NHC reports maximum surge inundation of 9 to 13 feet above ground on the eastern portion of Sanibel Island during Ian.
Sanibel · Lee County · Florida
Sanibel Public Adjuster for Hurricane and Flood-Related Claims
Sanibel and Captiva sit at the mouth of San Carlos Bay, where Ian’s surge washed out parts of the causeway. American Financial Claims helps island owners document wind, water and flood losses.
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Photo: Lewis Brian Day · CC BY-SA 4.0
Only in Sanibel
Local facts that shape property claims.
NHC’s report notes that NOAA aerial imagery showed portions of the Sanibel Causeway washed away by Ian’s surge.
Charley’s 2004 landfall was near Cayo Costa, just north of Captiva.
Elevated single-family homes and low-rise condos mean ground-level enclosures, stairs, utilities and roofs are often separate items on separate policies.
What hits Sanibel properties
The losses we document most often.
Surge under elevated homes
Enclosures, elevators, utilities and contents at ground level, a flood-policy question.
Wind on roofs and openings
Roof coverings, windows, sliders and screen porches damaged by wind.
Condo association claims
Master-policy claims for buildings plus HO-6 claims for unit interiors.
Long repair timelines
Access and contractor shortages after storms make documentation and deadlines more important.
Storm history (NOAA)
What the National Hurricane Center recorded here.
- Ian (Sep 28, 2022): NHC reports 9 to 13 feet of surge inundation on eastern Sanibel and notes that portions of the Sanibel Causeway were washed away. Source: NHC report
- Charley (Aug 13, 2004) made landfall near Cayo Costa, just north of Captiva, at about 150 mph, with visual estimates of 6 to 7 feet of surge on Sanibel. Source: NHC report
FEMA declarations
FEMA-declared storms for Lee County.
From FEMA’s disaster declarations data for Lee County: household-aid (Individual Assistance) disasters since 2004.
Hurricane Milton
Lee County designated for Individual Assistance (aid to households) and Public Assistance.
Hurricane Helene
Lee County designated for Individual Assistance (aid to households) and Public Assistance.
Hurricane Ian
Lee County designated for Individual Assistance (aid to households) and Public Assistance.
Hurricane Irma
Lee County designated for Individual Assistance (aid to households) and Public Assistance.
Tropical Storm Fay
Lee County designated for Individual Assistance (aid to households) and Public Assistance.
Hurricane Wilma
Lee County designated for Individual Assistance (aid to households) and Public Assistance.
Nearby pages
More pages near Sanibel.
These are service areas, not separate offices.
Sanibel 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 Sanibel file is still open, bring the policy and carrier letters to a free review at (239) 444-8101.
Does my policy cover damage under my elevated Sanibel home?
Damage below the lowest elevated floor from surge is generally a flood-policy question, and flood policies limit coverage in those areas. Wind damage to the structure above is generally the homeowners policy. We document both so you know what each should pay.
Do you also help on Captiva?
Yes. We review property claims on Sanibel and Captiva and throughout Lee County.
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.
Sanibel and Captiva island claims: wind, water and flood, documented. Free claim review.
Sources
- FEMA: Hurricane Milton (DR-4834)
- FEMA: Hurricane Helene (DR-4828)
- FEMA: Hurricane Ian (DR-4673)
- FEMA: Hurricane Irma (DR-4337)
- FEMA: Tropical Storm Fay (DR-1785)
- FEMA: Hurricane Wilma (DR-1609)
- OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (dataset)
- NHC Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Ian (2022)
- NHC Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Charley (2004)
- Fla. Stat. 627.70132 (claim deadlines)
- Hero photo: Sanibel Island Light, September 2014.jpg (Lewis Brian Day, CC BY-SA 4.0)
