At Correa & Martinez Trial Lawyers, we’ve seen how even small mistakes—like missing a deadline or disposing of damaged items too soon—can give insurance companies an excuse to delay or deny. Filing a hurricane damage claim in Florida is stressful enough without falling into these traps. Here are the six most common errors we see homeowners make after a storm, and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Missing Florida’s Claim Deadlines
Florida law gives you:
- 1 year from the date of loss to file your initial property claim, and
- 18 months for supplemental claims
Wait longer, and your claim can be barred, no matter how real the damage (Florida Statute §627.70132).
Do this instead: Report the claim immediately—by app, phone, or email—and keep documenting as you uncover additional damage.
Mistake 2: Not Understanding the Hurricane Deductible
Florida policies often carry a separate, higher hurricane deductible that applies only during a defined “hurricane period”:
- It starts when the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning for any part of Florida
- It ends 72 hours after the last watch/warning is lifted (Stat. §627.4025)
Florida’s Department of Financial Services (DFS) explains that you usually pay this deductible only once per calendar year if you stay with the same insurer.
Do this instead: Review your declarations page before storm season, know your deductible amount, and set aside funds so you’re not blindsided when filing.
Mistake 3: Throwing Out Damaged Items Before You Document Everything
Tossing soaked drywall, furniture, or contents before documenting is one of the costliest errors. FEMA’s NFIP guidance urges homeowners to:
- Photograph and video all damage
- Record serial numbers
- Save samples of materials
- Keep every receipt
Do this instead: Fully document before you discard. Create a room-by-room inventory with photos and notes, then keep samples and receipts for proof.
Mistake 4: Not Taking Temporary Measures to Prevent Further Damage
Policies require you to mitigate after a storm by:
- Boarding windows
- Tarping roofs
- Pumping out water
NFIP guidance stresses acting quickly to curb mold, which can begin within 24–48 hours.
Do this instead: Make safe temporary repairs, save receipts, and keep proof that you acted fast to limit further loss.
Mistake 5: Assuming Homeowners' Insurance Covers Flood Damage
Standard homeowners’ policies generally exclude floods, as flood coverage comes through the NFIP or private flood policies. Filing the wrong way can cause delays or denials.
Do this instead: Review your policy now to confirm whether you have flood coverage. If you don’t, apply through NFIP or a private carrier before the next storm season.
Mistake 6: Signing Contracts that Assign Your Benefits Without Understanding the Risk
After storms, contractors may present an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) that transfers your insurance rights to them. This can affect your claim control and outcome. Florida DFS warns homeowners to read carefully before signing.
Do this instead: Get legal advice before signing any AOB. If you need work started, insist on a contract that does not sign away your insurance rights.
Quick Claim Checklist
- Report your claim now; add supplemental items later (per Florida’s 1-year/18-month rule)
- Track insurer deadlines, such as the 7-day acknowledgment, 30-day inspection window after proof of loss, and 60-day pay/deny
- Confirm if the hurricane deductible applies (statutory hurricane period) and whether you’ve already met it this year
- Document first, then clean
- Avoid hasty AOB contracts
Protect Your Claim. Protect Your Future.
Insurance companies know most homeowners are overwhelmed after a storm and count on mistakes to shrink payouts. At Correa & Martinez Trial Lawyers, we level the playing field. Our trial-tested team understands Florida’s complex hurricane claim laws, the deadlines insurers must follow, and their tactics to minimize compensation.
If your claim has been delayed, denied, or underpaid, don’t try to fight it alone. We’ll take on the insurer, protect your rights, and push for the full benefits you deserve so you can focus on rebuilding.
Call us 24/7 at (305) 902-6110 or schedule a free consultation today.
