Michael’s water at Apalachicola
NHC reports the NOS tide gauge in Apalachicola measured a peak water level of 7.7 feet above MHHW during Michael.
Franklin County · Florida
Franklin County Public Adjuster: Apalachicola, St. George Island & Carrabelle Claims
Franklin County’s bay and barrier islands have taken surge from Michael, Hermine and Helene. American Financial Claims reviews coastal and historic-home claims from Alligator Point to Apalachicola.
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Photo: swhitfield · CC BY-SA 3.0
Only in Franklin County
Local facts that shape property claims.
Helene’s surge
NHC reports the Apalachicola gauge measured 4.33 feet above MHHW in Helene, with 3 to 5 feet of inundation from the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass.
Household aid declarations
FEMA opened Individual Assistance for Franklin County households after Helene (DR-4828), Michael (DR-4399) and Tropical Storm Debby (DR-4068, 2012).
Historic homes and island rentals
Apalachicola’s historic homes and St. George Island rentals need careful scope for older materials and loss of rents.
What hits Franklin County properties
The losses we document most often.
Surge and flooding
Bay-front and island flooding, a flood-policy question.
Wind damage to older homes
Historic materials and construction that standard estimates underprice.
Rental property claims
Island rentals with loss-of-rents questions.
Water intrusion
Rain through storm-damaged roofs and windows.
Storm history (NOAA)
What the National Hurricane Center recorded here.
- Michael (Oct 2018): USGS sensors were deployed in Franklin County at Alligator Point, Apalachicola and St. George Island State Park, and the Apalachicola NOS gauge measured 7.7 feet above MHHW. Source: NHC report
- Helene (Sep 2024): 3 to 5 feet of surge inundation from the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass; the Apalachicola gauge measured 4.33 feet above MHHW. Source: NHC report
- Hermine (Sep 2, 2016) made landfall just east of St. Marks; NHC reports 2 to 4 feet of inundation west to Cape San Blas, including Franklin County. Source: NHC report
Hurricane Isaias damage? Hurricane Isaias claim guide
FEMA declarations
FEMA-declared storms for Franklin County.
From FEMA’s disaster declarations data for Franklin County: household-aid (Individual Assistance) disasters since 2004, plus the 2026 Hurricane Isaias emergency declaration.
Hurricane Isaias
Emergency declaration on Oct 9, 2026. Franklin County included for Public Assistance. Individual Assistance was not part of this declaration as of October 18, 2026.
Hurricane Helene
Franklin County designated for Individual Assistance (aid to households) and Public Assistance.
Hurricane Michael
Franklin County designated for Individual Assistance (aid to households) and Public Assistance.
Tropical Storm Debby
Franklin County designated for Individual Assistance (aid to households) and Public Assistance.
Hurricane Dennis
Franklin County designated for Individual Assistance (aid to households) and Public Assistance.
Hurricane Ivan
Franklin County designated for Individual Assistance (aid to households) and Public Assistance.
Nearby pages
Cities we cover in Franklin County.
These are service areas, not separate offices.
Franklin County FAQ
Questions people ask before hiring.
Deadlines, Florida public adjuster fees and local coverage questions. Start with a free review, or text us now.
Text an adjusterHow long do I have to file a Florida property claim?
Florida law (Fla. Stat. 627.70132) generally requires notice of a new or reopened claim within 1 year of the date of loss and a supplemental claim within 18 months. For hurricanes, the date of loss is the landfall date. Your policy may require faster notice. If you are unsure whether your Franklin County file is still open, bring the policy and carrier letters to a free review at (239) 444-8101.
My historic Apalachicola home needs special materials. Will the insurer pay for them?
Many policies pay to repair with materials of like kind and quality, and some include ordinance or law coverage for code-required work. Older homes often need matching materials and methods that a quick estimate misses. We document what the repair actually requires.
Do you help on St. George Island and Alligator Point?
Yes. We review property claims throughout Franklin County, including the islands.
What are public adjuster fees in Florida?
Florida law caps public adjuster contingency fees in most property claims at 20% of the amount paid by the insurer under the policy. For claims arising from a declared state of emergency, a lower 10% cap typically applies for one year after the declaration. Ask for fees and services in writing before you sign. A free review does not create a fee.
Franklin County bay, island and historic-home claims: free claim review.
Sources
- FEMA: Hurricane Isaias (EM-3655)
- FEMA: Hurricane Helene (DR-4828)
- FEMA: Hurricane Michael (DR-4399)
- FEMA: Tropical Storm Debby (DR-4068)
- FEMA: Hurricane Dennis (DR-1595)
- FEMA: Hurricane Ivan (DR-1551)
- OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (dataset)
- NHC Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Michael (2018)
- NHC Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Helene (2024)
- NHC Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Hermine (2016)
- Fla. Stat. 627.70132 (claim deadlines)
- Hero photo: St George Island bridge - panoramio.jpg (swhitfield, CC BY-SA 3.0)