder proposals are set forth in Article II, Section 11 of our bylaws. HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement 51 ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING When and where is the meeting? Time 3 p.m. Eastern Time Date Thursday, June 4, 2020 Place     HCI Corporate Headquarters, Cypress Commons 5300 West Cypress Street, Suite 105 Tampa, Florida 33607 What is the purpose of the meeting? The principal purposes of the Annual Meeting are to elect three directors to the Company’s Board of Directors; ratify the appointment of Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2019;2020; and approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers; and approve, on an advisory basis, the frequency of holding an advisory vote on executive compensation.officers. In addition, our management will report on our performance during 2018,2019, discuss challenges ahead and respond to questions from shareholders. However, coronavirus concerns may hinder the ability of officers to interact with shareholders. When were these materials mailed? We began mailing this Proxy Statement on or about April 30, 2019.29, 2020. Who is entitled to vote?vote at the meeting? Shareholders of record at the close of business on the record date, April 11, 2019,14, 2020, are entitled to vote in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting. In general, shareholders are entitled to one vote per common share on each matter voted upon. In an election for directors, however, shareholders are entitled to vote the number of shares they own for as many director candidates as there are directors to be elected. The Board of Directors has determined that the Board of Directors should include three Class BC directorships. Accordingly, since three directors are to be elected at this Annual Meeting, in electing directors, each share held will entitle the shareholder to three votes, one per director. Shareholders may not cumulate their votes. As of April 11, 2019,14, 2020, there were 8,529,868 common shares outstanding.outstanding on the record date of 7,906,635. What constitutes a quorum? The presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the shares outstanding will constitute a quorum, permitting us to conduct the business of the meeting. Proxies received but marked as “WITHHOLD AUTHORITY” and brokernon-votes will be included in the calculation of the number of shares considered to be present at the Annual Meeting but will not be counted for any other purpose. A brokernon-vote occurs when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power for that particular proposal and has not received instructions as to that proposal from the beneficial owner. What is the difference between a shareholder of record and a beneficial owner? If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, then you are a “shareholder of record.” This Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement has been provided directly to you by HCI Group, Inc. You may vote by ballot at the meeting or vote by proxy. To vote by proxy, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card or follow the instructions on the proxy card for voting by telephone or internet. Alternatively, you may provide your own proxy to anyone to represent you and vote on your behalf at the meeting. If your shares are held for you in a brokerage, bank, or other institutional account (that is, held in “street name”), then you are not a shareholder of record. Rather, the institution is the shareholder of record and you are the “beneficial owner” of the shares. The accompanying Notice of Meeting and this Proxy Statement have been forwarded to you by that institution. If you complete and properly sign the accompanying proxy card and return it in the enclosed envelope or follow the 52 HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING instructions on the proxy card for voting by telephone or internet, the institution will cause your shares to be voted in accordance with your instructions. If you are a beneficial owner of shares and wish to vote in person at the Annual Meeting, then you must obtain a proxy, executed in your favor, from the shareholder of record (the institution). How do I vote?   HCI Group, Inc.2019 Proxy StatementBy Internet    A-1By Phone By Mail In Person www.proxyvote.com Call the phone number listed on your proxy card Follow the instructions on your proxy card Vote by ballot at our Annual Meeting APPENDIX A: Questions and Answers About the Annual Meeting How do I vote? By Ballot at the Meeting. If you are a shareholder of record and attend the Annual Meeting, you may vote in person by ballot at the Annual Meeting. To vote by ballot, you must register and confirm your shareholder status at the meeting. If the shareholder of record is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which you are an officer or other authorized person, then you should bring evidence of your authority to vote the shares on behalf of the entity. If your shares are held for you in a brokerage, bank, or other institutional account (that is, in “street name”), you must obtain a proxy, executed in your favor, from that institution (the shareholder of record) to vote your beneficially-owned shares by ballot at the Annual Meeting. In the election of directors (Matter No. 1), each share held by a shareholder of record will be entitled to three votes, one for each director to be elected. Your option with respect to each director will be to vote “FOR” the director or to abstain from voting. In the vote to ratify the appointment of Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 20192020 (Matter No. 2), each share held by a shareholder of record will be entitled to one vote. Your options will be to vote “FOR” or “AGAINST” or to “ABSTAIN.” With respect to the advisory vote related to the compensation of our named executive officers (Matter No. 3), each share held by a shareholder of record will be entitled to one vote. Your options will be to vote “FOR” or “AGAINST” or to “ABSTAIN.” With respect to the advisory vote related to the frequency of holding an advisory vote on executive compensation (Matter No. 4), each share held by a shareholder of record will be entitled to one vote. Your options will be to vote “FOR” every year, “FOR” every two years, “FOR” every three years, or “ABSTAIN” from voting. By Proxy. If you complete, sign, and return the accompanying proxy card or follow the instructions on the proxy card for voting by telephone or internet, then your shares will be voted as you direct. In the election of directors (Matter No. 1), your options with respect to each director are to direct a vote “FOR” or to “WITHHOLD AUTHORITY.” In the proposal to ratify the appointment of Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 20192020 (Matter No. 2), your options will be to direct votes “FOR” or “AGAINST” or to direct the proxy to “ABSTAIN” from voting on that proposal. With respect to the advisory vote related to compensation of our named executive officers (Matter No. 3), your options will be to direct votes “FOR” or “AGAINST” or to “ABSTAIN” from voting on that matter. With respect to the advisory vote related to the frequency of holding an advisory vote on executive compensation (Matter No. 4), your options will be to vote “FOR” every year, “FOR” every two years, “FOR” every three years, or “ABSTAIN” from voting. If you are a shareholder of record, then you may opt to deliver your completed proxy card in person at the Annual Meeting. Can I vote by telephone or internet? Yes. If you follow the instructions on the proxy card for voting by telephone or internet, your shares will be voted as you direct. What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card? When you own your shares in different ways, you will receive separate proxy cards for each mode of ownership. For example, you may own shares individually, as a joint tenant, in an individual retirement account, in trust, or in one or more brokerage accounts. You should complete, sign, and return each proxy card you receive or follow the telephone or internet instructions on each card. The instructions on each proxy card may differ. Be sure to follow the instructions on each card. HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement 53 ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING Can I change my vote or instruction? Yes. You may follow the instructions on the proxy card to change your votes or instructions any time before midnight the day before the meeting. In addition, if you are a shareholder of record, you may revoke your proxy any time before your shares are voted by filing with the secretary of the Company a written notice of revocation or submitting a duly executed proxy bearing a later date. If you file a notice of revocation, you may then vote (or abstain from voting) your shares in person at the A-2 HCI Group, Inc.2019 Proxy Statement APPENDIX A: Questions and Answers About the Annual Meeting Annual Meeting. If you submit a later dated proxy, then your shares will be voted in accordance with that later dated proxy. No such notice of revocation or later dated proxy, however, will be effective unless received by us at or before the Annual Meeting and before your shares have been voted at the meeting. Unless the proxy is revoked, the shares represented thereby will be voted at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof as indicated on the proxy card. Sending in a proxy does not affect your right to vote in person if you attend the meeting, although attendance at the meeting will not by itself revoke a previously granted proxy. If I submit a proxy card, how will my shares be voted? Your shares will be voted as you instruct on the proxy card. What happens if I submit a proxy card and do not give specific voting instructions? If you are a shareholder of record and sign and return the proxy card without indicating your instructions, your shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors. With respect to any other matter that properly comes before the meeting, the proxy holders will vote as recommended by the Board of Directors or, if no recommendation is given, at their own discretion. As of the date this Proxy Statement went to print, we did not know of any other matter to be raised at the Annual Meeting. If you are a beneficial owner and you sign and return your proxy card without indicating your instructions, then your broker or nominee will vote, or not vote, in accordance with the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (provided the broker or nominee is a member of the New York Stock Exchange). If a voting matter is designated by the New York Stock Exchange as “routine” then your broker or nominee may vote or not vote in its own discretion. If a voting matter is designated“non-routine” by the New York Stock Exchange, then your broker or nominee cannot vote without your instructions. Which voting matters are considered routine ornon-routine? In general, uncontested matters and matters not involving a merger or consolidation or affecting substantially the rights or privileges of the stock are considered routine under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. Accordingly, we expect the New York Stock Exchange will designate as routine the proposal to ratify the appointment of Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 20192020 (Matter No. 2) and brokers and other nominees will be permitted to vote on that matter. On the other hand, the New York Stock Exchange views matters involving the election of directors asnon-routine. Accordingly, the election of directors (Matter No. 1) and the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers (Matter No. 3) and the approval, on an advisory basis, of the frequency of holding an advisory vote on executive compensation (Matter No. 4) will be designated by the New York Stock Exchange asnon-routine and brokers and other nominees will not be permitted to vote on these matters without instructions from the beneficial owner. What happens if I do not submit a proxy card and do not vote by telephone or internet? If you are a shareholder of record and you neither designate a proxy nor attend the Annual Meeting, your shares will not be represented at the meeting. If you are the beneficial owner of shares held in the name of a member of the New York Stock Exchange, that member may vote in its discretion on matters deemed routine by the New York Stock Exchange. Without your instruction, the member may not vote on matters considered“non-routine.” 54 HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING What are the Board’s recommendations? The Board’s recommendations are set forth elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. In summary, the Board recommends votes:     Ø FOR election of the following nominees for director positions: George ApostolouWayne Burks Paresh PatelJay Madhu Gregory Politis HCI Group, Inc.2019 Proxy Statement A-3 APPENDIX A: Questions and Answers About the Annual Meeting Anthony Saravanos     Ø FOR ratification of the appointment of Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2019.2020.     Ø FORapproval of the advisory vote related to the compensation of our named executive officers. Ø FORthe option of every year for the frequency of holding an advisory vote on executive compensation. What vote is required to approve each item? Election of directors. In the election of directors, the three highest recipients of “FOR” votes will be elected. A properly executed proxy card marked “WITHHOLD AUTHORITY” with respect to the election of one or more director nominees will not be voted with respect to the director or directors indicated, even though it will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum present at the Annual Meeting. Ratification of appointment of independent registered public accounting firm. The proposal to ratify the appointment of Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 20192020 will be approved if the number of votes for the proposal exceeds the number of votes against the proposal. Approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers. With respect to the advisory vote related to the compensation of our named executive officers, the matter is approved if the number of votes for the proposal exceeds the number of votes against the proposal. Approval, on an advisory basis, of the frequency of holding an advisory vote on executive compensation. With respect to the vote related to the frequency of holding an advisory vote on executive compensation, the option of one year, two years, or three years receiving the highest number of votes will become the frequency of holding an advisory vote on executive compensation. Other Matters. We do not anticipate other matters coming to a vote at the Annual Meeting. Should any other matter be brought to a vote, the matter will be approved if the number of votes favoring the matter exceeds the number of votes opposing the matter. How will votes be counted? All votes will be tabulated by the secretary of the Company. We have engaged Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. to collect and tabulate proxy instructions. Although abstentions and brokernon-votes are each included in the determination of the number of shares present, they are not counted on any matters brought before the meeting. Who is paying for the preparation and mailing of the proxy materials and how will solicitations be made? We will pay the expenses of soliciting proxies. Proxies may be solicited on our behalf by directors, officers, or employees in person or by mail, telephone, facsimile or electronic transmission. We have requested brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries to forward soliciting material to beneficial owners and have agreed to reimburse those institutions for theirout-of-pocket expenses. A-4 HCI Group, Inc.2019 Proxy Statement APPENDIX B: Annual Meeting RulesAre there rules of Conductconduct? To ensure fair, orderly and constructive meetings, the Board of Directors has adopted the following rules of conduct for shareholder meetings.     1. All attendees must register before entering the meeting room.     2. The meeting will follow the schedule set forth on the agenda. HCI Group, Inc.2020 Proxy Statement 55 ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING     3. Only shareholders of record as of the record date or their duly authorized representatives are entitled to vote or address the meeting.     4. No business will come before the meeting except in compliance with Article II, Section 11 of our bylaws and its prior-notice requirements.     5. No one may address the meeting unless called upon by the presiding officer of the meeting.     6. Each speaker will be limited to three minutes and three questions. Questions and comments must be directly relevant to the Company’s business or operations. Questions or comments that are repetitious, relate to pending or threatened litigation, or deal with general economics, politics or public policy are prohibited.     7. Rude, disruptive behavior is prohibited.     8. The use of cameras, audio or video recording equipment, communications devices or similar equipment is prohibited.     9. Attendees who violate these rules may be removed.     10. The decisions of the presiding officer in interpreting and enforcing these rules of conduct will be final.     56 HCI Group, Inc.        20192020 Proxy Statement B-1 APPENDIX C: Shareholder Proposals for Presentation at Next Year’s Annual Meeting Shareholder proposals intended to be considered for inclusion in next year’s Proxy Statement and form of proxy for presentation at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must comply with Securities and Exchange Commission Rule14a-8. The deadline for submitting such proposals is December 24, 2019 (120 days before the date of this year’s mailing date without regard to the year), unless the date of the 2020 Annual Meeting is more than 30 days before or after theone-year anniversary date of the 2019 Annual Meeting, in which case proposals must be submitted a reasonable time before we print our proxy materials for the 2020 Annual Meeting. Shareholders wishing to submit proposals for the 2020 Annual Meeting outside the process of Securities and Exchange Commission Rule14a-8 must comply with the advance notice and other provisions of Article II, Section 11 of our bylaws. To be timely, notice of the proposal must be received by the Company by March 9, 2020, unless the date of the 2020 Annual Meeting is more than 30 days before or after theone-year anniversary date of the 2019 Annual Meeting, in which case the notice must be delivered at least 45 days before the Company sends its proxy materials to shareholders for the 2020 Annual Meeting. Address proposals to HCI Group, Inc., Attention: Andrew L. Graham, Secretary of the Corporation, 5300 West Cypress Street, Suite 100, Tampa, Florida 33607. The specific requirements for submitting shareholder proposals are set forth in Article II, Section 11 of our bylaws. HCI Group, Inc.2019 Proxy Statement C-1 APPENDIX D:A: Reconciliation ofNon-GAAP Financial Measures Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) is a financial measurement not recognized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles generally accepted(GAAP) in the United States of America (GAAP) and should not be viewed as an alternative to GAAP measures of performance. It excludes from net income or loss 1) interest expense, and 2) income tax expense, or income tax benefit in the case of a net loss. HCI believes this financial measurement is a preferable gauge of operating profit. A reconciliation of EBIT to GAAP net income/loss is provided below.   (in millions) 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018   2010   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016   2017   2018   2019   EBIT $ 17.7 $ 8.6 $ 16.4 $ 49.6 $ 110.1 $ 111.4 $ 116.9 $ 57.9 $ 1.1 $ 45.0   $ 8.6     $ 16.4     $ 49.6     $ 110.1     $ 111.4     $ 116.9     $ 57.9     $ 1.1     $ 45.0     $ 49.1   Interest Expense   —   —   —   —   (3.6 )   (10.4 )   (10.7 )   (11.1 )   (16.7 )   (18.1 )     —       —       —       (3.6 )      (10.4 )      (10.7 )      (11.1 )      (16.7 )      (18.1 )      (13.0 )  Income tax (expense) benefit   (6.8 )   (3.2 )   (6.4 )   (19.4 )   (40.9 )   (38.3 )   (40.3 )   (17.8 )   8.7   (9.2 ) Net income (loss) $ 10.9 $ 5.4 $ 10.0 $ 30.2 $ 65.6 $ 62.7 $ 65.9 $ 29.0 $ (6.9 ) $ 17.7 Income Tax (expense) benefit     (3.2 )      (6.4 )      (19.4 )      (40.9 )      (38.3 )      (40.3 )      (17.8 )      8.7       (9.2 )      (9.5 )  Net Income (loss)   $ 5.4     $ 10.0     $ 30.2     $ 65.6     $ 62.7     $ 65.9     $ 29.0     $ (6.9 )    $ 17.7     $ 26.6       HCI Group, Inc.        20192020 Proxy Statement           D-1A-1 HCI GROUP, INC. 5300 W CYPRESS STREET, SUITE 100 TAMPA, FL 33607 VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before thecut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form. ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically viae-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years. VOTE BY PHONE -1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before thecut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: ☒ KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS — — — — — — —  — —  — — — —  — — — —  — — — —  — —  — — — —  — — — — — — — —  — —  — — — — — — — — — — DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. For Withhold For All All All Except To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following: 1. Election of Directors Nominees 01 Wayne Burks 02 Sanjay Madhu 03 Anthony Saravanos The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2 and 3. 2. Ratification of the appointment of Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2020. 3. Approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the named executive officers. NOTE: Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. For Against Abstain Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer. 0000456292_1 R1.0.1.18 Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR ALL the following nominees: For All Withhold   All   For All   Except   To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. ☐ ☐ ☐ 1. Election of Directors Nominees 01 George Apostolou                 02    Paresh Patel             03    Gregory Politis The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2 and 3.   For   Against Abstain     2. Ratification of the appointment of Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2019.   ☐   ☐ ☐     3. Approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the named executive officers.   ☐   ☐ ☐     The Board of Directors recommends you vote 1 YEAR on the following proposal: 1 year 2 years 3 years Abstain 4. Approval, on an advisory basis, of the frequency of holding an advisory vote on executive compensation. ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ NOTE:Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer. Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Notice & Proxy Statement, Annual Report is/ are available at www.proxyvote.com HCI GROUP, INC. Annual Meeting of Shareholders June 4, 2020 3:00 PM This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors The shareholder(s) hereby appoints Paresh Patel and Andrew L. Graham, or either of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side of this ballot, all of the shares of common stock of HCI GROUP, INC. that the shareholder(s) is/ are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at 3:00 PM, EDT on June 4, 2020, at 5300 W. Cypress Street, Suite 105, Tampa FL 33607, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no such direction is made, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations. 0000456292_2 R1.0.1.18 Continued and to be signed on reverse side Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:The Notice & Proxy Statement, Annual Report is/are available atwww.proxyvote.com — — — — — — — —  — —  — — — —  — — — —  — — — —  — —  — — — —  — — — — — — — —  — —  — — — — — — —  HCI GROUP, INC. Annual Meeting of Shareholders May 30, 2019 3:00 PM This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors The shareholder(s) hereby appoints Paresh Patel and Andrew L. Graham, or either of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side of this ballot, all of the shares of common stock of HCI GROUP, INC. that the shareholder(s) is/are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at 3:00 PM, EDT on May 30, 2019, at 5300 W. Cypress Street, Suite 105, Tampa FL 33607, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no such direction is made, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations. Continued and to be signed on reverse side