Florida Home Insurance
After a Hurricane
What to do in the first 24 hours, how to document damage, avoid common coverage gaps, and protect your claim from being underpaid.
Florida law: You have 1 year from hurricane landfall to file a claim. Don't wait — contact your insurer as soon as it's safe.
What to Do After Hurricane Damage
Follow these steps in order. The actions you take in the first 24–72 hours have the biggest impact on your claim outcome.
First 24 Hours
Documentation Checklist
Working With Your Adjuster
After the Claim
Common Coverage Gaps Florida Homeowners Discover Too Late
These are the most common reasons hurricane claims are denied or underpaid in Florida.
Flood is NOT covered by standard homeowners insurance
CriticalHurricane storm surge and flooding require a separate NFIP or private flood policy. Many Florida homeowners discover this gap only after a storm.
Wind vs. water disputes
High RiskInsurers may dispute whether damage was caused by wind (covered) or flooding (not covered under HO policy). Document the sequence of events carefully.
Separate hurricane deductible
High RiskFlorida homeowners policies have a separate, higher hurricane deductible — often 2–5% of your home's insured value, not a flat dollar amount.
Ordinance or law coverage
ReviewIf your home must be rebuilt to current building codes, the extra cost may not be covered without an ordinance/law endorsement.
Mold remediation limits
ReviewStandard policies often cap mold coverage at $10,000. Post-hurricane mold remediation in Florida can cost far more.
Loss of use / ALE limits
ReviewAdditional Living Expenses coverage pays for hotel and meals while your home is uninhabitable — but limits vary widely. Know yours before a storm.
Hurricane Claims — Common Questions
How long do I have to file a hurricane insurance claim in Florida?
Florida law (F.S. 627.70132) requires you to file a claim within 1 year of the hurricane making landfall. Supplemental claims for additional damage must be filed within 18 months. Don't wait — file as soon as it's safe to do so.
What is a hurricane deductible and how is it calculated?
A hurricane deductible is a separate, higher deductible that applies when a named hurricane causes damage. It's typically expressed as a percentage of your home's insured value (e.g., 2% of $300,000 = $6,000 out of pocket) rather than a flat dollar amount.
My insurer is offering a quick settlement — should I accept it?
Be cautious. Quick settlements are often lower than what you're entitled to. Once you accept and sign a release, it's very difficult to reopen the claim. Have a licensed public adjuster or attorney review the offer before signing.
Does my homeowners policy cover flood damage from a hurricane?
No. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding, even from a hurricane. Flood coverage requires a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer. Storm surge — the wall of water pushed ashore by a hurricane — is considered flooding.
What is a public adjuster and do I need one?
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents you (not the insurance company) in the claims process. They can be valuable if your claim is large, complex, or disputed. They typically charge 10–20% of the settlement. In Florida, they must be licensed by the Department of Financial Services.
Can my insurer cancel my policy after I file a hurricane claim?
Florida law restricts mid-term cancellations. However, your insurer may choose not to renew your policy at the end of the term. This is why it's important to review your coverage annually and work with an independent agent who can find alternatives.
Is Your Home Covered for the Next Storm?
Don't wait until after a hurricane to find out you have gaps. Jaime Avila reviews your homeowners and flood coverage to make sure you're protected before storm season.
Licensed in Florida · Independent agent · Bilingual (English & Spanish) · No obligation