It can be an anxious experience filing a homeowners insurance claim in Florida, particularly when you’re facing damage from storms, hurricanes, or other unforeseen catastrophes. Homeowners often ask: How long will a payout take? Although Florida law mandates response deadlines for insurers, various factors may affect the timeline.
Here’s What You Should Know About the Process of Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim and What to Do If Your Claim Is Late
1. Florida’s Insurance Claim Timeframes
Florida law mandates the timeframes that insurance companies must adhere to when they process claims:
- 14 Days – The insurer must respond to your receipt of your claim.
- 30 Days – In the event you request, the insurer must give you an update on your claim’s status.
- 60 Days – Your claim should be approved or rejected by the insurer upon receipt of a proof of loss statement.
- 90 Days – If your claim is approved, your insurance company has to make a payment within this time frame.
2. Influencing Factors for Claim Processing Time
Although Florida law gives direction, various factors can influence the speed at which your claim is processed:
- Damage Type
- Minor damage (e.g., roof leaks, broken windows) → typically processed within a few weeks.
- Severe damage (e.g., fire, flooding, structural damage) → Can take months due to detailed inspections and repair estimates.
- Insurance Adjuster Delays
When a major storm or hurricane has just passed, insurers can become swamped with claims, meaning longer response times for inspections and approvals.
- Disputes Over Coverage
Insurance companies tend to deny or short pay claims, particularly for:
- Mold damage
- Flood-related issues (which are covered by separate flood insurance)
- Roof damage claims (insurers can say it’s because of wear and tear)
In case your insurer denies your claim, the matter can take months or even years to settle.
Bottom Line!
Although Florida statute mandates that the insurance companies pay homeowners claims within 90 days, most claims are delayed by disputes, delays caused by adjusters, and policy exclusions. In case your insurer is taking its time, understanding your rights and hiring professional help will ensure that the process accelerates and you get the amount you deserve.
This post was written by Kelly-Ann Jenkins of Jenkins Law P.L. Kelly-Ann is an insurance claim Lawyer. The information on this site is not intended to and does not offer legal advice, legal recommendations, or legal representation on any matter. Hiring an attorney is an important decision, which should not be based on advertising. You need to consult an attorney for legal advice regarding your situation. Click here to learn more! The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser; the ABA and its members do not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
