How to File a Home Insurance Claim in Florida (Step-by-Step)

Updated 2026 · 8 min read

Filing a home insurance claim in Florida is not as straightforward as it sounds. Hurricane deductibles work differently than standard deductibles, the state has seen more insurance company insolvencies than anywhere else in the country, and strict deadlines buried in your policy mean a small mistake can cost you thousands of dollars or get your claim denied outright[reference:9].

This guide covers every step from the moment damage happens to the day you receive your settlement check.

What to Prepare Before Damage Happens

The homeowners who recover fastest after a storm are the ones who prepared before anything went wrong. Florida's weather does not give you much warning[reference:10]. Here's what to have ready:

• Home inventory: A room-by-room list of your belongings with photos or video, serial numbers for electronics and appliances, and estimated values. Store a copy in the cloud or outside your home[reference:11].
• Policy documents: Keep a digital copy of your declarations page. Know your dwelling coverage limit (Coverage A), your deductible amounts, and whether you have a separate wind/hurricane deductible[reference:12].
• Carrier contact info: Your insurer's claims hotline number, your policy number, and your agent's direct line. Write these down somewhere other than your phone, which may be lost or dead after a major event[reference:13].
• Contractor vetting: Florida has a serious problem with unlicensed contractors who show up after storms and pressure homeowners to sign assignment-of-benefits (AOB) forms. Know which contractors you trust ahead of time[reference:14].

Step 1: Secure the Property and Document Everything

Right after damage occurs, your first priority is safety. Do not enter a structurally compromised building. Once it is safe, document the damage before you touch anything[reference:15].

• Photograph and video: Walk the entire property and capture every damaged area. Take wide shots for context and close-up shots for detail. Time-stamped video works well for roof and structural damage[reference:16].
• Do not throw anything away: Even damaged, waterlogged, or burned items are evidence. Your adjuster needs to see them to verify your loss[reference:17].
• Make emergency temporary repairs: Florida law and most policies require you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Tarping a damaged roof, boarding up broken windows, and extracting standing water are all expected. Keep every receipt. Do not make permanent repairs until your adjuster has inspected[reference:18].
• Keep a damage log: Write down the date and time of the event, what caused it, what you observed, and every action you took afterward. This timeline is useful if the claim is disputed later[reference:19].

Step 2: Notify Your Insurer Promptly

Florida Statute 627.70132 requires that a hurricane or windstorm claim be reported to your insurer within three years of the date of loss (this was recently tightened from prior deadlines). For non-hurricane claims, the practical rule is to report as soon as possible[reference:20].

When you call or submit online, have your policy number ready. You will be assigned a claim number immediately. Write it down and use it on every piece of correspondence going forward[reference:21].

Report the claim in writing, not just by phone. This creates a paper trail and ensures your notice is documented[reference:22].

Step 3: Work with the Adjuster

Your insurer will assign an adjuster to inspect the damage. This is where the process can get frustrating. Here's what to know:

• Be present for the inspection if possible. Walk the adjuster through the damage and point out everything you documented.
• Request the adjuster's report. You're entitled to a copy. Review it carefully — adjusters sometimes miss items or undervalue repairs.
• Get your own contractor estimate. If the adjuster's estimate seems low, hire a licensed contractor to provide a detailed repair estimate. This becomes your evidence if you need to dispute the claim.
• Keep receipts for everything. Emergency repairs, temporary housing, meals during displacement — all of it may be reimbursable under your Loss of Use coverage.

Step 4: Review Your Settlement and Appeal If Needed

Once the adjuster completes their report, your insurer will make a settlement offer. If you disagree with the amount:

1. Request the full claim file. This includes the adjuster's report, photos, and the specific policy language cited for any denial or reduction[reference:23].
2. File a formal internal appeal. Put your dispute in writing, include your contractor's estimate, and send it to the claims department[reference:24].
3. Request free mediation through the Florida Department of Financial Services. This is a no-cost option for disputed claims[reference:25].
4. Hire a public adjuster. A public adjuster works for you, not the insurer. They typically charge 10–20% of the settlement but often recover far more than the initial offer.
5. File a Civil Remedy Notice (CRN). If the insurer acted in bad faith, this gives them 60 days to cure the issue before you can sue[reference:26].

For what your policy actually covers after a hurricane, see our hurricane damage coverage guide. For storm preparation steps, see our hurricane preparedness guide.