American Integrity Claim Denial Guide – Hollywood, Florida

Estimated read time: 12 min read

Introduction: Why Hollywood, Florida Homeowners Need This Guide

American Integrity Insurance Company is one of the largest Florida-based homeowners carriers, insuring more than 300,000 properties across the state. Because Hollywood, Florida sits only two miles from the Atlantic Ocean and routinely faces hurricanes, king-tide flooding, and intense summer thunderstorms, local homeowners file a disproportionately high number of wind, water, and roof damage claims with American Integrity each year. Unfortunately, policyholders also report a high rate of claim denials, underpayments, or lengthy delays. If you have just received a denial letter—or suspect one is coming—knowing your rights under Florida insurance law can be the difference between full recovery and paying repairs out of pocket.

This comprehensive guide offers:

• State-specific statutes and regulations governing property insurers.

• Common reasons American Integrity cites when denying claims.

• Actionable steps for Hollywood homeowners to contest a denial.

• Bad-faith considerations and recent Florida court precedents.

• Local resources and a direct line to Louis Law Group for a free case evaluation at 833-657-4812.

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. You should consult a licensed Florida attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Understanding Your Rights in Florida

Key Florida Statutes Protecting Homeowners

Florida’s legislature has enacted several protections aimed at leveling the playing field between insurers and policyholders. The most frequently cited statutes in coverage disputes include:

• Fla. Stat. § 627.70131 – Requires insurers to acknowledge and pay or deny claims within specified timelines (usually 90 days).

Fla. Stat. § 624.155 – Establishes a civil remedy for policyholders when an insurer acts in bad faith. (Read the statute)

• Fla. Stat. § 627.428 – Allows courts to award attorney’s fees to insureds who successfully sue their insurer and recover benefits due.

• Fla. Stat. § 95.11(2)(e) – Sets a five-year statute of limitations for filing breach-of-contract actions on insurance policies.

Bad-Faith Leverage Points

While Florida abolished first-party statutory bad-faith actions against property insurers for a short period in 2022, the legislature restored them with modifications. Today, to pursue bad-faith damages, homeowners must first obtain a favorable coverage judgment or appraisal award exceeding any prior payment. If American Integrity:

• Fails to investigate promptly;

• Relies on outcome-oriented engineering reports;

• Offers an unreasonably low settlement; or

• Ignores clear evidence of covered damage,

the carrier may be exposed to extra-contractual liability under § 624.155.

Regulatory Oversight

The Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services, and the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) monitor American Integrity’s market conduct. Consumers can file a complaint online, triggering an investigation that often motivates quicker resolution.

Common Reasons American Integrity Denies Claims

After reviewing hundreds of American Integrity denial letters, attorneys at Louis Law Group see recurring themes. Understanding these rationales helps you prepare a focused rebuttal.

1. Wear and Tear vs. Sudden Accidental Loss

Policies cover “direct physical loss to property” caused by sudden events. American Integrity frequently attributes roof leaks or water intrusion to age-related deterioration rather than hurricane wind uplift. Independent roofing experts can often refute this by documenting creased shingles or displaced tiles consistent with storm damage.

2. Late Notice of Claim

Florida law historically required notice “promptly” or “as soon as practicable.” New legislation (2021 Session) now gives policyholders one year to report initial damage and 18 months to supplement. If American Integrity denies for late reporting, verify the date of loss and compare it to statutory deadlines.

3. Water Damage Exclusions & Caps

Many American Integrity policies include a $10,000 cap on water damages from plumbing failures unless the insured opts for higher limits. Even with a cap, ensuing mold remediation may still be covered. Denials often misapply sub-limits or overlook ensuing loss language.

4. Flood vs. Wind-Driven Rain

Hollywood’s low elevation makes ground-up flooding common. Standard homeowners insurance excludes flood, while wind-driven rain that enters through storm-created openings is covered. Insurers sometimes conflate these perils to shift liability to FEMA flood policies. Obtaining weather data and moisture mapping can clarify causation.

5. Pre-Existing Damage

Inspections may cite “pre-existing damage” or improper maintenance. Yet, if a peril re-activates dormant damage or worsens a condition, the incremental loss is often compensable.

Florida Legal Protections & Key Court Precedents

Recent Case Law Involving American Integrity

• American Integrity Ins. Co. v. Estrada, 276 So. 3d 905 (Fla. 3d DCA 2019) – Court held appraisal award binding despite carrier’s causation defense, reinforcing appraisal as a powerful policyholder tool.

• American Integrity Ins. Co. v. Henley, 301 So. 3d 420 (Fla. 2d DCA 2020) – Confirmed that insurer must state coverage defenses with specificity before compelling appraisal.

• American Integrity Ins. Co. v. Reale, 3D21-1598 (Fla. 3d DCA 2022) – Denial for late notice reversed where insured provided a reasonable excuse, emphasizing totality-of-circumstances test.

Statutory Deadlines Insurers Must Meet

Under § 627.70131:

• 15 days to acknowledge receipt of claim.

• Within 30 days of proof-of-loss submission, insurer must begin investigation.

• Within 90 days of notice, insurer must pay undisputed amounts or provide written denial.

Failure to comply may constitute evidence of bad faith and entitles policyholders to statutory interest.

Attorney’s Fee Shifts

Florida’s one-way fee statute (§ 627.428) means that if you prevail—even by settlement—American Integrity may be required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees. This levels the field for homeowners who might otherwise be unable to hire counsel.

Steps to Take After an American Integrity Denial

1. Review the Denial Letter Thoroughly

Identify each policy provision cited. Carriers must state the “specific ground” for denial per Fla. Admin. Code R. 69O-166.024. Make a checklist of disputed facts.

2. Request the Entire Claim File

Florida law gives you the right to your claim file once litigation is reasonably anticipated. A pre-litigation request often reveals internal notes, engineering reports, and photos you never received.

3. Preserve Evidence

Do not start permanent repairs until damage is documented. Take date-stamped photos, keep invoices, and store damaged materials where possible.

4. Obtain an Independent Inspection

Hire a licensed public adjuster or contractor familiar with South Florida construction standards. Their estimate establishes a baseline for damages.

5. Consider the Appraisal Clause

Most American Integrity policies contain an appraisal clause for disputes over amount of loss. Each party selects an appraiser; the two select a neutral umpire. Although not a substitute for court on coverage issues, appraisal often yields faster payment.

6. File a Civil Remedy Notice (CRN)

If you suspect bad faith, file a CRN with the DFS under § 624.155. American Integrity then has 60 days to cure—often by paying the claim—before extra-contractual damages attach.

7. Initiate Pre-Suit Notice (2023 Reform)

As of 2023, homeowners must send a pre-suit notice of intent to litigate at least 10 business days before filing suit. The carrier has the opportunity to inspect and make a revised offer.

8. Litigate or Settle

If American Integrity refuses to pay, filing suit in Broward County Circuit Court may be necessary. Most cases resolve via mediation or appraisal before trial.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

Indicators You Need an Attorney Now

• Denial based on complex exclusions or alleged misrepresentation.

• Claim underpayment by 20% or more of independent estimate.

• Carrier delays exceeding statutory deadlines.

• Evidence of altered engineer conclusions—sometimes called “peer-review,” but effectively rewriting reports.

• Threats of policy cancellation or non-renewal following a claim.

Louis Law Group’s licensed Florida attorneys have recovered millions for policyholders facing these exact scenarios. Because the firm works on contingency, you pay no fees unless there is a recovery—and prevailing may shift fees to the insurer under § 627.428.

If American Integrity denied your claim, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and policy review.

Local Climate Risks Impacting Hollywood Insurance Claims

Hollywood’s coastal geography subjects properties to:

• Hurricanes & Tropical Storms – Hurricane Irma (2017) and Ian’s peripheral bands (2022) delivered Category-force wind gusts and widespread roof damage.

• King-Tide Flooding – Tidal flooding peaks in September–October, often causing ground-up water intrusion into slab-on-grade homes.

• Thunderstorm Microbursts – Summer convection can produce 70-mph straight-line winds tearing off tile roofs.

• Hail – While less common, a March 2023 event dropped golf-ball-sized hail in Broward County, cracking skylights and solar panels.

Keeping abreast of National Weather Service bulletins and preserving weather data—accessible via the National Hurricane Center—helps establish causation if American Integrity disputes the date or source of loss.

Local Resources & Next Steps

State & County Offices

• Broward County Building Code Services: 954-765-4400 – Obtain permits, inspection reports.

• Florida DFS Consumer Helpline: 1-877-693-5236 – File complaints or request mediation.

• Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service: 800-342-8011 – Verify attorney licenses.

Non-Profit Assistance

Legal Aid Service of Broward County – Limited free representation for low-income homeowners. American Red Cross – Emergency shelter and cleanup kits post-storm.

Your Immediate Action Checklist

• Document damage and retain receipts.

• Request your claim file and engineer reports from American Integrity.

• Consult an independent adjuster for an objective estimate.

• File a CRN if you suspect bad faith.

• Contact Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free evaluation.

Remember: The statute of limitations for property insurance lawsuits in Florida is generally five years. Waiting can forfeit your rights.

Don’t let an American Integrity denial dictate your financial future. Call Louis Law Group today at 833-657-4812 or visit LouisLawGroup.com for your free case evaluation and policy review.

This publication is provided for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Louis Law Group’s attorneys are licensed to practice in Florida.