How a Roof Insurance Claim Works in Florida

A roof insurance claim in Florida follows a fairly set path, and knowing the steps ahead of time makes the process less stressful. The rules have changed a lot in the last few years, for homeowners, insurers and contractors, so even if you filed a claim a while ago, it’s worth a fresh look. This guide covers the basics as they stand under current Florida law. It isn’t legal advice, and your policy has the final word on your coverage.

Step 1: Keep water out and stay safe

After a storm, the first priority is safety. Stay off the roof, keep away from sagging ceilings and wet electrical fixtures, and keep people out of damaged rooms. If water is coming in, a temporary cover over the opening stops more damage to the decking, insulation and ceilings.

Policies generally expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Keep receipts for any emergency work and take photos before and after.

Step 2: Document the damage

Photos and video taken soon after the storm are some of the most useful evidence you can have. From the ground and from inside, record:

• Missing or damaged shingles, tiles or panels you can see from the yard
• Debris on the roof or fallen limbs
• Water stains, drips or wet insulation inside
• Damage to gutters, fascia and soffits

A roofing contractor can add close-up photos from the roof itself, a written report and an itemized repair estimate. Make sure photos are dated.

Step 3: Report the claim on time

Under Florida law, notice of a property insurance claim, including a reopened claim, must be given to the insurer within one year after the date of loss. A supplemental claim has an 18-month limit. Your policy may also ask for prompt notice. Reporting early is usually better than waiting for a repair price, because it starts the insurer’s clock as well.

When you report, note the claim number, the date and the name of the person you spoke with. Keep a simple log of every call and email from here on.

Step 4: The insurer’s timeline

Florida law sets deadlines on insurers too. In general:

• The insurer must review and acknowledge your claim communications within 7 days.
• It must begin its investigation within 7 days of receiving proof-of-loss statements.
• Any physical inspection must happen within 30 days of receiving those statements.
• It must pay or deny a residential property claim, in whole or in part, within 60 days of receiving notice of the claim.

The statute includes exceptions for factors outside the insurer’s control, so delays can happen. But if things go quiet well past those dates, it’s reasonable to ask for an update in writing.

Step 5: The adjuster’s inspection

The insurer will usually send an adjuster to look at the roof. Having your own photos and your contractor’s report on hand helps you point out everything you’ve found. You can be present for the inspection, and you can ask the adjuster what they’ve documented.

What a contractor can and can’t do

Florida tightened the rules on contractors and insurance claims, and it helps to know them so you can spot problems:

• A contractor can inspect your roof, photograph the damage, write a report and give you an itemized estimate.
• A contractor can’t interpret your policy, advise you on coverage, or negotiate or adjust your claim, unless they’re licensed as a public adjuster.
• A contractor can’t offer rebates, gifts or cash for an inspection or a claim, and can’t waive or pay your deductible.
• A contractor can’t sign a repair agreement on a claim without giving you an itemized, good-faith estimate.

For policies issued on or after January 1, 2023, post-loss benefits under a residential policy also can’t be assigned to a contractor. You remain in charge of the claim.

Step 6: The decision and the repair

Once the insurer decides, you’ll receive a written explanation of what’s covered and what isn’t, along with any payment. Compare it with your contractor’s estimate line by line. If the claim covers the work, the repair or replacement can be scheduled, with a permit pulled where one is required.

If parts aren’t covered, you’ll see exactly which ones, and you can decide how to handle them. If you disagree with the decision, ask for the reasons in writing and talk to your agent, a licensed public adjuster or an attorney.

Keep a claim file

Put everything in one folder: photos, the contractor’s report and estimate, your claim log, letters and emails from the insurer, receipts for emergency work, the permit and the final inspection. It helps if questions come up later, and it’s useful when you sell the house or switch insurers.

How we help

We document roof damage and price the repair, and we leave the claim with you, the way Florida law requires. See our roof insurance claims and storm damage roof repair pages for how we inspect. We work in Jacksonville, Orange Park and Jacksonville Beach.