Sinkhole Insurance Claims in Florida

Florida sinkhole claims follow specific statutory procedures that don't apply to other property claim types. The process involves mandatory carrier investigation by professional geologists, a potential neutral evaluation, and often litigation. Ocean Point handles sinkhole claims within the specialized framework Florida law requires.

What we handle

Catastrophic ground collapse claims
Structural damage from subsurface activity
Sinkhole loss claims (Fla. Stat. 627.706 series)
Neutral evaluation proceedings

Statutory framework

Sinkhole claims in Florida are governed by a specific statutory framework:

Fla. Stat. 627.706: defines sinkhole loss
Fla. Stat. 627.707: investigation requirements, including mandatory professional geological testing
Fla. Stat. 627.7074: neutral evaluation procedure
Fla. Stat. 627.7073: carrier's written report requirements

These aren't optional: the carrier must follow specific investigation and reporting requirements.

Common claim patterns

Visible structural damage: cracks, floor settling, wall movement
Carrier sends geotechnical engineer: produces report
Report finds no sinkhole: claim denied
Homeowner invokes neutral evaluation: independent geologist reviews
If neutral evaluation supports claim: settlement required; if not: further proceedings

Specialty considerations

Investigation cost coverage: carriers bear the cost of investigation
Neutral evaluator authority: findings carry weight but aren't conclusive
Subsidence vs. sinkhole: policies distinguish; subsidence coverage is narrower
Litigation is common: many sinkhole claims resolve only in court

Why retain a public adjuster

Sinkhole claims combine complex engineering evidence, specific statutory procedure, and adversarial carrier behavior. A public adjuster coordinates the technical evidence, ensures statutory compliance by the carrier, and builds the factual case: often in coordination with counsel.