Ocean Point Claims:homeowner rights insurance claims

Florida Homeowner Rights in Insurance Claims

Florida law grants policyholders specific, enforceable rights throughout the insurance claim process. Most homeowners don't know what those rights are: which is exactly what carriers count on. This page lists them all with statutory citation.

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Reviewed by Eli Goins, FL DFS License #P159790 · Last updated May 7, 2026

By Eli Goins · FL DFS #P159790 · Reviewed: May 7, 2026 · 1 min read

Short answer: Florida homeowners have statutory rights in every property claim: insurers must acknowledge, inspect, and pay or deny within set deadlines. You may hire a public adjuster or attorney, request a certified policy copy and your claim file, invoke appraisal, use DFS mediation, file a Civil Remedy Notice, and submit supplemental claims.

Your right to prompt response

Under Fla. Stat. 627.70131:

7 days

carrier must acknowledge your claim

30 days

carrier must begin an inspection (if one is warranted)

60 days

carrier must pay, deny, or explain why not

Missed deadlines are documented facts that support a Civil Remedy Notice.

Your right to representation

You may be represented in your insurance claim by:

A licensed Florida public adjuster (the only non-attorney who may represent you)
A Florida-licensed attorney

The carrier cannot require you to speak to them directly once you are represented.

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Your right to a copy of your policy

Under Florida law, you may request a certified copy of your insurance policy at any time. The carrier must provide it.

Your right to inspect your own claim file

Florida policyholders may request a copy of their claim file, including the adjuster's notes, reserves, and correspondence. Discovery in litigation expands this right further.

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Your right to invoke appraisal

If the policy contains an appraisal clause (most Florida HO-3 policies do), either party may invoke. The carrier cannot refuse a properly invoked appraisal.

Your right to DFS mediation

Under Fla. Stat. 627.7015, Florida residential property claims can be submitted to state-sponsored mediation: low-cost, non-binding, and typically resolved in a single session.

Your right to file a Civil Remedy Notice

Fla. Stat. 624.155 allows a policyholder to file a CRN when the carrier has acted in bad faith. The carrier has 60 days to cure; failure triggers potential bad-faith damages.

Your right to 10 days of cancellation on a PA contract

After signing a Florida public adjuster contract, you have 10 days to cancel without penalty (Fla. Stat. 626.854).

Your right to supplemental claims

Under Fla. Stat. 627.70132, you have 18 months from the date of loss to file a supplemental claim: even if the initial claim has been paid or closed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does my insurance company have to respond to my claim in Florida?

Under Florida law (627.70131), your insurer must acknowledge your claim within 7 days, begin inspecting within 30 days, and pay or deny it within 60 days of receiving notice. These deadlines apply to most residential property claims. If your insurer misses them without a valid reason, that delay can support further action.

Can I hire my own adjuster to represent me in a Florida claim?

Yes. You have the right to be represented by a licensed public adjuster or an attorney instead of relying on the insurer's adjuster (626.854). A public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company. Florida also gives you a 10-day right to cancel a public adjuster contract after signing it.

What are my options if the insurance company underpays or denies my claim?

If you disagree on the value of a covered loss, you can invoke the appraisal process in your policy to resolve the dispute. Florida also offers DFS mediation (627.7015) for many residential claims. If you believe the insurer acted in bad faith, you may file a Civil Remedy Notice (624.155) with the state.

Am I entitled to copies of my policy and claim file?

Yes. You have the right to request a certified copy of your complete insurance policy from your insurer. You can also request your claim file, which includes the documentation and adjuster materials tied to your loss. These records help you verify your coverage and confirm how your claim was handled.

Can I reopen my claim if I find more damage later?

Yes. Under Florida law (627.70132), you have up to 18 months from the date of loss to file a supplemental claim, and up to 1 year from the date of loss to file a reopened or new claim. This matters when hidden damage surfaces or a repair estimate comes in higher than the initial payment. You still need to meet the notice requirements that apply to your loss.