Your rights as a Florida policyholder
Florida law gives homeowners specific rights and timelines when they file a property insurance claim. Here’s a plain-English summary.
Timelines your insurer must follow
The Florida Department of Financial Services publishes a Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights. In summary, it says:
- Your insurer must acknowledge your claim within 7 days after it’s submitted.
- After you submit a written request and a complete proof of loss, the insurer must tell you within 30 days whether the claim is covered, partly covered, denied or still under investigation.
- The insurer must send you any detailed estimate of your loss within 7 days after its adjuster creates it.
- Within 60 days, you should receive full settlement, payment of the undisputed amount, or a denial.
- You may be owed interest if the insurer doesn’t pay or deny within that 60-day window.
- You may be eligible for free state-run mediation of your claim dispute, paid for by the insurer.
- For sinkhole claims, you may be eligible for free neutral evaluation.
These timelines may not apply when conditions are beyond the insurer’s control, and they aren’t a complete list of your rights. Read the official Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights (Florida DFS).
Who can help with a claim
Handle it yourself
Many small, straightforward claims can be handled directly with the insurer.
Hire a public adjuster
A licensed public adjuster works for you, documents the loss and negotiates the claim. Fees are a percentage of the payment and are limited by Florida law.
Consult an attorney
For legal disputes or lawsuits, speak with a Florida-licensed attorney. Public adjusters can’t give legal advice.
State help
The Florida DFS Division of Consumer Services helps consumers with insurance questions and complaints.
After property damage: what to do
Download our one-page checklist and keep it with your policy.
Talk to a licensed public adjuster
Tell us what happened. We’ll review your policy and your claim, explain your options and tell you honestly whether we can help.