Florida Property Insurance Law Guide for Hollywood Homeowners

11 min read

Introduction: Why Hollywood Homeowners Need to Know Their Rights

Hollywood, Florida’s subtropical climate brings warm breezes, year-round sunshine—and frequent property insurance headaches. From sudden pipe bursts found by a leak detection company near me to roof damage after a late-season hurricane, Broward County homeowners often face slow, underpaid, or denied claims. Navigating Florida property insurance law can feel overwhelming, especially when an insurer’s adjuster seems to have all the power. This comprehensive guide is designed for Hollywood residents, giving you the practical, statute-backed knowledge you need to protect your home and finances.

We will break down:

• Key Florida statutes—including Chapters 624, 626, and 627—governing property insurance

• Common disputes such as water damage, hurricane loss, and scope-of-repair disagreements

• Time-sensitive deadlines, mediation, appraisal, and bad-faith remedies

• Step-by-step actions you can take before and after a dispute arises

• When and how to enlist an experienced Hollywood insurance attorney

Whether your insurer has delayed payment, offered an insultingly low settlement, or issued a flat denial, this guide equips you with the tools to push back—while keeping the process compliant with Florida law. Remember: insurers have teams of adjusters and lawyers. You deserve equally powerful advocacy.

Understanding Florida Property Insurance Law

Core Statutes Every Hollywood Policyholder Should Know

Florida’s Insurance Code is primarily housed in Chapters 624, 626, and 627 of the Florida Statutes. Below are provisions most frequently cited in property insurance disputes:

• Fla. Stat. §627.70131 – Requires insurers to acknowledge a claim within 14 days and pay undisputed amounts within 60 days, absent a “reasonable basis” for delay.

Fla. Stat. §627.7015 – Establishes the state-sponsored Residential Property Mediation Program run by the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS). Participation tolls certain litigation deadlines.

• Fla. Stat. §624.155 – Provides a civil remedy when an insurer acts in “bad faith,” such as failing to settle when it could and should have done so. A 60-day Civil Remedy Notice (CRN) must be filed with DFS before suing.

• Fla. Stat. §95.11(2)(b) – Gives homeowners up to five years from the date of breach to file a contract lawsuit on policies issued before March 1, 2023. Newer policies are subject to shorter limitation periods (see §627.70132).

• Fla. Stat. §627.70132 – Imposes a one-year deadline to file a new property insurance claim and 18 months for a reopened or supplemental claim, for losses arising on or after January 1, 2023.

Prompt Payment & Investigation Rules

Under §627.70131, insurers must begin investigating within 14 days and must make a “reasonable” coverage determination within 90 days. If your claim sits idle for months, you may have a statutory violation that bolsters a bad-faith case.

Bad Faith Protections

Bad faith under §624.155 can include delaying investigation, undervaluing damage, or misrepresenting policy terms. Hollywood homeowners who prevail may recover consequential and even punitive damages—beyond the policy limits—in egregious cases.

Common Property Insurance Disputes in Florida

Broward County’s combination of coastal storms, aging mid-century housing stock, and frequent summer downpours fuels a wide range of claims:

Hurricane & Windstorm Damage Hurricane Irma, Dorian, and Ian showed how roof systems, soffits, and windows can fail. Disputes often revolve around depreciation, matching of roof tiles, and whether water intrusion came through storm-created openings. Water Damage & Plumbing Leaks Cast-iron drainpipes are notorious in Hollywood’s older neighborhoods. Once a leak detection company near me confirms a hidden leak, insurers sometimes deny coverage by citing maintenance exclusions or claiming the loss is long-term seepage. Fire & Smoke Losses From electrical fires in Emerald Hills to kitchen mishaps in Hollywood Lakes, insurers may dispute the cost of smoke remediation or code upgrades required by Broward County Building Officials. Mold Infestation Most Florida policies cap mold damage at $10,000 unless you purchase a separate rider. Disagreements arise over whether mold is the result of a covered water event. Scope-of-Repair Disputes Even when coverage is accepted, insurers frequently lowball the cost to match finishes, replace cabinets, or bring work up to Florida Building Code standards.

Each category triggers unique policy endorsements, deductibles, and statutory timeframes, making local legal guidance essential.

Florida Legal Protections & Regulations

Statutory Deadlines At a Glance

• Claim Notice: 1 year from the date of loss (losses on/after 1/1/23) – §627.70132

• Supplemental/Reopened Claim: 18 months – §627.70132

• Insurer Coverage Decision: 90 days – §627.70131(7)(a)

• Suit Deadline (pre-3/1/23 policies): 5 years – §95.11(2)(b)

• Suit Deadline (post-3/1/23 policies): 2 years – §95.11(14)

• Bad-Faith CRN: 60 day cure period – §624.155

Mediation & Appraisal Options

The DFS mediation program under §627.7015 is free to policyholders (insurers pay the fee) and must be requested within 60 days after filing a proof of loss. While non-binding, successful mediation resolves about 40% of disputes statewide. Additionally, most Florida policies include an appraisal clause, allowing each party to hire an appraiser who selects a neutral umpire. Appraisal is faster than litigation but focuses only on the amount of loss, not coverage issues.

Regulatory Oversight

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) licenses carriers and can impose fines for unfair claims practices. Complaints filed with OIR or DFS become part of an insurer’s public record—leverage that can motivate faster settlements.

Recent Court Rulings Impacting Homeowners

• American Integrity Ins. Co. v. Estrada, 276 So.3d 905 (Fla. 5th DCA 2019) – Shifted burden to insurers to prove prejudice when a claim is reported late, helping homeowners overcome “late notice” defenses.

• Johnson v. Omega Ins. Co., 200 So.3d 1207 (Fla. 2016) – Confirmed that homeowners may recover attorney’s fees when the insurer’s payment occurs after litigation starts, even without a judgment.

• Citizens Prop. Ins. Corp. v. Manor House, LLC, 313 So.3d 579 (Fla. 2021) – Limited extra-contractual damages for lost rental income, prompting policyholders to pursue separate bad-faith claims.

Steps to Take After a Property Insurance Dispute

1. Document Everything Immediately

Time-stamped photos, videos, and detailed notes form your evidentiary backbone. Save moisture-meter readings supplied by your leak detection contractor, retain damaged materials for inspection, and keep a repair journal.

2. Mitigate Further Damage

Florida policies require you to prevent additional loss. Hire licensed water mitigation or roofing professionals—not the insurer’s preferred vendor if you have concerns. Keep all receipts; reasonable mitigation costs are reimbursable.

3. Obtain Independent Estimates

Insurer adjusters often rely on proprietary software that underestimates local labor rates. Get a competing estimate from a reputable Hollywood general contractor or public adjuster. Having multiple bids strengthens your negotiation position.

4. Request a Certified Policy Copy

Under §627.4137, insurers must provide the full policy upon written request. Reviewing endorsements and exclusions line by line—preferably with counsel—reveals additional coverages like ordinance or law benefits.

5. File Complaints When Deadlines Pass

If 14 days elapse without acknowledgment or 90 days without a coverage decision, file a complaint through the DFS Consumer Helpline (DFS Complaint Portal). The mere act often prompts insurer action.

6. Engage Mediation or Appraisal

Send written notice invoking DFS mediation or contractual appraisal, depending on whether the dispute is about coverage or amount. Remember: appraisal awards are binding but do not bar subsequent bad-faith litigation.

7. Preserve Suit Deadlines

Mark your calendar for the one- or two-year suit deadlines under §627.70132 and §95.11(14). A simple Notice of Intent to Litigate under the recently updated Florida property damage claims statute can toll certain timeframes, but do not rely on it without legal advice.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

While some claims resolve through persistence, many do not. Consider consulting a seasoned attorney if:

• The insurer’s payment is significantly below independent estimates

• You receive a denial citing ambiguous policy language

• Coverage is accepted but payment is delayed beyond 90 days

• An appraisal award or mediation agreement is still unpaid

• You suspect insurer bad faith or systematic lowballing

Louis Law Group’s team focuses exclusively on property insurance claims statewide. Our attorneys are licensed under The Florida Bar and litigate in Broward County’s Seventeenth Judicial Circuit and federal Southern District of Florida courts. We advance costs, charge no fees unless we recover, and aggressively pursue statutory attorney’s fees so the insurer, not you, pays legal expenses.

If your homeowner insurance dispute Florida case has stalled, do not wait. Critical evidence can disappear, and deadlines can expire before you realize it.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Government & Regulatory Agencies

Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) – Consumer complaints & mediation Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) – Insurer market conduct exams Broward County Clerk of Courts – File lawsuits & access case dockets

Legal Aid & Professional Associations

Legal Aid Service of Broward County Broward County Bar Association

Next Steps for Hollywood Homeowners

• Gather your policy, photos, and all correspondence.

• Call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a complimentary policy review.

• Let us draft a Civil Remedy Notice or Notice of Intent as needed, preserving your rights.

Stop insurer stonewalling today. Hollywood residents have powerful statutory rights—use them.

If your property insurance claim has been delayed, underpaid, or denied, call 833-657-4812 for a FREE case evaluation and policy review. Louis Law Group – Standing up for Florida policyholders.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a licensed Florida attorney to obtain advice specific to your situation. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.