After Hurricane Damage: Florida Insurance Claim Steps
The first days after a storm set up your claim. Here is a practical order of operations, plus the deadlines Florida law puts on you and on your insurer.
1. Stay safe first
Do not enter a damaged home until it is safe. Watch for downed lines, standing water, structural damage, and gas smells. Your safety comes before any claim paperwork.
2. Document before you clean up
- Take photos and video of every damaged room, the roof, and the exterior, wide shots first, then close-ups.
- List damaged belongings with approximate age and value.
- Keep damaged items, or photos of them, until your insurer has seen them.
3. Prevent further damage
Policies generally expect you to take reasonable steps, such as tarping a roof or removing standing water. Keep every receipt. Check your policy for how temporary repairs are reimbursed.
4. Report the claim promptly
Call your insurer or agent and get a claim number. Follow up in writing. Keep a log with dates, names, and what was said.
Deadlines to know
According to a consumer rights publication that summarizes Florida law, policyholders generally have 1 year to give notice of an initial or reopened claim and 18 months for a supplemental claim. Insurers generally must acknowledge a claim within 7 days, and pay or deny within 60 days of notice, with some exceptions for circumstances outside their control. Statutes change, so confirm the current rules with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation or the Florida Statutes.
5. Understand your deductible and coverages
Your hurricane deductible is usually a percentage of dwelling coverage, so a modest-damage claim may fall below it. See hurricane deductibles explained. If you cannot live in the home, ask about additional living expense coverage.
6. Be careful with contractors
- Verify a contractor's license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation before signing.
- Be wary of anyone who knocks on doors after a storm demanding large deposits.
- Read anything that asks you to sign over your claim rights. Florida has restricted assignment of benefits for newer policies, but read every document.
7. If you disagree with the insurer
- Ask for the estimate and the reasons for any denial in writing.
- Florida's Department of Financial Services offers a mediation program for residential property claims and a consumer helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236).
- Licensed public adjusters can represent you for a fee, and Florida regulates those fees. An attorney can advise on larger disputes.