Experienced Public Adjusters · Florida property claims
Florida Valued Policy Law and Total-Loss Claims
After a catastrophic loss, the repair estimate may not be the only issue. Whether a building is a total loss and whether Florida’s valued policy law applies require careful review of the evidence, policy and law.
Reviewed November 3, 2026. General information; the policy, loss facts and applicable law control.
What the statute addresses
Section 627.702, Florida Statutes, addresses the insurer’s liability for specified insured structures that sustain a total loss from a covered peril. When its conditions are met, the amount stated for that structure can govern. The statute preserves coverage limitations and proper defenses; it does not create coverage for an excluded cause.
Mixed covered and excluded causes require particular attention. The statute distinguishes losses where the covered cause alone would have produced the total loss from other combinations. It also contains exceptions, including provisions for certain blanket and builders-risk coverage. It generally does not apply to personal property other than the specified mobile or manufactured homes, or automatically to separately limited appurtenant structures. These details matter before claiming a policy-limit entitlement.
A large repair estimate does not settle the legal question
Severe damage, a demolition recommendation or a disagreement about code compliance may require several kinds of evidence. Do not assume that an expensive repair automatically establishes a legally qualifying total loss. A Florida insurance attorney should assess the legal application to the actual policy and facts, including any claimed constructive total loss.
Keep the building’s condition separate from assumptions about what the insurer owes. A contractor’s repair proposal, an engineer’s structural findings and a building official’s written determination serve different purposes. Preserve each document and the basis for its conclusions.
Build a clear record of the loss
- The policy, declarations and endorsements in force on the loss date.
- Photographs and video showing affected and unaffected areas.
- Fire, emergency-response or other cause-related records when available.
- Qualified structural evaluations and repair or demolition recommendations.
- Written permit or code determinations identifying the applicable requirements.
- Detailed repair and replacement estimates, with quantities and specifications.
- The insurer’s coverage letters, estimates and payments.
For a luxury residence, identify custom construction and specialty materials accurately. A generic description can obscure important differences in the work being compared. Read our fire and smoke claim guide and luxury-property resources.
How a public adjuster can assist
When engaged, Experienced Public Adjusters helps organize damage evidence, prepare the repair scope and communicate supported claim differences to the insurer. We do not determine legal entitlement to policy limits or replace an attorney’s advice. We can help you identify what is documented and what remains disputed.
Do not delay emergency protection, required notice or policy duties while arranging a review. For a major lightning loss or other complex property claim, start with the location, date, insurer and current status.
Start with a clear next step.
Tell us where the property is, what happened and where the claim stands. Luxury homes and complex losses are our focus; all property owners are welcome to ask whether we can help.
Free initial claim review
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Do not delay emergency assistance, reasonable mitigation or required notice while awaiting a consultation. Public adjusting representation requires a separate written agreement describing services and fees.
David Dwyer, designated primary adjuster: Florida license W391016. Experienced Public Adjusters, LLC: firm license W807213. We are not a law firm and do not guarantee coverage or a settlement result.