American Integrity Claim Denial Guide – Hollywood, FL

14 min read

Introduction: Why Hollywood, Florida Homeowners Need This Guide

Receiving a claim denial letter from American Integrity Insurance can feel like a second disaster after the storm itself. In coastal communities such as Hollywood, Florida, homeowners routinely face hurricane-force winds, torrential rain, and tidal flooding that stress even the best-built properties. While American Integrity markets itself as a Florida-focused carrier that “understands hurricanes,” many Broward County policyholders discover that the company is quick to dispute roof damage, water intrusion, or mold claims. A 2023 report from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation placed American Integrity in the top tier of Florida insurers for the number of litigated claims per 1,000 policies in force. Whether the denial is partial or complete, Hollywood homeowners must know that Florida law gives you concrete rights and remedies. This step-by-step guide explains those rights, highlights Florida statutes and recent court decisions, and offers an action plan—slightly biased toward protecting policyholders—so you can challenge an American Integrity claim denial with confidence.

Understanding Your Rights Under Florida Insurance Law

Key Statutes Every Hollywood Homeowner Should Know

• Florida Statutes §627.70131 – Requires insurers to acknowledge and pay or deny claims within specific time frames (usually 90 days). Failure may indicate insurer misconduct.

• Florida Statutes §624.155 – Creates a civil cause of action for bad faith. If American Integrity fails to settle when it could and should have done so, you may recover extra-contractual damages.

• Florida Statutes §95.11(2)(e) – Provides a five-year statute of limitations for breach-of-contract lawsuits against insurers.

These statutes apply statewide, but they are especially important in Hollywood, where post-storm repair costs spike and insurers face intense scrutiny from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FLOIR). By law, American Integrity must:

• Conduct a prompt, thorough investigation of your claim.

• Communicate honestly and explain policy provisions.

• Issue payment for undisputed damages without unnecessary delay.

When those duties are breached, homeowners gain leverage—up to and including a bad-faith lawsuit under §624.155 once all administrative requirements are met.

Bad Faith Protections in Practice

Florida courts take a hard line on insurers that place profits over policyholders. In American Integrity Ins. Co. v. Estrada, 276 So.3d 905 (Fla. 4th DCA 2019), the Fourth District (which covers Broward County) affirmed summary judgment against the carrier for failing to timely acknowledge coverage after a water loss. The ruling underscores that an insurer must do more than merely “inspect”; it must actually adjust the claim. Similar cases—Harvey v. GEICO, 259 So.3d 1 (Fla. 2018)—demonstrate the Florida Supreme Court’s willingness to penalize carriers that mishandle claims.

Common Reasons American Integrity Denies Claims

1. Wear and Tear vs. Sudden Damage

Policy language typically excludes “gradual deterioration, rot, or wear and tear.” American Integrity adjusters often argue that roof leaks stem from old shingles, not the recent storm. However, Hollywood’s hurricane-prone climate means that even roofs under 10 years old can suffer wind uplift and projectile damage. Documentation from licensed contractors and meteorological data can rebut the “wear and tear” assertion.

2. Late Notice of Claim

Florida law generally requires notice “promptly” or within one year for hurricane losses. Yet many homeowners contact American Integrity only after discovering hidden water damage months later. If a reasonable person could not have detected the damage earlier—common with attic leaks—courts may excuse alleged late notice. The insurer must also show that the delay prejudiced its investigation.

3. Alleged Material Misrepresentation

Insurers employ anti-fraud provisions aggressively. Innocent mistakes on a proof-of-loss form or a contractor’s estimate can trigger rescission threats. Florida courts require proof of intentional misstatement that is material to the risk; mere inaccuracy is insufficient.

4. Partial Coverage or Lowball Estimates

Hollywood homeowners often receive a partial approval—for example, American Integrity agrees to pay for interior ceiling paint but refuses to replace the compromised roof membrane. Under Florida’s “matching statute,” §626.9744, insurers must ensure repairs result in a reasonably uniform appearance. That can include replacing non-damaged but matching surfaces.

5. Excluded Flood Damage

Living just blocks from the Intracoastal Waterway, many Hollywood residents face simultaneous wind and flood events. American Integrity routinely points to the flood exclusion. Yet if wind created an opening that allowed rainwater to penetrate before flooding, the ensuing interior damage may still be covered. A causation analysis—often using meteorological evidence from the National Hurricane Center—is crucial.

Florida Legal Protections & Recent Case Law

Regulatory Oversight

The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) and the Office of Insurance Regulation supervise property insurers. DFS’s Division of Consumer Services maintains a mediation program that policyholders can invoke free of charge after a claim denial or partial payment.

Notice of Intent to Litigate (NOIL)

As of 2022, Florida requires homeowners to serve a Notice of Intent to Litigate at least 10 business days before filing suit under §627.70152. The NOIL must include an estimate of damages and supporting documentation. American Integrity then has 10 days to respond with payment, an appraisal demand, or a denial. Compliance with this step preserves your right to attorney’s fees under §627.428 if you prevail.

Recent Precedent Affecting American Integrity

• American Integrity Ins. v. Reavis, 315 So.3d 18 (Fla. 2d DCA 2021) – Court upheld appraisal award and awarded attorney’s fees when American Integrity refused to pay pre-award interest.

• American Integrity Ins. v. Estrada – Discussed above; pivotal for delay and failure to properly investigate.

• Peek v. American Integrity Ins., 344 So.3d 966 (Fla. 5th DCA 2022) – Clarified that appraisal may proceed even where coverage is disputed, limiting insurer’s tactics to delay adjustment.

Statute of Limitations and Deadlines

• Hurricane or windstorm claims: Three years from the date of landfall to submit initial notice (§627.70132) but five years to file suit (§95.11).

• Non-storm claims: Five years from date of breach (typically the date of denial).

Missing these deadlines almost always bars recovery, so calendar them carefully.

Step-by-Step Action Plan After an American Integrity Denial

Read the Denial Letter Closely

  Identify every reason American Integrity cites.  If the letter is vague, request clarification in writing.

Gather and Preserve Evidence

    - Take high-resolution photos of all damage—including areas the adjuster missed.

    - Retrieve satellite or radar data from the date of loss (local TV stations often archive storm tracks).

    - Keep receipts for emergency mitigation (tarps, dehumidifiers, boarding).

  

Order an Independent Inspection

  Hire a licensed Florida general contractor, public adjuster, or engineer.  Ensure the expert has credentials to testify if necessary.

Request a Certified Copy of Your Policy

  Florida law (§627.4137) forces insurers to provide the policy within 30 days.  Compare exclusions, deductibles, and endorsements to the denial reasons.

Submit a Written Reconsideration or Supplemental Claim

  Address each denial point.  Attach your independent estimate and photos.

Invoke Appraisal (if in your policy)

  Appraisal is binding on the *amount* of loss, not coverage.  Send a certified letter naming your appraiser.  American Integrity must respond promptly.

File a Complaint with DFS

  Use the DFS Consumer Portal to open an inquiry.  Many disputes resolve at this stage when the insurer realizes regulators are watching.

Consider Mediation

  DFS will coordinate statewide mediation at no cost for hurricane losses and a small fee for others.  Insurer attendance is mandatory once you elect mediation.

Send a Notice of Intent to Litigate

  If appraisal or mediation fails, serve a NOIL with supporting documents.  Preserve e-mailed proof of delivery.

Consult an Experienced Florida Insurance Attorney

  The sooner you involve counsel, the greater the chance of recovering full benefits and possibly attorney’s fees.

Keeping a written timeline of every call, e-mail, and inspection helps demonstrate diligence should litigation become necessary.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

Red Flags That Warrant Immediate Counsel

• The denial cites “misrepresentation” or “fraud” without specifics.

• American Integrity schedules an Examination Under Oath (EUO).

• You receive a partial payment that is far below contractor estimates.

• More than 90 days have passed with no coverage decision.

• The insurer threatens to cancel or non-renew your policy post-claim.

Under Florida’s one-way attorney fee statute (§627.428), American Integrity may have to pay your legal fees if you win even $1 more than its pre-suit offer. This “fee shifting” levels the playing field for Hollywood homeowners who otherwise could not afford litigation.

Louis Law Group is a statewide firm exclusively representing policyholders. Our attorneys are licensed in Florida and familiar with Broward County judges and juries. We have successfully litigated and settled dozens of American Integrity disputes involving hurricane, pipe burst, and fire losses. If your claim was denied or underpaid, do not go it alone.

Call Louis Law Group today at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and policy review.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Government and Non-Profit Avenues

DFS Consumer Services – File complaints, request mediation. The Florida Bar Consumer Pamphlets – Educational materials on hiring an attorney.

• Broward County Building & Permitting – Obtain records verifying the age and code compliance of your roof, useful against “wear and tear” denials.

• City of Hollywood Floodplain Management – Guidance on flood zone determinations that affect causation analysis.

Climate and Weather Considerations for Hollywood

Hollywood lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Everglades, creating a funnel for storm surge and heavy rainfall. According to the National Hurricane Center, Broward County has experienced more than 20 named storms since 2000. This high-risk environment strengthens your argument that wind was the predominant cause of damage, even when floodwaters are present.

Checklist Before You Call Louis Law Group

• Locate your denial letter and any prior correspondence.

• Organize photos, repair invoices, and inspection reports.

• Have your policy declarations page handy.

• Prepare a timeline of events from the date of loss to today.

With these items ready, our attorneys can give you a swift, informed assessment.

Conclusion & Call to Action

American Integrity’s business strategy depends on limiting payouts—but Florida law prevents insurers from using vague exclusions or delay tactics to shortchange you. Hollywood homeowners have robust rights, strict deadlines, and powerful remedies. The sooner you act, the better your chance of reversing a denial, recovering full repair costs, and securing statutory interest and attorney’s fees.

If American Integrity denied or underpaid your claim, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation and policy review. We fight hurricanes—both the natural kind and the insurance kind—so you can rebuild and move forward.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws evolve, and the facts of every claim differ. Consult a licensed Florida attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.