Short answer: Florida homeowner policies generally cover sudden-and-accidental water damage. Carriers commonly underpay these claims by classifying scope too narrowly, calling sudden losses "wear and tear," or applying a $10,000 limited-water cap where the underlying peril isn’t limited. A licensed public adjuster documents cause, peril, and scope to recover the full loss.
What we handle
- Pipe bursts: copper, PEX, CPVC, galvanized
- Slab leaks: sub-slab plumbing failures requiring targeted excavation
- Cast iron and polybutylene pipe claims: a South Florida specialty
- Supply-line failures: washing machine, dishwasher, ice maker, toilet
- Appliance leaks and overflows
- Roof leaks causing interior water intrusion (storm-driven)
- AC condensate line overflows
- Water heater ruptures
- Secondary mold and structural damage following water loss
Why Florida water claims get denied or underpaid
The most common pitfalls we address:
- Sudden-and-accidental vs. long-term seepage. Carriers try to recharacterize a sudden pipe burst as gradual to deny coverage. Documentation matters.
- Cause-of-loss disputes. Is the water from a covered peril (windstorm roof leak) or from an excluded source (flood)? Fla. Stat. and ISO policy language both apply.
- Limited-water endorsement caps. Many Florida policies cap "limited water coverage" at $10,000. These caps apply narrowly: the underlying peril often isn’t capped.
- Scope reduction. Carriers routinely underestimate drying, reconstruction, and contents scope. Our Xactimate re-estimate captures the full reasonable cost.
- 14-day mitigation window. Most policies require reasonable steps to prevent further damage within a short window after discovery. Failure to mitigate can support a denial: we document that you met the obligation.