Florida Roof Insurance Claims: What You Need to Know
Florida has unique insurance laws that directly affect how roofing claims are handled. Understanding these rules before filing can make the difference between a full settlement and a denied or underpaid claim. The Florida Insurance Code imposes specific deadlines on both homeowners and insurers, and the state's transition away from assignment of benefits (AOB) agreements has changed how contractors can assist in the claims process.
GreenFL Roofing assists homeowners through the insurance claims process on every project involving storm or insurance-covered damage. We provide detailed written assessments, attend adjuster meetings when requested, and ensure the final scope of work reflects all actual damage and required code upgrades.
Step-by-Step Claims Process
Ensure Safety First
Do FirstAfter a storm, do not go on your roof without professional assessment. Structural damage, wet decking, and debris create serious fall hazards. Call GreenFL for an emergency inspection if you suspect major damage.
Document Everything Before Temporary Repairs
Do FirstPhotograph all visible damage from the ground and from inside the home (ceiling stains, daylight through decking). Date-stamp every photo. Do this BEFORE any temporary repairs—tarping or patching before documentation can reduce your claim value.
Apply Temporary Weatherproofing
You have a legal duty to mitigate further damage to your home. Temporary tarping to prevent additional water intrusion is expected and should not affect your claim. Keep all receipts for emergency protective measures—these costs are often reimbursable.
File Your Claim Promptly
Contact your insurance company to open a claim as soon as possible. Florida Statute 627.70132 requires insurers to acknowledge a claim within 14 days. Document your claim number, the date filed, and every representative you speak with.
Request a Licensed Contractor's Assessment Before the Adjuster Visits
Having an independent contractor assessment in hand before your adjuster appointment strengthens your claim. GreenFL provides detailed written damage assessments with line-item scopes of work. This gives you a professional comparison if the adjuster's estimate is too low.
Prepare for the Insurance Adjuster Meeting
Be present at the adjuster inspection. Provide your contractor's written assessment. Point out all documented damage areas. Ask the adjuster to explain every line of their estimate. You are entitled to request a re-inspection if you disagree with the scope.
Review the Claims Estimate Carefully
Compare the insurance estimate line-by-line against your contractor's scope. Common adjuster omissions: proper disposal fees, code upgrade items (FBC requires secondary water barrier on replacements), permit fees, and manufacturer-required accessories. All of these are legitimate claim items.
Understand Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost Value
Most Florida policies start by paying ACV (replacement cost minus depreciation). After the work is completed and final invoices are submitted, most policies pay the Recoverable Depreciation as a supplement. Never accept an ACV payment as final settlement without requesting the recoverable depreciation upon completion.
Documentation Checklist
- Date-stamped photos of all exterior and interior damage (high resolution)
- Video walkthrough of the roof area from the ground
- Photos of the storm event if possible (hail, wind-driven rain, fallen trees)
- Weather data for your ZIP code on the date of loss (NOAA.gov)
- Prior roof inspection report (if available)
- Contractor's written damage assessment and scope of work
- All receipts for emergency protective measures (tarps, boarding)
- Written timeline of events: storm date, discovery date, claim filed date
- All insurance correspondence (save emails, take notes on calls with date/time/name)
Assignment of Benefits (AOB): What Changed in Florida
Prior to 2023, Florida homeowners could sign an “Assignment of Benefits” (AOB) agreement, transferring their insurance claim rights directly to a contractor. The contractor would then handle the claim and bill the insurer directly. Senate Bill 2-A (2023) effectively eliminated one-way attorney fees in AOB disputes, making AOB arrangements financially unworkable for most contractors.
What this means for you: You retain full control of your insurance claim. Your insurer pays you directly. You then pay your contractor. This is actually the preferred arrangement—you maintain leverage throughout the process and are not bound by a contractor's potential settlement with the insurer.
GreenFL does not use AOB agreements. We work alongside you throughout the claims process, providing documentation and attending adjuster meetings when helpful, without taking control of your claim.
Preparing for the Adjuster's Visit
Never let the adjuster inspect alone. Walk the perimeter with them and point out every area of concern documented in your photos.
Present your contractor's written assessment, all photos, and the weather records for your loss date.
Document the areas the adjuster photographs and inspects. This provides a record if any areas are omitted from the estimate.
Review any documents provided by the adjuster carefully before signing. You have the right to review the written estimate before agreeing to any settlement.