What is the deadline to file a hurricane insurance claim in Florida?

The short answer

Under Florida Statutes 627.70132(2), notice of an initial claim or a reopened claim is due within 1 year after the date of loss. Notice of a supplemental claim is due within 18 months after the date of loss.

Both deadlines count from the date of loss. If you are close to a deadline, tell your insurer in writing now and keep a copy. If you are not sure which date counts as your date of loss, ask your insurer.

This is general information, not legal advice. Your policy may have its own terms, so read it and ask your insurer.

Initial, reopened and supplemental claims

The statute names three kinds of claims.

• Initial claim. The first report of the loss. Notice is due within 1 year after the date of loss.
• Reopened claim. A claim that was closed and is opened again. Also within 1 year after the date of loss.
• Supplemental claim. A claim for more money on a loss already reported. Notice is due within 18 months after the date of loss.

We did not confirm what Florida's 2022 and 2023 law changes did to these deadlines, so we state only the current text of the statute. If your loss was years ago, ask your insurer or a Florida attorney which deadline applies.

What your insurer must do once you report

Your report starts the insurer's clocks. Under Florida Statutes 627.70131, the insurer must:

• Acknowledge your claim communication within 7 calendar days.
• Begin its investigation within 7 days after it receives proof-of-loss statements.
• Pay or deny the claim within 60 days after it receives notice.

A related statute, 627.7142, also requires the insurer to send you a Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights. Our guide on the Bill of Rights has those dates.

What to do before you start repairs

We could not confirm an official list of what a policyholder must document before cleanup, so the safest move is to ask your insurer directly. Ask these questions in writing:

• What photos or records do you want before I clean up or dry out the house?
• Which form do you need for a proof-of-loss statement?
• Do you need to see damaged items before I throw them away?

Take your own photos and video anyway, and save every email and letter. Our storm damage repair steps guide covers the order of work.

If your insurer does not act

The Florida Department of Financial Services runs an Insurance Consumer Helpline at 1.877.693.5236. Its page says you may call if the insurer does not act, and you may file a complaint against the company so the Department advocates for you at no charge. We did not confirm the helpline's hours on that page, so check before you call.

The same page says you may be required to take part in an alternative dispute resolution process if you and the insurer cannot agree. It links to an options guide.

How Hildebrand handles this kind of work

Hildebrand Construction & Remodeling, LLC rebuilds storm damage in Manatee County, Sarasota County and south Hillsborough. We document the damage and coordinate the construction scope with your insurance adjuster, then rebuild to code. We do not negotiate your claim. That stays between you and your insurer, including the filing deadlines on this page.

You can ask for a free in-home consultation and written estimate with no trip fee. We pull every required permit and meet Florida Building Code inspections. Read about our home restoration work or see our work in Bradenton.

We do not offer emergency or after-hours service. Call or text (941) 284-2218 Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and we answer outside hours the next business day.

Questions homeowners ask