By Eli Goins · FL DFS #P159790 · Reviewed: · 1 min read
Short answer: Under Florida Statute 627.70131, your insurer must acknowledge your claim within 7 days, begin investigation within 7 days of receiving proof of loss, complete any inspection within 30 days, and pay or deny within 60 days of notice. Missed deadlines can trigger statutory interest, a DFS complaint, a Civil Remedy Notice, or bad-faith exposure.
The deadlines
Under Fla. Stat. 627.70131:
7
calendar days to acknowledge receipt of your claim
7 days
after receiving proof-of-loss to begin any necessary investigation
30 days
after receiving proof-of-loss to conduct required physical inspection
60 days
from claim notice to pay, deny, or explain delay
What happens when deadlines are missed
- Statutory interest accrues on late payments from the date of notice
- Bad-faith exposure under Fla. Stat. 624.155 can develop with documented missed deadlines
- DFS complaint is available at MyFloridaCFO
- Civil Remedy Notice can start the 60-day cure window leading to potential bad-faith action
What qualifies as "factors beyond the insurer's control"
The statute allows carrier exceptions only when factors genuinely beyond their control prevent timely response. These are narrow: typically major-catastrophe-period volume, impossibility of inspection due to property access issues, or awaiting documentation from the policyholder. Staffing issues, administrative backlog, or ordinary busy-ness do not qualify.
What to do when deadlines are missed
- Document in writing: demand explanation citing the statute
- File a DFS complaint at MyFloridaCFO
- Consider filing a Civil Remedy Notice
- Consult a public adjuster or attorney