Questions we hear every week: answered
Each FAQ below is a standalone page with a sourced, statute-grounded answer. If your question isn't here, call us.
Short answer: This library answers the questions Florida policyholders ask most: what a public adjuster costs and does, how claim deadlines work, what your policy actually covers, and what to do after a denial or low payment. A public adjuster represents you, not your insurer, and usually works on a contingency fee.
Filing a property insurance claim in Florida raises the same recurring questions, and this library gathers the most common ones in one place so you can find a clear answer before you make a decision. Whether you are weighing the cost of hiring help, watching a reporting deadline, or trying to understand why a payment came back lower than your repair estimate, the goal here is to orient you quickly and then point you to a deeper standalone answer.
What this FAQ library covers
The questions fall into a few practical buckets. Cost and value come up first for most policyholders: what a public adjuster charges, how a contingency fee works, and whether you actually need one for your situation. Timing is the next concern, including notice-of-claim windows, the insurer's response and payment obligations, and how long a Florida claim realistically takes. Coverage questions make up a large share, since policies treat water, mold, sinkhole, and flood very differently, and concepts like mold sublimits, ordinance or law coverage, and additional living expenses (ALE) decide how much you can recover.
When the answers point toward getting help
Other entries deal with what happens when a claim goes sideways: outright denials, partial or low payments, and disputes over scope or pricing in estimates built with tools like Xactimate. You will also find plain-language explanations of how the appraisal clause works, when a closed claim can be reopened, and how a public adjuster differs from your carrier's adjuster and from an attorney. The aim is not to replace tailored advice but to help you recognize where your claim stands and what leverage you have.
Every answer is written from the policyholder's side, with Florida rules and common policy language in mind. If your situation matches one of these questions and you want a second opinion on what your loss is actually worth, Ocean Point Claims offers a free, no-obligation claim review. There is no recovery, no fee, so you can understand your options before committing to anything.
- FAQWhat is a public adjuster in Florida?A public adjuster is a Florida-licensed professional who represents the policyholder, not the insurance carrier, in negotiating property insurance claims on a contingency basis.Read more
- FAQDo I need a public adjuster?You don't always need a public adjuster, but if your claim is complex, denied, underpaid, delayed, or involves a significant loss, a public adjuster typically recovers materially more than homeowners handling claims alone.Read more
- FAQWhen should I hire a public adjuster in Florida?Ideally, as early in the claim process as possible, but Florida public adjusters can also be engaged after denial, underpayment, or delay, subject to the 1-year (new/reopened) and 18-month (supplemental) statutory deadlines.Read more
- FAQHow much does a public adjuster charge in Florida?Florida public adjuster fees are set on a contingency basis and capped by Florida Statute 626.854, with a reduced cap for claims arising from declared emergencies. No recovery, no fee.Read more
- FAQPublic adjuster vs. attorney: which do I need?A public adjuster manages your claim and negotiates scope and settlement. An attorney litigates coverage disputes or bad-faith actions. For most Florida property claims, a public adjuster is the right starting point; attorneys get involved when litigation or bad-faith is warranted.Read more
- FAQPublic adjuster vs. insurance company adjusterA public adjuster is licensed to represent the policyholder and is paid only by the policyholder. An insurance company adjuster (staff or independent) represents the insurance carrier. They are opposites.Read more
- FAQAre public adjusters worth it?For most denied, underpaid, delayed, or significant Florida property claims, yes: policyholders with public adjusters recover materially more than those handling claims alone, net of the fee.Read more
- FAQHow long do I have to file a hurricane claim in Florida?Under Florida Statute 627.70132, new hurricane claims must be reported within 1 year of the date of loss. Supplemental claims have 18 months.Read more
- FAQHow long does insurance have to pay a claim in Florida?Florida insurers must acknowledge within 7 days, begin investigation within 7 days of proof-of-loss, inspect within 30 days, and pay or deny the claim within 60 days. Fla. Stat. 627.70131.Read more
- FAQCan I hire a public adjuster after my claim already settled?Yes: subject to statutory deadlines. Supplemental claims are permitted within 18 months of date of loss; reopened claims within 1 year. A public adjuster can pursue additional recovery within these windows.Read more
- FAQHow to find a good public adjuster in FloridaVerify the DFS license at MyFloridaCFO, check for FAPIA/NAPIA membership, review documented case results, read independent reviews, and confirm contingency-fee structure matches statutory caps.Read more
- FAQCan Insurance Drop Me After a Claim?Florida carriers can sometimes non-renew after a claim. What triggers non-renewal and what protection Florida law provides.Read more
- FAQHow Long Does a Claim Stay Open?Florida claims don't have a strict 'open' duration but have specific statutory windows. The effective lifespan of a claim.Read more
- FAQCan I Dispute an Insurance Estimate?Yes. Florida policyholders have specific rights to dispute carrier estimates. The mechanisms and procedures.Read more
- FAQWhat If Insurance Ignores Me?When carriers don't respond, Florida statutes give policyholders specific recourse. The escalation steps.Read more
- FAQDo I Need Multiple Estimates?Multiple estimates aren't required by Florida statute but often strengthen claims and shift the negotiation. When they help, how many, and which kinds of pricing matter most.Read more
- FAQWhat If I Disagree With Coverage?When you believe coverage applies but carrier says it doesn't, Florida has specific processes for resolution.Read more
- FAQCan I Reopen a Closed Claim?Yes: Florida law allows reopening closed claims within specific statutory windows. The reopening vs. supplemental claim distinction, the mechanisms, and the deadlines that control eligibility.Read more
- FAQWhat If My Claim Is Partially Paid?Partial payment isn't necessarily final on a Florida claim. How to read what the partial payment means, supplement the claim with additional scope, and pursue the remaining recovery.Read more
- FAQHow Do I Prove Damage?Proving damage requires specific evidence: photos, measurements, expert reports, contents inventory. The complete approach.Read more
- FAQCan Insurance Deny Without Inspection?Florida carriers must conduct reasonable investigation before denial. What counts as investigation and what doesn't.Read more
- FAQHow much does a public adjuster cost in Florida?Florida public adjuster fees are capped by statute: here's how the cap works for hurricane vs. non-hurricane claims.Read more
- FAQCan I fire my public adjuster in Florida?Florida policyholders can terminate a public adjuster contract: here's how the statutory notice and fee rules work.Read more
- FAQCan a public adjuster work with my attorney?Florida public adjusters often work alongside policyholder attorneys: how the roles divide, when each is appropriate, and how engagement letters split the work and the fee structure.Read more
- FAQWhat is the appraisal clause in a Florida policy?The appraisal clause is an alternative dispute resolution built into most Florida property policies: here's how it works.Read more
- FAQHow long do I have to file a property insurance claim in Florida?Florida Statute 627.70132 sets specific statutory notice deadlines for initial, supplemental, and reopened claims, and missing one can bar the claim entirely. The current deadlines and how they apply.Read more
- FAQDoes filing a claim raise my Florida insurance premium?Filing a property insurance claim can affect renewal pricing and insurability: here's the honest answer.Read more
- FAQWhat is Loss of Use (ALE) coverage in Florida?Loss of Use / Additional Living Expense coverage pays for temporary housing and costs when your home is uninhabitable.Read more
- FAQWhat does ACV mean on my Florida insurance estimate?ACV, Actual Cash Value, is replacement cost minus depreciation. Here's why it matters on a Florida claim.Read more
- FAQWhat is RCV holdback in a Florida claim?RCV holdback is the amount of your claim the carrier keeps until you complete repairs: here's how to release it.Read more
- FAQWhat is a reservation of rights letter from my insurance company?A reservation of rights letter preserves the carrier's ability to deny coverage later: here's what it means.Read more
- FAQWhat is a Civil Remedy Notice (CRN) in Florida?A Civil Remedy Notice is the statutory prerequisite to a Florida bad-faith claim: here's how it works.Read more
- FAQWhy is my hurricane deductible higher than my regular deductible?Florida law allows separate hurricane deductibles (typically 2%-10% of dwelling coverage). Here's how it works.Read more
- FAQDo I need flood insurance in Florida?Standard Florida homeowners policies exclude flood entirely. NFIP and private flood policies fill the gap: how each works, what's covered, and how flood coverage interacts with hurricane claims.Read more
- FAQWhat is an Examination Under Oath (EUO) in a Florida claim?An EUO is a sworn statement taken by the insurance company: here's what to expect and how to prepare.Read more
- FAQWhat's the difference between storm surge and flood on my claim?Storm surge is typically treated as flood under Florida policies, not a hurricane loss. Here's why it matters.Read more
- FAQWhat is a wind mitigation inspection?A wind mitigation inspection can significantly reduce your Florida hurricane premium: here's what it covers.Read more
- FAQCan I use my own contractor for Florida insurance repairs?You almost always can choose your own contractor on a Florida property claim, despite carrier pressure to use their preferred network. The rule, the exceptions, and how to push back.Read more
- FAQWhy is my mortgage company on my insurance check?Your mortgagee has an insurable interest in the property: here's why they appear on the check and how releases work.Read more
- FAQWhat is an Assignment of Benefits (AOB)?An Assignment of Benefits transfers policy rights to a contractor: heavily restricted in Florida after 2022.Read more
- FAQWhat is subrogation in a property claim?Subrogation lets your insurer recover from the party that caused your loss: here's how it affects you.Read more
- FAQDo public adjusters handle commercial claims in Florida?Yes: Florida public adjusters represent commercial property owners, business interruption claims, and large-loss matters in addition to residential. How commercial claim representation differs.Read more
- FAQDoes Florida homeowners insurance cover mold?Mold coverage in Florida policies is typically limited by sublimit: often $10,000. Here's how it works.Read more
- FAQDoes Florida insurance cover tree damage?Tree damage coverage on Florida policies depends on what the tree hit and why it fell. The breakdown by structure damaged, peril, neighbor's tree vs. yours, and what removal coverage looks like.Read more
- FAQHow do I prove damage wasn't preexisting?Preexisting-damage disputes are common on Florida claims. The photo, inspection, maintenance, and prior-claim records that demonstrate the loss is new and how to assemble them.Read more
- FAQWhat does "all risk" mean on my policy?All-risk (open-peril) coverage covers any loss not specifically excluded: which makes exclusions critical.Read more
- FAQWhat is a Sworn Proof of Loss?A Sworn Proof of Loss is a notarized statement of claim facts that Florida carriers can require. What it must contain, how to complete it correctly, and the consequences of getting it wrong.Read more
- FAQCan my insurance company force me to arbitrate?Some Florida property policies contain mandatory arbitration clauses; others don't. How to read your policy, what arbitration changes about the dispute path, and your alternatives.Read more
- FAQWhat is Ordinance or Law coverage?Ordinance or Law coverage pays for code-upgrade costs on Florida repairs that current building codes require. How the coverage works, the standard limits, and when it's worth increasing.Read more
- FAQDoes my Florida policy cover sinkholes?Sinkhole coverage is regulated separately in Florida: here's what standard vs. catastrophic ground cover collapse mean.Read more
- FAQWhat happens if my Florida claim is denied unfairly?Florida policyholders have multiple paths after an unfair denial: appraisal, CRN, mediation, litigation.Read more
- FAQHow long does the insurance company have to pay my Florida claim?Florida Statute 627.70131 sets carrier acknowledgement, investigation, and payment deadlines for property claims. The 14-day, 30-day, and 60-day windows and what they mean for your claim.Read more
- FAQWhat is pre-suit notice in Florida insurance litigation?Fla. Stat. 627.70152 requires policyholders to send a pre-suit notice before filing against a property insurer.Read more
- FAQWill my Florida insurance cancel me after a claim?Florida carriers have specific statutory rules on cancellation and non-renewal after a claim. Notice requirements, allowable grounds, and what to do if you receive a non-renewal letter.Read more
- FAQCan I hire a public adjuster after I have a settlement offer?Yes: even after a Florida settlement offer, a public adjuster can often supplement, reopen, or invoke appraisal to recover additional amounts. The eligibility windows and how it works.Read more
- FAQWhat's the difference between a public adjuster and the insurance company's adjuster?Three types of adjuster operate in Florida: company, independent, and public. Who works for whom, why the distinction matters on every claim, and how attorneys fit alongside.Read more
- FAQWhat's the difference between an adjuster and a restoration contractor?Adjusters evaluate the loss in policy and pricing terms; contractors build the repair. Why the distinction is sharp on Florida claims, why a contractor's bid isn't a claim estimate, and how the two roles interact.Read more
- FAQWhat is a contents inventory on a Florida claim?A contents inventory is the itemized list of personal-property damage: here's how to build one that gets paid.Read more
- FAQDo I need receipts for ALE / Loss of Use?Yes: ALE (Additional Living Expense) is reimbursement-based in Florida, so receipts and documentation are required. What qualifies, how to track expenses, and the typical sublimits and duration caps.Read more
- FAQCan a roofer act as my public adjuster in Florida?No: under Florida law, only licensed public adjusters can negotiate insurance claims on your behalf.Read more
- FAQWhat is diminution in value?Diminution in value is the loss of market value that remains after repairs: here's its limited role in Florida claims.Read more
- FAQWhat is a coverage letter from my insurance company?A coverage letter is the carrier's formal position on whether a loss is covered: here's how to read one.Read more
- FAQDo you handle fire insurance claims in Florida?Yes: Ocean Point represents Florida policyholders on fire, smoke, and post-fire claims, including total losses, partial losses, and contents inventories. Eli Goins is the firm's lead fire adjuster.Read more
- FAQWhat happens if my insurance adjuster is replaced mid-claim?Adjuster reassignment is common in Florida: here's how to keep your claim from falling through the cracks.Read more
Frequently asked questions
How much does a public adjuster cost in Florida?
Most Florida public adjusters work on a contingency fee, meaning they are paid a percentage of the recovered settlement rather than an upfront charge. Florida law caps public adjuster fees, and the cap is lower for claims tied to a declared state of emergency. With a no recovery, no fee arrangement, you generally owe nothing if the adjuster does not improve your outcome.
Do I really need a public adjuster for my claim?
Not every claim requires one. A public adjuster usually adds the most value on larger or disputed losses, when the damage is complex, when coverage is unclear, or when the insurer's payment does not match the cost of proper repairs. For a small, clearly covered loss that the insurer pays in full, you may not need representation, which is why a free claim review is a sensible first step.
What are the deadlines to file a property insurance claim in Florida?
Florida property policies require prompt notice of a loss, and there are separate statutory deadlines for filing an initial, supplemental, or reopened claim. Missing a deadline can give the insurer grounds to deny, so report damage as soon as you discover it. Because these windows have changed in recent years, check your specific policy and confirm the current rules before assuming a claim is too old.
My claim was denied or underpaid. What are my options?
A denial or partial payment is not always the final word. You can request the insurer's written reasoning, gather your own documentation and a detailed repair estimate, and dispute the decision through the policy's appraisal clause when the disagreement is about the amount of loss. A public adjuster can re-inspect the damage, rebuild the estimate, and negotiate the difference on your behalf.
Can a closed or already-paid claim be reopened in Florida?
Often, yes. If you later discover additional damage, or the original payment did not cover the full cost of repairs, you may be able to file a supplemental or reopened claim, subject to your policy terms and Florida's filing deadlines. Keeping records, photos, and repair estimates makes a reopened claim much stronger.
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