Fort Lauderdale, FL Guide to American Integrity Claim Denials

Introduction: Why Claim Denials Matter to Fort Lauderdale Homeowners

Fort Lauderdale sits on Florida’s Atlantic coast, less than two miles from the Intracoastal Waterway and only a short drive from the Atlantic Ocean. That enviable location places Broward County homeowners at heightened risk from hurricanes, tropical storms, king-tide flooding, and sudden wind-driven rain events. Because American Integrity Insurance writes thousands of homeowners policies across South Florida, many Fort Lauderdale residents turn to the company for critical post-storm help. Yet policyholders are sometimes surprised to receive a denial or partial denial letter when they file a claim for roof damage, interior water intrusion, mold, or theft. This comprehensive guide explains how Florida law protects you, why American Integrity may have denied your claim, and what steps you can take to fight back and recover every dollar you are owed.

This article is slightly tilted toward the policyholder, but every statement is grounded in verifiable Florida statutes, administrative rules, and authoritative industry publications. You will find direct citations to key provisions such as Fla. Stat. § 627.70131 (timely payment of claims) and Fla. Stat. § 624.155 (civil remedies for bad-faith insurance practices), plus guidance on how to open a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) Consumer Services Division. By the end, you will have a clear, actionable road map if American Integrity has denied, delayed, or underpaid your Fort Lauderdale homeowners claim.

Understanding Your Rights in Florida

1. The Florida Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights

Florida’s Legislature codified a Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights in Fla. Stat. § 627.7142. Insurers must give you this notice within 14 days of your claim. The document reminds policyholders that:

• Your insurer must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 14 days (Fla. Stat. § 627.70131(1)(a)).

• The carrier must begin an investigation within 10 business days after you submit requested proof of loss (Rule 69O-166.031, Fla. Admin. Code).

• The company must pay or deny all or any portion of the claim within 60 days unless a reasonable basis for delay exists (Fla. Stat. § 627.70131(5)(a)).

2. Statute of Limitations

Under Fla. Stat. § 95.11(2)(b), a policyholder has five years from the date of breach to sue for a property-insurance contract dispute. The clock generally starts when American Integrity denies or underpays your claim, not on the date of loss—but consult a licensed Florida attorney to confirm the precise trigger date in your case.

3. Bad-Faith Remedies

If American Integrity fails to settle your claim in good faith when under an obligation to do so, you may pursue a statutory bad-faith action after first filing a Civil Remedy Notice (CRN) through the DFS portal, pursuant to Fla. Stat. § 624.155. Damages can include amounts in excess of policy limits, plus attorney’s fees under Fla. Stat. § 627.428 if you prevail.

Common Reasons American Integrity Denies Claims

The reasons listed in denial letters often fall into predictable categories. Knowing these in advance helps you assemble counter-evidence.

• Late Notice – The insurer alleges you failed to report the loss “promptly,” citing policy language that you must notify the carrier “immediately” or “as soon as practicable.” Florida courts (e.g., Zurich Am. Ins. Co. v. Frankel, 202 So.3d 896, Fla. 4th DCA 2016) hold that late notice creates a rebuttable presumption of prejudice, which policyholders can overcome with competent evidence.

• Wear and Tear Exclusion – Roof claims often get denied on grounds that damage is “age-related” rather than caused by the recent wind event. Independent engineering reports can refute this.

• Water Damage Exclusion – American Integrity may cite exclusions for “constant or repeated seepage” longer than 14 days. Distinguish between sudden burst pipe losses (generally covered) and long-term leaks (usually excluded).

• Insufficient Coverage – If damages exceed policy limits or lie within your hurricane deductible, the carrier may issue only a partial payment. Verification of the replacement cost value (RCV) and the actual cash value (ACV) is essential.

• Misrepresentation – Failing to disclose prior losses or giving inaccurate statements during EUO (Examination Under Oath) can lead to denial. However, under Fla. Stat. § 627.409, the misrepresentation must be material and relied upon by the insurer to void a policy.

• Failure to Mitigate – Florida policies require reasonable steps to protect property after loss. Keep receipts for tarps, board-ups, or professional dry-out services to rebut this allegation.

Florida Legal Protections & Regulations

Key Statutes

• Fla. Stat. § 627.70131 – Governs claim acknowledgment, investigation, and payment time frames.

• Fla. Stat. § 624.155 – Establishes cause of action for first-party bad faith.

• Fla. Stat. § 627.428 – Awards attorney’s fees to insureds who obtain a judgment or settlement.

• Fla. Stat. § 626.9541 – Unfair claim settlement practices act.

• Rule 69O-166.031, Fla. Admin. Code – Administrative rule detailing insurer claim-handling standards.

Department of Financial Services Complaint Process

• Gather Documentation – Denial letter, policy, estimates, photos.

File Online – Submit a formal complaint through the DFS Consumer Services portal (DFS Consumer Services). Provide CRN if alleging bad faith.

• Carrier Response – American Integrity must respond to DFS within 20 days. The state mediator may request additional info.

• Free State-Sponsored Mediation – For property claims under $500,000, you may request mediation at no cost per Rule 69J-166.031.

Florida Hurricane Mediation Program

After a state-declared emergency, DFS activates expedited mediation. Many Fort Lauderdale homeowners used it after Hurricanes Irma (2017) and Ian (2022). Mediation is non-binding but often results in faster settlements.

Steps to Take After a Denial

1. Read the Denial Letter Carefully

Identify each policy provision American Integrity cites. Highlight exclusions or conditions the company says you violated.

2. Request Your Claim File

Florida law allows insureds to request a complete copy of the claim file, including adjuster notes, engineer reports, and photographs. Send a written request via certified mail.

3. Obtain Independent Estimates

Hire a licensed Florida general contractor or public adjuster to provide a competing damage assessment. Compare line items with the insurer’s estimate.

4. Preserve Evidence

• Photograph all damages before repairs.

• Keep receipts for mitigation.

• Document any conversations with adjusters (date, time, summary).

5. Consider Appraisal

If the dispute is over amount rather than coverage, read your policy’s appraisal clause. You and American Integrity each appoint an appraiser; a neutral umpire sets the loss amount if the two appraisers disagree. Under State Farm v. Middleton, 2020 WL 5650893 (Fla. 5th DCA 2020), courts routinely compel appraisal when properly demanded.

6. File a DFS Complaint

Start the administrative process described above. Carriers often reopen and pay claims once DFS oversight begins.

7. Consult a Florida Attorney

If negotiations stall, speak with a lawyer who focuses on first-party property claims. Florida attorneys may work on contingency and can seek fees from the insurer under § 627.428.

Discover more about our services on the Louis Law Group website.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

Indicators You Need Counsel

• The denial rests on alleged misrepresentation or fraud.

• The insurer refuses to participate in appraisal or mediation.

• Delay exceeds the 90-day statutory period without payment or denial.

• You face a looming five-year statute-of-limitations deadline.

• The loss involves complex issues (structural engineering, mold, business interruption for short-term rentals).

Choosing a Lawyer

Florida attorneys must be admitted to The Florida Bar and maintain trust accounts per Chapter 5 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. Verify disciplinary history on the Bar’s public website (The Florida Bar).

Fee Structures

Most first-party property attorneys in Fort Lauderdale charge 33–40% contingency fees. Because § 627.428 shifts fees to the insurer when you win, many lawyers reduce or waive their percentage if statutory fees are recovered.

Local Resources & Next Steps

1. Broward County Emergency Management

Stay informed about post-storm recovery grants and debris-removal programs (Broward County Hurricane Resources).

2. Building Permit Records

American Integrity may question roof age. Access Fort Lauderdale online permit records to prove installation dates (Broward ePermits).

3. Public Adjuster Directory

The Florida Department of Financial Services licenses public adjusters. Verify credentials before hiring (DFS Licensee Search).

4. Keep an Eye on Legislative Changes

House Bill 837 (2023) and Senate Bill 2A (2022) significantly amended attorney fee provisions and roof replacement rules. Although challenges are pending, stay updated through the Florida Senate.

5. Action Checklist

• Request claim file within 7 days.

• Secure independent estimate within 14 days.

• File DFS complaint within 30 days of denial.

• Consult attorney before the one-year anniversary of loss to preserve all options.

Conclusion

Fort Lauderdale homeowners face enough challenges after a storm—fighting an insurance company should not be one of them. By understanding Florida statutes, leveraging state-sponsored mediation, and gathering robust evidence, you can level the playing field against American Integrity. When the carrier still refuses to do the right thing, Florida law provides powerful remedies, including attorney’s fees and bad-faith damages. Act quickly, document everything, and do not hesitate to seek experienced legal counsel.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed Florida attorney regarding your specific situation.

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