How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in Florida: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Documentation, deadlines, adjusters, and what to do when things go wrong
Last updated: March 2026
Your roof is damaged. Maybe it was a hurricane, a severe thunderstorm, or a tree that finally gave up. Now you need to file an insurance claim — and if you’ve never done it before, the process can feel overwhelming.
This guide walks you through exactly how to file a roof insurance claim in Florida, step by step, so you can maximize your payout and avoid common mistakes.
Before You Start: Know the Deadlines
Florida law gives you specific timeframes for filing property damage claims:
| Requirement | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Report the claim to your insurer | As soon as reasonably possible |
| File a formal claim | Within 2 years of the damage (for most policies) |
| Insurer must acknowledge your claim | 14 days |
| Insurer must begin investigation | 14 days |
| Insurer must make a decision | 90 days (in most cases) |
Important
While you technically have up to 2 years, filing quickly is crucial. Delayed claims are harder to prove, and insurers are more likely to deny claims when damage has worsened over time.
Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately
Before you touch anything, grab your phone and document everything.
What to Photograph and Video
- ✓ Exterior roof damage: Missing shingles, dents, holes, debris
- ✓ Interior water damage: Stains, drips, wet insulation
- ✓ Surrounding property: Fallen trees, damaged gutters, debris in yard
- ✓ Overall property: Wide shots showing the scope of damage
- ✓ Date stamps: Ensure your camera’s date/time stamp is accurate
Tips for Good Documentation
- • Take photos in good lighting
- • Capture multiple angles of each damaged area
- • Include something for scale (a ruler, your hand, a coin)
- • Video walkthrough with narration describing what you see
- • Don’t throw away damaged materials until the adjuster has seen them
Save Everything
- • Weather reports from the day of the storm
- • News coverage of the event
- • Receipts for any emergency repairs (tarping, board-up)
- • Communications with contractors and neighbors
Step 2: Prevent Further Damage
Florida law requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage to your property. This doesn’t mean permanent repairs — it means emergency mitigation.
What You Should Do
- ✓ Cover holes or leaks with tarps — This is called “emergency tarping”
- ✓ Remove standing water to prevent mold
- ✓ Board up broken windows or skylights
- ✓ Move belongings away from leak areas
What You Should NOT Do
- × Don’t make permanent repairs before the adjuster inspects
- × Don’t throw away damaged materials
- × Don’t sign contracts with any contractor before filing your claim
Keep All Receipts
Emergency repairs are typically covered by your policy, but you need receipts. Save every receipt for:
- • Tarps and materials
- • Tools or equipment
- • Contractor fees for emergency work
- • Temporary accommodations (if your home is uninhabitable)
Step 3: Review Your Insurance Policy
Before calling your insurer, understand what you’re working with.
Key Things to Check
-
•
Deductible amount: Florida policies typically have separate hurricane/wind deductibles (often 2–5% of dwelling coverage) that are higher than standard deductibles.
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•
Coverage type: Is your roof covered at “replacement cost value” (RCV) or “actual cash value” (ACV)?
- RCV: Pays to replace your roof with similar materials, regardless of age
- ACV: Pays replacement cost minus depreciation (you get less for an older roof)
-
•
Exclusions: Some policies exclude certain types of damage or have limitations for older roofs.
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•
Code upgrade coverage: Does your policy pay for bringing your roof up to current building code? This matters due to Florida’s 25% rule.
Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your insurer’s claims department — the number is usually on your policy documents or insurance card.
What to Say
- • Your policy number
- • Date and type of damage (storm, wind, hail, etc.)
- • Brief description of the damage
- • Your contact information
What to Ask
- • Claim number (write this down — you’ll need it for everything)
- • Name of your assigned adjuster
- • Timeline for inspection
- • What documentation they need from you
- • Next steps in the process
Get Everything in Writing
After the call, send a follow-up email summarizing what was discussed. This creates a paper trail that can protect you if there’s a dispute later.
Step 5: Get a Contractor’s Estimate
Before the insurance adjuster arrives, get an independent estimate from a licensed roofing contractor.
Why This Matters
- • You’ll understand the true scope of damage
- • You’ll have a comparison point for the adjuster’s estimate
- • A contractor can identify damage you might miss
- • The estimate can support your claim if there’s a dispute
Choosing a Contractor for the Estimate
- ✓ Must have a valid Florida roofing license (CCC or RCC) — verify their license
- ✓ Should be local and established
- ✓ Should offer free estimates for insurance claims
- × Should NOT pressure you to sign a contract or AOB
Important
Getting an estimate doesn’t commit you to using that contractor. Shop around. Be wary of storm chaser roofers who show up uninvited after a storm.
Step 6: Meet with the Insurance Adjuster
The adjuster works for the insurance company — their job is to assess damage and estimate repair costs. Be prepared.
Before the Visit
- • Have your documentation organized
- • Review your contractor’s estimate
- • Make a list of all damage you’ve observed
- • Clear access to the roof and damaged areas
During the Inspection
- ✓ Be present for the entire inspection
- ✓ Point out all areas of damage (interior and exterior)
- ✓ Ask the adjuster to explain what they’re documenting
- ✓ Take your own photos of what they’re inspecting
- ✓ Ask questions if something seems wrong
What Adjusters Look For
- • Missing, cracked, or damaged shingles
- • Dents from hail (they may use chalk to mark them)
- • Lifted or curled shingle edges
- • Damaged flashing around vents, chimneys, skylights
- • Water intrusion points
- • Interior water damage
After the Visit
- • Get the adjuster’s contact information
- • Ask when you’ll receive their report
- • Request a copy of their estimate when complete
Step 7: Review the Insurance Company’s Estimate
Once the adjuster completes their report, your insurer will send you an estimate of covered damages.
Compare Estimates
Put the insurance estimate side-by-side with your contractor’s estimate. Look for:
- • Missing items: Did they miss damage your contractor found?
- • Pricing differences: Are labor and material costs reasonable?
- • Scope differences: Are they authorizing repairs vs. replacement?
- • Depreciation (for ACV policies): Is the depreciation calculation fair?
Common Issues to Watch For
- × Adjuster missed interior damage
- × Estimate uses lower-quality materials than originally installed
- × Labor rates are below local market rates
- × Some damage attributed to “wear and tear” instead of the storm
Step 8: Negotiate If Necessary
If the insurance estimate seems low, you have options.
Request a Re-Inspection
Ask your insurer to send the adjuster back, or request a different adjuster. Bring your contractor to this inspection to point out discrepancies.
Submit a Supplement
If your contractor finds additional damage during repairs, you can file a “supplement” requesting additional payment. This is normal and common.
Hire a Public Adjuster
A public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company. They can:
- • Review your policy and coverage
- • Document damage more thoroughly
- • Negotiate with the insurer on your behalf
- • Handle supplements and disputes
Public adjusters typically charge 10–20% of the settlement, but for complex claims, they often recover significantly more than homeowners can on their own.
Invoke Appraisal
Most Florida policies include an “appraisal clause.” If you and your insurer can’t agree on the value of damages, either party can demand appraisal. Each side hires an appraiser, and if they can’t agree, an umpire makes the final decision.
Step 9: Complete Repairs
Once you’ve reached a settlement, it’s time to get your roof repaired or replaced.
Choosing a Contractor
- ✓ Get at least 3 quotes from licensed contractors
- ✓ Verify licenses at MyFloridaLicense.com
- ✓ Check references and reviews
- ✓ Get everything in writing
- ✓ Never pay more than 10–20% upfront
During Repairs
- • Ensure the contractor pulls proper permits
- • Document the work with photos
- • Don’t make final payment until you’re satisfied with the work
- • Get copies of all warranties
After Repairs
- • Keep all documentation for future claims
- • Take photos of the completed work
- • Update your home inventory
Watch Out for Scams
After storms, storm chaser roofers flood affected areas offering “free” inspections and too-good-to-be-true deals. Learn to spot roofing scams before you sign anything.
What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied
Denials happen. But a denial isn’t always final.
Common Denial Reasons
- × “Pre-existing damage” — Insurer claims damage existed before the storm
- × “Wear and tear” — Insurer attributes damage to age, not the storm
- × “Maintenance issue” — Insurer claims the damage resulted from neglect
- × “Coverage exclusion” — Damage type isn’t covered under your policy
- × “Late filing” — Claim filed outside policy deadlines
Steps to Appeal
- Request the denial in writing with specific reasons
- Review your policy to understand if the denial is valid
- Gather additional evidence (contractor reports, photos, expert opinions)
- File a written appeal with your insurer
- File a complaint with Florida DFS if you believe the denial is unfair
- Consult an attorney who specializes in insurance claims
When to Get Legal Help
Consider hiring an attorney if:
- • Your claim is denied without clear justification
- • The settlement offer is significantly below repair costs
- • Your insurer is acting in bad faith
- • You’ve exhausted other options
Florida has strong consumer protection laws for insurance disputes, and many attorneys work on contingency (no upfront cost).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a roof insurance claim in Florida?
What’s the difference between RCV and ACV coverage?
Should I get a contractor’s estimate before the adjuster comes?
What if my insurance claim is denied?
Do I need a public adjuster?
The Bottom Line
Filing a roof insurance claim in Florida requires documentation, patience, and persistence. The key is to:
- ✓ Document everything immediately
- ✓ Understand your policy before you call
- ✓ Get independent estimates for comparison
- ✓ Be present and engaged during the adjuster’s inspection
- ✓ Don’t accept the first offer if it seems unfair
- ✓ Work with licensed professionals throughout the process
Most importantly: don’t let the complexity of the process prevent you from filing a legitimate claim. You pay premiums for this coverage — use it when you need it.
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