Updated November 2, 2026. General claim information and public-adjuster commentary. Policy dates, loss facts and later legal developments can change the answer. A Florida attorney should advise on legal rights, deadlines and litigation.
Florida’s December 2022 special-session legislation changed several assumptions owners previously relied on when pursuing property claims. This summary highlights the decisions that deserve a fresh review; our detailed SB 2-A guide provides the broader explanation.
Four questions to revisit
- What are the notice deadlines? Current section 627.70132 generally uses one year from loss for initial or reopened claims and eighteen months for supplemental claims, with specific exceptions. Older policies, loss facts and other duties need individual review.
- How will legal representation be paid? The property-insurance one-way fee changes can reduce an owner’s practical ability to pursue a smaller underpayment. It is inaccurate to say neither party can ever recover fees. See attorney-fee options and older-policy issues.
- What does the contractor agreement do? The post-loss AOB restriction has a policy-date scope and statutory exceptions. It does not prohibit hiring a chosen remediation company. See AOBs and contractor payment responsibilities.
- What does an appraisal resolve? An appraisal award does not by itself satisfy the current court-adjudication requirement for the property bad-faith action addressed in section 624.1551.
Why documentation matters more
Owners may face shorter notice periods and greater litigation expense while still needing complete repairs. A well-supported claim should identify damage, quantities, appropriate materials and the policy basis for requested payment. No reform guarantees that the insurer’s first estimate is sufficient or that a public adjuster can resolve every dispute.
Official source: SB 2-A (2022 special session). For later developments, use the updated Florida insurance reform guide.
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