How to Make an Insurance Claim in Florida

Knowing how to make an insurance claim correctly is one of the most valuable skills a Florida homeowner can have. The actions you take in the first hours and days after property damage determine the trajectory of your entire claim. Missteps at the beginning — failing to document damage, making permanent repairs too soon, or saying the wrong things to your insurer — can cost you thousands of dollars in your final settlement.

This guide walks you through the complete process of filing a property damage insurance claim in Florida, from the moment you discover damage through final settlement.

Before You File: Critical First Steps

The steps you take before contacting your insurance company are arguably the most important part of the entire claims process.

Ensure Safety First

Before anything else, make sure everyone in your household is safe. If the property has structural damage, do not enter until it is confirmed safe. If there is active water damage or fire damage, ensure utilities are shut off as needed. In hurricane situations, wait until authorities confirm it is safe to return to your area.

Document Everything

This step cannot be overstated. Thorough documentation created immediately after the damage is the foundation of a successful insurance claim.

Photograph and video all damage:

  • Walk through every room and photograph damage from multiple angles
  • Capture wide shots showing the overall scope and close-ups showing specific damage
  • Photograph the exterior of the property from all sides
  • If you can safely see the roof from a second floor or neighboring structure, photograph it
  • Video a continuous walkthrough narrating what you see

Document personal property damage:

  • Photograph damaged belongings where they sit — do not move them yet
  • Create a written list of damaged items with descriptions and approximate values
  • Photograph brand names, model numbers, and serial numbers when visible

Photograph undamaged areas:

  • Also photograph areas that are NOT damaged. This establishes the scope of damage and prevents the insurer from later arguing that damage extended to areas that were actually fine.

Make Emergency Repairs

Florida law requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage to your property. This is called the “duty to mitigate.” Emergency repairs include:

  • Tarping a damaged roof to prevent rain intrusion
  • Boarding up broken windows and doors to secure the property
  • Extracting standing water to prevent mold growth
  • Turning off water supply if pipes are leaking
  • Placing buckets under active leaks to protect flooring and furnishings
  • Moving undamaged belongings away from damaged areas

Critical rules for emergency repairs:

  • Keep all receipts — emergency repair costs are reimbursable under your policy
  • Do not make permanent repairs — only temporary measures to prevent further damage
  • Photograph repairs as you make them — document what you did and why

Do Not Throw Anything Away

Damaged items are evidence. Do not throw away damaged belongings, building materials, or debris until your insurance company (or your public adjuster) has had the opportunity to inspect and document them. If you must remove items for safety or health reasons, photograph them thoroughly first.

Filing the Claim

With documentation and emergency repairs handled, you are ready to file your claim.

Contact a Public Adjuster First

Before calling your insurance company, consider contacting a licensed public adjuster. Having a professional on your side from the very beginning offers several advantages:

  • Your public adjuster conducts an independent inspection before the insurer’s adjuster arrives
  • They advise you on what to say — and not say — to your insurance company
  • They handle the claim filing on your behalf, ensuring it is done correctly
  • They manage all subsequent communication with the insurer

At Greater Claims Consulting & Appraisal Inc., we offer free initial inspections and consultations. Call (877) 462-7036 before filing your claim.

Contact Your Insurance Company

When you are ready to report the claim, call your insurance company’s claims hotline. During this call:

Do provide:

  • Your policy number
  • The date the damage occurred (or was discovered)
  • A brief, general description of the damage (“my roof was damaged during the storm” — not a detailed damage narrative)
  • Whether the property is habitable
  • Your current contact information

Do not provide:

  • A detailed estimate of damage cost
  • Speculation about the cause of damage
  • Information about your personal finances or repair plans
  • A recorded statement (you can schedule this for later with preparation)

Record these details:

  • The claim number assigned
  • The name and contact information of the person you spoke with
  • The date and time of the call
  • Any instructions or next steps they provide

Recorded Statements

Your insurer may request a recorded statement. Under most Florida policies, you are required to cooperate with the investigation, which may include providing a statement. However:

  • You are not required to give a statement on the spot — schedule it for a later time
  • Prepare for the statement with your public adjuster
  • Stick to facts and avoid speculation
  • Do not estimate dollar amounts or repair costs
  • Do not admit fault or blame yourself for any damage

The Inspection Phase

After filing, the insurance company assigns an adjuster to inspect your property.

The Insurance Company’s Inspection

The insurer’s adjuster contacts you to schedule an on-site inspection. Here is how to prepare:

  • Ensure all damage remains visible and accessible
  • Have your documentation organized and available
  • If you have a public adjuster, ensure they are present during the inspection
  • Point out all areas of damage to the adjuster — do not assume they will find everything on their own
  • Ask the adjuster to inspect areas you cannot access, such as the roof and attic

Your Public Adjuster’s Inspection

If you have hired a public adjuster, they conduct their own independent inspection — typically more thorough than the insurer’s. This creates an independent record of damage that serves as leverage during negotiations.

What Happens After the Inspection

The insurance company’s adjuster prepares a report and estimate based on their inspection. This goes to a claims examiner for review. The examiner determines coverage and approves the settlement amount. You receive the insurer’s estimate and payment offer.

Reviewing the Settlement Offer

When you receive the insurer’s estimate and settlement offer, do not simply cash the check. Review the estimate carefully.

Compare Estimates

If your public adjuster has prepared an independent estimate, compare it line by line against the insurer’s estimate. Common discrepancies include:

  • Missing items (damage documented but not included)
  • Lower material specifications
  • Below-market labor rates
  • Omitted overhead and profit
  • Missing code upgrade costs
  • Excessive depreciation

Understand the Payment

The initial payment on a replacement cost policy is the Actual Cash Value (ACV) — the replacement cost minus depreciation. You will receive additional depreciation recovery payments after completing repairs and submitting documentation.

Your deductible has been subtracted from the payment. For hurricane claims, verify that the correct deductible was applied.

Accept, Negotiate, or Dispute

You have three options:

  1. Accept if the settlement is fair and covers your repair costs
  2. Negotiate if the settlement is below your expected recovery — your public adjuster handles this
  3. Dispute through the appraisal process, mediation, or other remedies if negotiation fails

After the Settlement

Complete Repairs

Hire a licensed, insured contractor to complete repairs. Use the insurance proceeds to fund the work.

Recover Depreciation

After repairs are complete, submit documentation (invoices, photographs of completed work) to your insurance company to recover the withheld depreciation amount.

File Supplemental Claims

If your contractor discovers additional damage during repairs, file a supplemental claim for the additional costs. Your public adjuster handles this process.

Maintain Records

Keep all claim-related documents — correspondence, estimates, invoices, photographs, and payment records — for at least five years. You may need them for tax purposes, future claims, or if disputes arise later.

Common Mistakes That Reduce Your Florida Claim

Avoid these errors that frequently cost Florida homeowners money:

  1. Filing before documenting — Always photograph damage before making emergency repairs
  2. Making permanent repairs before inspection — Only temporary mitigation is appropriate before the insurer inspects
  3. Accepting the first offer — The initial settlement is rarely the best offer
  4. Providing too much information — Keep initial reports brief and factual
  5. Missing the supplemental claim — Additional damage discovered during repairs deserves its own claim
  6. Not reading the policy — Understanding your coverage, limits, and deductibles before filing puts you in a stronger position
  7. Going it alone — Homeowners without professional representation consistently receive lower settlements

Let Greater Claims Consulting & Appraisal Inc. Guide Your Claim

Filing an insurance claim does not have to be overwhelming. Reginald Amedee and the team at Greater Claims Consulting & Appraisal Inc. handle every aspect of the process for South Florida homeowners. From initial documentation through final settlement, we ensure your claim is filed correctly, documented thoroughly, and negotiated aggressively.

Call (877) 462-7036 for a free consultation — ideally before you file your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first thing I should do after property damage in Florida?

Document everything with photos and video before touching anything. Then make emergency repairs to prevent further damage — tarp the roof, board up windows, stop water leaks. Keep all receipts for emergency repairs. After that, contact a public adjuster before filing your claim with the insurance company.

Do I need a police report to file an insurance claim in Florida?

A police report is not required for most property damage claims like storm, water, or fire damage. However, if the damage resulted from theft, vandalism, or a vehicle hitting your property, a police report strengthens your claim and may be required by your insurer. File a police report whenever criminal activity is involved.

What mistakes should I avoid when filing an insurance claim in Florida?

Avoid these common mistakes: making permanent repairs before the insurer inspects, throwing away damaged items before documenting them, providing recorded statements without preparation, accepting the first settlement offer without review, missing reporting deadlines, and failing to document emergency repair expenses. Hiring a public adjuster helps you avoid all of these pitfalls.