Florida property claim representation
Know the rights—and the responsibilities—behind your claim.
Florida’s Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights explains important claim-handling protections. Use it with your policy and claim records, especially when a response, estimate or payment is delayed.
Reviewed November 2, 2026. Coverage and available remedies depend on your policy, loss facts and applicable law.
When should you receive the notice?
Under Florida Statutes section 627.7142, an insurer issuing personal lines residential property coverage must provide the Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights within 14 days after receiving the policyholder’s initial communication about a claim. That delivery period is different from the shorter acknowledgment requirement described in the notice.
This provision concerns personal residential coverage. Do not assume every item applies unchanged to a condominium association master policy or a commercial policy. Review the statute and policy that apply to the particular loss.
The main protections in the current notice
- Acknowledgment: a claim communication generally must be acknowledged within 7 days, subject to the applicable law.
- Status after proof of loss: on written request, the notice describes a right to confirmation of full coverage, partial coverage or a denial—or a written statement that the claim is being investigated—within 30 days after the insurer receives a complete proof of loss.
- A generated detailed estimate: a copy generally must be supplied within 7 days after the insurer’s adjuster generates it.
- Payment or a decision: the current notice describes the 60-day claim-handling requirement, including qualifying payment of an undisputed portion and the explanation for a denial, subject to the statute’s exceptions.
- Interest: qualifying late payments can carry interest under section 627.70131.
- Dispute assistance: eligible policyholders may have access to DFS mediation and, for qualifying sinkhole disputes, neutral evaluation.
These are summaries. The official notice and underlying statutes control, including how deadlines are calculated and when an exception or tolling provision applies. Our payment-deadline guide explains those distinctions in more detail.
Use a written claim log
Record when you reported the loss, when the insurer acknowledged it, when documents were requested and delivered, and when inspections or payments occurred. Keep the full policy, photographs, estimates, receipts and correspondence together. A clear timeline helps distinguish a missing document from an unexplained delay.
Your policy duties still matter
Report the loss promptly, take reasonable safe steps to prevent additional damage, document the condition and cooperate with applicable policy requirements. Keep invoices and photographs of emergency work. Do not discard evidence unnecessarily, but do not retain hazardous materials in occupied space simply for an insurance inspection.
A request for documents, a proof of loss or an examination under oath needs a timely, informed response. See duties after filing a claim and our proof-of-loss guide. Seek an attorney’s advice on disputed legal duties.
What the Bill of Rights does not do
It does not create coverage for an excluded loss, list every right or obligation, or establish a new civil cause of action by itself. It also does not prevent an insurer from exercising a valid right to repair under the policy. A disagreement about those rights requires review of the contract and applicable law.
Where to get help
The Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Consumer Services provides consumer assistance. Its mediation information explains the process and eligibility. A DFS inquiry or mediation request should not be assumed to preserve every separate legal deadline.
Experienced Public Adjusters helps document covered damage, prepare a supported scope and communicate the property owner’s claim position. If the dispute requires legal advice, litigation or interpretation of a contested deadline, consult a Florida insurance attorney. Our insurance-law changes guide explains why older fee and claim-handling articles need careful review.
Concerned about a claim payment?
Experienced Public Adjusters helps Florida property owners document damage and present supported claims, with a focus on luxury homes, complex residential losses, condominium and HOA master policies, and commercial property.
Call (888) 881-8416 Request a claim review
Serving Naples, Tampa, Orlando, Daytona Beach and surrounding communities. Find our offices and service areas.
David Dwyer, designated primary adjuster: Florida license W391016. Experienced Public Adjusters: firm license W807213. Representation is subject to a written agreement; no settlement outcome is guaranteed.