Roof “wear and tear” after a storm
Older roofs are often blamed on age. Weather data for the storm date and a detailed roof inspection can show what the storm actually changed.
Florida property claims · Firm license G288962
Florida insurance claim denied? Here’s what you can do next.
After a hurricane, a roof leak or a burst pipe, a denial or a lowball check can feel final. Florida law gives policyholders specific timelines and options. We’re Florida-licensed public adjusters headquartered in Miami, and we review denied claims for free.
- Free claim review. No fee to talk.
- Florida firm license G288962
- Licensed in 15 states
- We work for you, not the insurance company
Free claim review
Tell us what happened
A licensed team member will contact you.
Why Florida property claims get denied
Many Florida denials come down to a few recurring positions:
Wind vs. flood after a hurricane
Homeowners policies generally exclude flood, so carriers may attribute damage to storm surge or rising water. Separating wind damage from water damage matters.
Hurricane deductible
Many Florida policies have a percentage-based hurricane deductible. When the carrier’s estimate falls below it, you receive nothing.
Long-term leak exclusions
Water losses are often denied as repeated seepage over 14+ days. Plumbing reports and moisture mapping help establish when a loss happened.
Late notice
Florida sets statutory notice deadlines. Carriers may deny claims they say were reported too late.
Mold and water limits
Florida policies frequently include mold sublimits or water damage limitations that reduce or cut off payment.
Your options in Florida
- 1
Get the denial in writing and request the file
Keep the letter and ask for the adjuster’s report, photos and estimate. Florida law generally requires insurers to pay or deny a residential property claim within 60 days after notice, with some exceptions.
- 2
Reopen or supplement within the deadlines
For many policies, notice of a new or reopened claim is due within 1 year of the date of loss and a supplemental claim within 18 months (s. 627.70132, Fla. Stat.).
- 3
DFS mediation for residential claims
The Florida Department of Financial Services runs a mediation program for many residential property claim disputes, as an alternative to litigation.
- 4
Appraisal for disputes about the amount
If the policy includes an appraisal clause and the dispute is about the amount of loss, appraisal may resolve it without court.
- 5
Legal advice for legal questions
Coverage lawsuits and their deadlines are legal matters. Speak with a Florida-licensed attorney. We don’t give legal advice.
Real results
Florida claims we’ve handled
Real Florida claims our clients authorized us to share, with their exact numbers:
HurricaneInitial payment $1,356.32$175,000final recoveryJessica & BryanBradenton, FloridaRead the case →HurricaneInitial payment $23,022.28$137,000final recoveryGregCape Coral, FloridaRead the case →WindstormInitial payment $6,932.11$80,000final recoveryRichardTampa, FloridaRead the case →
Every insurance claim is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. See all results →
Google reviews
From a client whose storm claim was denied
★★★★★
The team at AF Claims got my storm claim paid after my insurance denied it. I don't know how they do it but they made it happen for me. Highly recommend them and will use them again if anything else happens in my home. 5 stars the best!!
Ocean · Google review · Aug 2026
★★★★★
I barely ever write reviews, but I really want to express my gratitude to Armando and his team. I honestly can't say enough good things about my experience with this firm. After a storm caused some damage to my yard and property, I was completely overwhelmed and had no idea I could even recover money for the damage. I really thought I was just going to have to deal with the repairs myself til a family member recommended Armando.
Read the full review +−
They made the entire process so much easier than I expected, kept me informed, and handled EVERYTHING for me. I was shocked at how quickly everything came together and even more shocked when I received a settlement for much more than I ever thought possible.
From the time they filed the claim for me till the time I receive my check has been no more than two months! Usually, when you ask people who are dealing with a claim how long it takes to get paid, they say months or years so I was just completely taken back. I was honestly prepared to wait for at least a year.
I'm incredibly grateful I found them. They took a situation that felt hopeless and turned it into such a huge relief for me. I would absolutely highly recommend them to anyone dealing with property damage or an insurance claim. Reach out to AFClaims, you will be happy you did! 😊
Bianca · Google review · Aug 2026
Individual experiences. Every claim is different and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Florida denied claim FAQ
How long do I have to reopen a denied claim in Florida?
For many Florida residential and commercial property policies, notice of a new or reopened claim must be given within 1 year of the date of loss, and a supplemental claim within 18 months (s. 627.70132, Fla. Stat.). Your policy may add requirements. Lawsuit deadlines are separate, so ask a Florida-licensed attorney.
What is Florida’s DFS mediation program?
The Florida Department of Financial Services offers a mediation program for many residential property insurance claim disputes. It’s a structured meeting with a neutral mediator and the carrier to try to resolve the claim without litigation. Eligibility rules apply.
How long does a Florida insurer have to pay or deny my claim?
Florida law generally requires insurers to pay or deny a residential property claim within 60 days after receiving notice, with some exceptions. If your claim has been open longer, ask about the status in writing.
Can a public adjuster help with a Citizens claim?
Yes. Public adjusters can represent policyholders on claims with Citizens Property Insurance and private carriers. The process follows your policy terms.
Can you guarantee the carrier will change its decision?
No. No one can honestly guarantee an outcome. We can review the file, explain what we see and whether additional documentation or a different approach may be appropriate, and represent you if it makes sense to work together. Every claim is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
What does the review cost?
The claim review is free and asking questions doesn’t hire us. If it makes sense to work together, the fee and services are explained in a written agreement before you sign.
General information, not legal advice. Policies and state laws differ.
Get a second look before you give up on the claim.
Free review. Phone, Zoom or in person. We’ll tell you honestly what we see.
American Financial Claims is a licensed public adjusting firm, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice. Every insurance claim is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.