How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in Florida (Simple Step-by-Step)
- Oswaldo Zerega Garaycoa
- Sep 17
- 3 min read
Storms, sun, and sudden leaks are part of life in South Florida. If your roof is damaged, moving quickly—and in the right order—can protect your home and your wallet. Here’s a plain-English guide for homeowners in Miami-Dade, Broward, and nearby counties.
1) Make it safe and stop further damage
Put safety first. If you can do it safely, make temporary repairs like tarping a roof or covering a broken opening. Take photos before and after and save every receipt—insurers expect you to prevent additional damage and may reimburse reasonable emergency costs.
2) Document everything (the easy way)
Walk the house with your phone:
Photos and short videos of all affected areas (inside and out)
Close-ups of damaged roofing, ceilings, walls, floors
A quick list of rooms/items affected and when you noticed it
Keep damaged items if safe to do so until the adjuster sees them.
3) Check your policy basics
Look for: your wind/hurricane deductible, Additional Living Expenses (ALE) for temporary housing if needed, and any Ordinance or Law (code-upgrade) coverage your policy provides. Remember: flood (rising water/storm surge) is a separate policy—wind damage and flood are handled differently. (Kiplinger)
4) Get a licensed roofer’s inspection and estimate
Call a reputable, local roofing contractor to inspect the damage and write a clear estimate. In Miami-Dade and Broward, experience with HVHZ code requirements helps ensure your scope of work and materials meet local standards—useful when you compare with the insurance estimate later.
5) Report the claim right away (deadlines matter)
Notify your insurer or agent and get a claim number. In Florida, you generally must report initial or reopened claims within 1 year of the date of loss, and supplemental claims within 18 months if additional covered damage is found later. (leg.state.fl.us)
6) Know the insurer’s timelines (so you can track progress)
After you report a claim, Florida law sets clocks for your insurer:
They must acknowledge your claim within 7 days.
After you submit any required proof-of-loss, they must begin the investigation within 7 days; if a physical inspection is needed, it must occur within 30 days of receiving your proof-of-loss.
They must pay or deny (in whole or part) within 60 days of your notice of claim, unless events outside their control delay it.
These timelines help you keep the process moving. (leg.state.fl.us)
7) Meet the adjuster (and set the table for a fair scope)
Be present for the inspection. Have your roofer’s estimate, photos, and receipts ready. Point out every affected area—inside and out. If the insurer’s estimate misses code items or obvious damage, politely flag it and provide your documentation.
8) Review the settlement and close any gaps
Compare the insurer’s scope with your roofer’s. Ask for a written explanation if something is denied or priced too low. If more hidden damage appears during repairs, file a supplemental claim (remember the 18-month clock). (leg.state.fl.us)
9) If you’re stuck, request free state-run mediation
Florida’s Department of Financial Services offers a Residential Property Mediation program: an informal, non-binding meeting with a neutral mediator to help resolve claim disputes. The insurer pays for the conference, and many cases settle faster this way. (FLDFS, leg.state.fl.us)
10) Start repairs with permits and keep records
Choose a licensed contractor, pull the required permits, and follow local code. Keep copies of permits, invoices, change orders, and inspection sign-offs; share them with your insurer to release any depreciation or holdback when work is complete.
Quick checklist for Broward & Miami-Dade homeowners
Tarp/secure, photo everything, save receipts.
Report the claim promptly (1-year limit for initial/reopened; 18-month for supplemental). (leg.state.fl.us)
Track insurer deadlines: 7-day acknowledgment; 60-day pay/deny; timely inspection after proof-of-loss. (leg.state.fl.us)
Consider DFS mediation if you disagree with the offer. (FLDFS)
Need a local, HVHZ-savvy roofer to inspect, document, and repair your roof the right way? Tap the button to call The Roofing Knight—we’ll help you navigate the claim and get your home protected fast.
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