American Integrity Claim Denial Guide – St. Petersburg FL

10 min read

Introduction: Why St. Petersburg Homeowners Need This Guide

American Integrity Insurance has become a familiar name to many policyholders along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The carrier writes more than 300,000 homeowner policies statewide, including thousands in St. Petersburg. Because Pinellas County sits on a peninsula surrounded by Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, local homes face heightened exposure to hurricanes, wind-driven rain, hail, and even sinkhole activity. Those risks translate into a high volume of property damage claims and—unfortunately—an increasing number of claim denials.

This guide is written for St. Petersburg homeowners who have received, or worry they may receive, an American Integrity claim denial. It explains:

• Your rights under Florida insurance law and how they apply in St. Petersburg.

• The most common reasons American Integrity denies claims.

• State statutes, regulations, and court precedents you can leverage.

• A step-by-step action plan—from requesting a detailed denial letter to filing a Civil Remedy Notice.

• When to hire an attorney and how Louis Law Group can help you turn a denial into a payment.

With hurricane seasons growing more intense, understanding the claim process is not optional—it is essential. Use this guide to protect your greatest asset and, if needed, call Louis Law Group for a free case evaluation at 833-657-4812.

Understanding Your Rights in Florida

Key Florida Statutes Protecting Policyholders

Florida has some of the nation’s strongest consumer protections for homeowners facing unfair insurance practices. The following statutes frequently come into play when American Integrity denies or delays payment:

• Fla. Stat. § 627.70131 — Requires insurers to acknowledge and respond to communications within 14 calendar days and to pay undisputed amounts within 90 days of notice of loss, absent factors beyond the insurer’s control.

• Fla. Stat. § 624.155 — Creates a private cause of action for “bad faith” claim handling when an insurer fails to settle claims fairly and promptly.

• Fla. Stat. § 626.9541 — Prohibits unfair claim settlement practices, including misrepresenting policy provisions and failing to conduct a reasonable investigation.

• Fla. Stat. § 95.11(2)(e) — Sets a five-year statute of limitations to file a lawsuit for breach of a written insurance contract.

Bad Faith: Your Leverage Point

If American Integrity’s denial lacks a valid basis, you may file a Civil Remedy Notice (CRN) with the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS). The CRN gives the insurer 60 days to cure the violation—often by paying the claim—before you can sue for bad-faith damages that could exceed policy limits.

The Florida Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights

Under Florida law, your insurer must provide the Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights within 14 days of receiving your claim. It explains timeframes, mediation options, and contact information for state agencies. If you never received it, flag that omission—it can show procedural non-compliance.

Common Reasons American Integrity Denies Claims

In reviewing hundreds of denials, certain patterns repeat. Knowing these red flags can help you prepare counter-evidence before the denial lands.

Wear and Tear, Not Sudden Loss American Integrity often classifies roof leaks or plumbing failures as “wear and tear.” Florida law allows exclusions for long-term deterioration, but sudden, accidental discharges are covered. Photographic timelines, contractor reports, and moisture-mapping can rebut this defense. Late Reporting The policy generally requires notice “promptly” or “within 72 hours” after you knew of the loss. Yet Florida courts (e.g., Lopez v. Avatar Prop. & Cas. Ins. Co., 42 Fla. L. Weekly D1040) hold that an insurer must still prove prejudice from late notice. If American Integrity cites delay, demand they show concrete prejudice. Flood vs. Wind-Driven Rain Because St. Petersburg sits barely above sea level, claims involving both storm surge and wind often trigger the “anti-concurrent causation” clause. An engineer’s report isolating wind as the efficient proximate cause can shift liability back to the homeowners policy. Insufficient Documentation Denials frequently cite a lack of receipts, photos, or expert opinions. Pre-empt this by preserving all proof of loss forms, itemized estimates, and video footage immediately after the event. Pre-Existing Damage or Prior Claims American Integrity may compare your claim with prior inspections, including Citizens take-out inspections if you switched carriers. A public adjuster can contrast those findings with current conditions to show new, covered damage.

Florida Legal Protections & Regulations

Regulatory Oversight

Two state agencies monitor insurer conduct:

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) — Licenses insurers and reviews their rates, forms, and financial stability. Florida Division of Consumer Services — Mediates consumer complaints and runs the free DFS mediation program for disputed claims under $50,000.

If you believe American Integrity violated a statute or engaged in a pattern of unfair claims handling, file a consumer complaint with the Division of Consumer Services. Many disputes resolve at this stage because insurers wish to avoid deeper regulatory scrutiny.

Recent Florida Case Law Involving American Integrity

• American Integrity Ins. Co. v. Reale, 336 So. 3d 370 (Fla. 2d DCA 2022) — Court held appraisal award binding despite insurer arguments about coverage defenses, reinforcing homeowners’ right to appraisal.

• American Integrity Ins. Co. v. Estrada, 276 So. 3d 905 (Fla. 3d DCA 2019) — Addressed water mitigation invoices and reasonableness of assignments of benefits, illustrating insurer scrutiny of vendor charges.

While each case turns on its facts, these opinions show Florida courts enforcing contract language against insurers that overreach.

Statute of Limitations & Notice Deadlines

After Hurricane Ian, the legislature shortened the deadline to one year to file most hurricane or windstorm claims (Fla. Stat. § 627.70132). For non-hurricane losses, you generally have two years to give notice. Lawsuits for breach of contract remain subject to the five-year limit under § 95.11.

Steps to Take After an American Integrity Denial

1. Secure the Denial in Writing

Florida law requires a written denial explaining the factual and policy basis. If you only received a phone call, request a formal letter immediately.

2. Compare the Denial to Your Policy

Retrieve the declarations page and the full policy form (often exceeding 50 pages). Match each cited exclusion to the facts of your loss. Highlight ambiguous language—courts construe ambiguities in favor of insureds.

3. Gather Evidence

• Before-and-after photos or videos.

• Repair invoices, receipts, and estimates.

Weather reports from NOAA or the National Hurricane Center.

• Expert reports (engineer, roofer, plumber).

4. Request a Re-Inspection

You are entitled to accompany the adjuster and point out damage. Bring your contractor or public adjuster. Document the inspection with time-stamped photos.

5. Invoke the Policy Appraisal Clause

Most American Integrity policies allow either party to demand appraisal to resolve the amount of loss. Send written notice by certified mail. Each side selects an appraiser; the two choose an umpire. Although appraisal cannot force coverage, a high award puts settlement pressure on the insurer.

6. File a Complaint or Mediation Request

Use the DFS online portal to file a consumer complaint. For claims under $50,000, request free mediation. American Integrity must attend or face penalties.

7. Consider a Civil Remedy Notice (CRN)

If steps 1-6 fail, your attorney can file a CRN citing the specific statutes violated. The 60-day cure period often spurs payment to avoid bad-faith litigation.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

While some denials resolve through direct negotiation, others require litigation. You should strongly consider hiring a Florida-licensed attorney when:

• The denial alleges fraud or material misrepresentation.

• American Integrity refuses to participate in appraisal or mediation.

• The claim involves complex causation issues (wind vs. flood, sinkhole activity).

• You face extensive additional living expenses (ALE) and risk foreclosure.

• The 60-day CRN window or statute of limitations is about to expire.

Florida allows prevailing policyholders to recover reasonable attorney’s fees under Fla. Stat. § 627.428, reducing the financial barrier to legal representation.

Louis Law Group has handled hundreds of American Integrity disputes statewide and maintains an office serving St. Petersburg residents. Our attorneys are licensed in Florida, speak English and Spanish, and work on a contingency-fee basis—no fees unless we win.

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

Local Resources & Next Steps

State & Local Contacts

Pinellas County Emergency Management — Storm preparedness and post-disaster services. Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service — Confirms attorney licensing and discipline history.

• City of St. Petersburg Building Department — Permitting records and damage inspections (727-893-7231).

• Florida Division of Consumer Services Helpline — 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236).

Climate Risks Unique to St. Petersburg

Pinellas County’s low elevation and aging housing stock intensify storm and flood exposures. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Tampa Bay region has experienced 11 named storms passing within 60 miles since 2016. High humidity also accelerates roof deterioration, a factor insurers often misuse to deny wind damage claims. Maintaining yearly roof inspections can create a documentary trail that undercuts “pre-existing” or “wear and tear” denials.

Action Checklist

• Document damage immediately—photos, videos, and weather data.

• Notify American Integrity within policy deadlines.

• Review the denial letter against your policy.

• Obtain expert opinions to dispute causation findings.

• File a DFS complaint or mediation request.

• Consult a qualified Florida insurance attorney before the limitations clock runs.

• Keep all communication in writing and maintain a claim diary.

Act promptly—delays strengthen the insurer’s defense. If you feel overwhelmed, remember professional help is only one phone call away.

Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Florida insurance law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and regulations change, and individual facts matter. For advice on your specific claim, consult a licensed Florida attorney. This content is attorney advertising.

Take the Next Step

If American Integrity denied your claim—whether for hurricane damage, water loss, or any other peril—don’t accept “no” as the final answer. Call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free policy review and case evaluation. We fight for St. Petersburg homeowners, and we don’t get paid unless you do.