How to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim After a Hurricane in Florida

How to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim After a Hurricane in Florida

The storm has passed, the power may still be out, and now you are looking at a damaged roof, soaked drywall, or a fence lying across the yard. The next few days matter. What you photograph, when you report the loss, and how you handle repairs can decide how much your insurance company pays.

This guide walks Florida homeowners through filing a hurricane claim step by step, the deadlines set by state law, how your hurricane deductible works, and what to do if your insurer lowballs or denies the claim.

How Do You File a Homeowners Insurance Claim After a Hurricane in Florida?

Start by making your home safe, then photograph and video all damage before cleaning up. Make temporary repairs to stop more damage and keep every receipt. Report the claim to your insurance company as soon as possible by phone, app, or online portal, write down your claim number, and keep a written record of every call, email, and inspection.

Here is the full process in order:

1. Stay safe. Do not enter a home with standing water, a sagging ceiling, or downed power lines nearby.
2. Document everything. Take date-stamped photos and video of every room, the roof, and the outside of the home.
3. Prevent further damage. Tarp the roof, board broken windows, and remove standing water if it is safe.
4. Report the claim. Call your insurer or your agent and get a claim number.
5. Make a damage list. Write down damaged items with approximate age and value.
6. Meet the adjuster. Walk the home with them and point out every area of damage.
7. Review the estimate. Compare it with contractor quotes before you accept payment.

If you are a Chaisteli client, call our office first. We can help you report the claim with the right carrier, explain your coverage, and tell you what to expect next.

What Should You Do First After Hurricane Damage to Your Home?

Your first job is safety, and your second is documentation. Before you move debris or throw anything away, walk through the home and record the damage with photos and video. Capture wide shots of each room and close-ups of each problem. Then make reasonable temporary repairs, like tarping a roof, so the damage does not get worse.

Insurance policies expect you to protect your property from further loss. If rain keeps pouring through an open roof for two weeks and ruins more of the house, the insurer may argue that part of the damage was preventable. Temporary repairs are usually reimbursable, so save every receipt for tarps, fans, plywood, and emergency services.

Do not rush into permanent repairs before the adjuster sees the damage. Replacing the whole roof before an inspection can make it hard to prove what the storm actually did.

What to photograph

• The roof from every side, including missing shingles, tiles, or lifted edges
• Ceilings, walls, and floors with water stains or soft spots
• Broken windows, doors, screen enclosures, and fences
• Damaged furniture, electronics, and appliances before you move them
• Any water line on walls, which helps show how high flood water rose

How Long Do You Have to File a Hurricane Claim in Florida?

Under Florida law, you must give notice of a new or reopened property insurance claim within one year of the date of loss. A supplemental claim, for extra damage found later from the same storm, must be filed within 18 months of the date of loss. These deadlines count from the day the hurricane hit, not the day you noticed damage.

These time limits come from Florida Statute 627.70132, which was shortened by the 2022 insurance reform law known as Senate Bill 2A, according to Chartwell Law’s outline of the reform. Before that reform, homeowners had more time. Many people still believe the old deadlines apply, which is how valid claims get lost.

One year sounds like plenty of time. It goes fast after a major storm, when roofers, adjusters, and contractors are booked for months. The safest approach is to report the claim within days, even if you do not yet know the full cost.

How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Pay a Hurricane Claim in Florida?

Florida law requires your insurer to acknowledge your claim within 7 days, inspect the property within 30 days after receiving your proof of loss, and pay or deny the claim, in whole or in part, within 60 days of your notice. If the insurer misses the 60-day window without a valid reason, interest may be added to the amount owed.

These timelines come from Florida Statute 627.70131, also updated by Senate Bill 2A. Before the reform, insurers had up to 90 days to decide. According to HurricaneLaw.Pro, the 30-day inspection clock starts once the insurer receives your proof of loss, so send it in writing and keep proof it was received. After a major hurricane, carriers receive thousands of claims at once, so keep a log of every date and follow up in writing if a deadline passes.

• 7 days: insurer acknowledges your claim communication
• 7 days: insurer sends you a copy of any detailed estimate it creates
• 30 days: physical inspection after your proof of loss
• 60 days: decision to pay, partly pay, or deny

How Does a Hurricane Deductible Work in Florida?

A hurricane deductible is a separate, usually larger deductible that applies only to damage from a named hurricane. In Florida, insurers must offer options of $500, 2%, 5%, or 10% of your dwelling coverage, with some exceptions for higher-value homes. It applies once per calendar year with the same insurer, not once per storm.

A percentage deductible is based on your dwelling coverage, not the amount of damage. That surprises many homeowners. Here is how the math works on a home insured for $400,000:

According to the Florida Department of Financial Services, if a second hurricane hits in the same calendar year and you stay with the same insurer, you pay either the rest of your hurricane deductible or your regular deductible, whichever is greater. Switching insurers mid-year resets the deductible.

That is why the Department recommends filing a claim even when damage is below your deductible. The claim creates a record that counts toward your deductible if another storm hits later in the year. Our hurricane season checklist explains how to find your deductible on your declarations page before a storm.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flood Damage From a Hurricane?

No. Standard Florida homeowners insurance covers wind damage from a hurricane, such as a torn-off roof or rain driven through a broken window, but it does not cover flooding from storm surge or rising water. Flood damage requires a separate flood insurance policy, either through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer.

This split causes more hurricane claim disputes than almost anything else. If wind tears off your roof and water pours in from above, that is usually a homeowners claim. If storm surge pushes water through your front door, that is a flood claim. Many homes have both kinds of damage, and you may need to file two separate claims with two different companies.

Flood claims have their own rules. FEMA reminds National Flood Insurance Program policyholders to submit a signed proof of loss within 60 days of the flood, unless an extension is granted. If you do not have a flood policy, our guide on what happens without flood insurance explains your options, and our flood insurance page explains how to get covered before the next storm.

What Should You Expect When the Insurance Adjuster Visits?

The adjuster inspects your home, measures the damage, takes photos, and writes an estimate of what the insurer believes it owes. Be home for the visit, walk through every damaged area with them, and share your own photos, receipts, and any contractor estimates. Ask for a copy of their estimate, which Florida law says you should receive within 7 days.

The adjuster works for the insurance company, so their job is to measure the loss by the policy’s rules. That does not mean they are against you, but it does mean you should come prepared.

• Have your damage list and photos ready to share
• Point out hidden damage, such as wet insulation in the attic or soft spots in the floor
• Ask how depreciation is being applied to your roof and belongings
• Take your own notes, including the adjuster’s name and contact information
• Do not sign anything you do not understand, and ask questions before agreeing to a settlement

Roofs get special scrutiny in Florida. If your roof is older, our article on roof age and Florida homeowners insurance explains how insurers view roof condition.

What Are the Most Common Reasons Hurricane Claims Are Denied?

Hurricane claims are most often denied or reduced because the damage is from flooding rather than wind, the claim was reported late, the damage is blamed on wear and tear or an old roof, the loss is below the hurricane deductible, or the homeowner did not take steps to prevent further damage. Good documentation helps with every one of these.

Many of these problems start long before the storm. Coverage gaps, such as missing flood coverage or low limits for belongings, only show up after a loss. Our guide to Florida homeowners insurance exclusions covers the gaps we see most often.

What Can You Do If Your Hurricane Claim Is Underpaid or Denied?

Ask the insurer for the denial or payment decision in writing, including the policy language it relies on. Compare its estimate with your own contractor estimates. You can then send more evidence, file a supplemental claim within 18 months if you found more damage, use the appraisal clause in your policy, or request free state mediation through the Florida Department of Financial Services.

1. Get the reason in writing. You cannot fix a problem you do not understand.
2. Gather more proof. Contractor estimates, engineer reports, and photos can change the outcome.
3. File a supplemental claim if new damage appears, within 18 months of the storm.
4. Consider appraisal if you agree the damage is covered but disagree on the amount.
5. Request mediation through the Florida Department of Financial Services for disputed residential claims.
6. Talk to your agent. An independent agent can explain your policy and help you communicate with the carrier.

According to Ilaba Law, homeowners have the right to request free mediation of a disputed claim through the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services. It is often a faster and cheaper first step than a lawsuit.

For large or complex disputes, some homeowners also speak with an attorney or a licensed public adjuster. Know that public adjusters charge a percentage of your claim payment, so ask about fees before signing anything.

How Can You Make Your Next Hurricane Claim Easier?

Prepare before the storm. Take a video tour of your home and belongings every year, store your policy and photos in the cloud, know your hurricane deductible, and confirm you have flood insurance. Keep receipts for roof work and upgrades like impact windows. Review your coverage limits yearly so they match what it would cost to rebuild today.

Rebuilding costs in South Florida have climbed sharply, and an old policy limit may no longer cover a full rebuild. A yearly homeowners insurance review with your agent is the easiest way to catch that gap before a storm. If you own a condo, check that your condo insurance covers the interior items your association’s master policy leaves out.

• Record a home inventory video room by room
• Save your declarations page and agent’s phone number in your phone
• Keep roof permits, inspection reports, and wind mitigation reports
• Confirm your flood policy is active, since new flood policies usually have a waiting period before coverage starts

What Are the Key Takeaways?

Filing a hurricane claim in Florida comes down to three things: acting quickly, documenting everything, and understanding what your policy covers before you talk numbers with the adjuster. Keep these points handy for the next time a storm hits your area:

• Photograph and video all damage before cleanup or permanent repairs.
• Make temporary repairs to prevent more damage and save every receipt.
• Florida law gives you 1 year to file a new or reopened claim and 18 months for a supplemental claim.
• Insurers must acknowledge within 7 days and pay or deny within 60 days.
• Hurricane deductibles are often 2% to 10% of your dwelling coverage and apply once per calendar year with the same insurer.
• Homeowners insurance does not cover flood; flood needs a separate policy.
• If your claim is denied or underpaid, get the reason in writing and consider appraisal or state mediation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I file a claim if the damage is less than my hurricane deductible?

In many cases, yes. The Florida Department of Financial Services recommends filing because the claim creates a record of what you have already paid toward your hurricane deductible for the calendar year. If another hurricane damages your home later that year and you stay with the same insurer, that record can lower what you pay.

Will filing a hurricane claim raise my insurance rates?

A single hurricane claim is treated differently from claims caused by neglect, because storms are outside your control. Rates across Florida change for many reasons, including reinsurance costs and statewide storm losses. Talk with your agent about your specific policy and carrier before deciding not to file a legitimate claim out of worry about your premium.

Can I hire my own contractor before the adjuster comes?

You can hire a contractor for emergency, temporary repairs like tarping a roof or drying out water, and you should keep all receipts. Avoid permanent repairs until the adjuster inspects, unless waiting would put your family at risk. Be careful with contractors who ask you to sign over your insurance benefits or pressure you at the door.

What if my insurance company went out of business?

When a Florida insurer becomes insolvent, the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association steps in to handle covered claims, up to limits set by state law. You will receive notice about how to file. Your agent can also help you find new coverage quickly, since your old policy will be canceled after the insurer is placed in liquidation.

Do I need a separate claim for my car?

Yes. Damage to your car from a hurricane, including flooding, is covered under the comprehensive part of your auto insurance policy, not your homeowners policy. If you do not carry comprehensive coverage, storm and flood damage to your vehicle is usually not covered. Report car damage to your auto insurer as its own claim.

Elijeana King, CPIA

Founder · Chaisteli Insurance Group — Davie, Florida

Elijeana King, CPIA, is the founder of Chaisteli Insurance Group and a licensed insurance professional in Florida and Georgia with more than 30 years of industry experience. Since founding Chaisteli in 2008, she has helped individuals, families, property owners, and businesses understand their risks, evaluate coverage, and navigate Florida’s changing insurance market.

Her areas of experience include homeowners, windstorm, flood, auto, condominium, rental property, commercial, general liability, workers’ compensation, life, and health insurance. Elijeana reviews Chaisteli’s educational content for accuracy and adds practical insights based on her experience serving clients throughout Broward County and South Florida.

Credentials: Certified Professional Insurance Agent, or CPIA, designation · Licensed insurance professional in Florida and Georgia
Education: A.A. in Business Management, Broward College · Women in Executive Leadership Program, Florida Atlantic University College of Business
Professional memberships: PIA National · Latin American Association of Insurance Agencies · National African American Insurance Association · Independent Insurance Agents of Broward County
Service area Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Cooper City, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Parkland, Hollywood, greater Broward County, and communities throughout South Florida
Languages English and Spanish
Selected recognition: 2026 South Florida Favorites Gold Winner for Top Insurance Agency · Best of Davie 2025 and 2026 · Best of Pembroke Pines 2024–2026 · Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave 2023 and 2024

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