Mistake 1: Waiting to notify
The statutory clock starts the day of loss. Carriers handle thousands of claims in post-storm periods. Later notice means longer waits, more scope gaps, and weaker negotiating position.
Do this: notify within 48 hours, ideally 24.
Mistake 2: Skipping pre-mitigation documentation
Mitigation contractors show up and start work. By hour 12, the visible damage is already changing. If you don't photograph before mitigation, you can't prove what was there.
Do this: photograph everything, every room, every angle, before any work starts.
Mistake 3: Signing an AOB
Post-2022 reform makes this less common, but still happens. Signing an AOB transfers your claim rights to a contractor. You lose control.
Do this: pay contractors from your settlement. Don't transfer rights.
Mistake 4: Using the wrong contractor
Unlicensed contractors, out-of-state "storm chasers," or contractors with no Florida experience create downstream problems: permit issues, code compliance, carrier rejection of estimates.
Do this: verify Florida license before hiring. Check the DBPR website. Confirm insurance.
Mistake 5: Throwing away damaged items
Contents adjusters need to see damaged items: or photograph them, at minimum. Throwing away damaged contents before documentation is common and costs real recovery.
Do this: preserve, photograph, and list. Replace after documentation.
Mistake 6: Accepting the first offer
First offers on hurricane claims of any complexity are routinely 30–60% below the recoverable scope. Scope gaps, matching statute omissions, code-upgrade coverage, and depreciation issues almost always warrant counter-offers.
Do this: get your scope documented independently before accepting anything.
Mistake 7: Missing the hurricane deductible math
Hurricane deductibles are 2–5% of Coverage A. On a $500K home, that's $10K–$25K out of pocket before coverage starts. Many homeowners don't realize this until the claim comes in under-deductible.
Do this: calculate the deductible before claim filing. Consider whether pursuing a below-deductible claim is worthwhile.
Mistake 8: Forgetting matching statute
Discontinued tile, siding, or shingle often triggers Fla. Stat. 626.9744: forcing continuous-area replacement. Carriers almost never raise this themselves.
Do this: document discontinuation; cite the statute; demand continuous-area replacement.
Mistake 9: Ignoring code upgrades
Florida Building Code has evolved since Andrew. Rebuilding post-loss typically triggers code-upgrade requirements. Law-and-ordinance coverage pays this delta, but only when claimed.
Do this: get a permit-office citation of the specific code requirement; invoke the L&O endorsement.
Mistake 10: Giving up after denial
Denials are rarely final. Supplemental, reopening, appraisal, CRN, and litigation are all paths forward.
Do this: treat the denial as Round 1, not the end.