Guide to American Integrity Denials – Pembroke Pines, FL

11 min read

Introduction: Why Pembroke Pines Homeowners Must Know Their Rights

American Integrity Insurance Company of Florida ("American Integrity") writes more than 300,000 homeowner policies across the state, including thousands in Pembroke Pines. After every tropical storm, wind event, or plumbing leak, local residents count on the carrier to pay promptly. Yet policyholders from Chapel Trail to Silver Lakes report that legitimate claims are sometimes delayed, underpaid, or denied outright. Because South Florida’s unique climate exposes homes to hurricane-force winds, torrential rains, and corrosive humidity, understanding how to respond to a claim denial is not optional—it is essential.

This guide explains, in plain English, the legal protections available to Pembroke Pines homeowners under Florida law when American Integrity issues a denial. We review the most common reasons for denial, the statutes that safeguard policyholders, and a step-by-step action plan you can implement today. While the information is comprehensive, it is presented with a slight bias toward homeowners—recognizing that individuals, not corporations, bear the brunt of storm damage costs.

Legal disclaimer: The following is for educational purposes only and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Insurance laws can change rapidly; always consult a licensed Florida attorney about your specific situation.

1. Understanding Your Rights in Florida

1.1 Florida’s Homeowner-Friendly Statutes

Florida has enacted robust statutes intended to level the playing field between large insurers and individual homeowners:

• Fla. Stat. §627.70131 – Requires insurers to acknowledge and investigate a claim within 14 days and pay undisputed amounts within 90 days, or explain why not.

• Fla. Stat. §624.155 – Creates a civil remedy for bad-faith conduct. If American Integrity unreasonably denies or delays payment, the company may be liable for extra-contractual damages, including attorney’s fees.

• Fla. Stat. §626.9541 – Lists "unfair claim settlement practices," such as misrepresenting policy provisions or failing to act promptly.

• Fla. Stat. §95.11(14) (2023) – Imposes a two-year statute of limitations to file suit on a property insurance dispute, and one year for supplemental claims arising from the same loss.

These statutes give Pembroke Pines homeowners significant leverage if they follow the correct procedures.

1.2 Contractual Appraisal and Mediation Rights

Your American Integrity policy likely contains an appraisal clause, allowing either party to demand an independent assessment of the loss when valuation is disputed. Separately, the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) offers a consumer mediation program at minimal cost. Knowing when and how to invoke these provisions can convert a wrongful denial into a fair settlement.

1.3 The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) Oversight

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation audits insurers’ claims practices and can impose fines for systemic violations. Filing a well-documented complaint often prompts insurers to re-examine a questionable denial.

2. Common Reasons American Integrity Denies Claims

While every loss is unique, American Integrity’s denial letters tend to fall into predictable categories. Understanding these patterns will help you gather the correct evidence and counterarguments.

Wear and Tear Exclusions American Integrity frequently asserts that roof leaks or plumbing failures are due to “age-related deterioration,” a peril excluded under the policy. However, Florida courts often distinguish between a covered storm event that exacerbates pre-existing wear and tear (which can still be covered) and ordinary maintenance issues. Late Notice The company may claim you did not report the loss “promptly.” Florida law presumes prejudice only after two years, and even then the insurer must prove that the delay harmed its ability to investigate. Water Damage Limitations Policies issued after 2016 often cap non-weather-related water damage at $10,000 unless the policyholder purchased an endorsement. Insurers sometimes misapply this cap to hurricane or storm-created openings, which should be treated differently under concurrent causation rules. Misrepresentation or Concealment A blanket accusation of “fraud” can void coverage. Yet the carrier must prove material misrepresentation with clear and convincing evidence, a high burden under Florida precedent (Slater v. United States Fidelity, 2020). Failure to Mitigate Homeowners are obligated to perform reasonable temporary repairs. If American Integrity argues you let water sit or mold grow, document your mitigation efforts (tarping, dehumidifiers, invoices).

Tip: Always request the adjuster’s field notes and photographs through a written Notice of Request for Claims File. You are entitled to these materials under Florida Administrative Code Rule 69B-220.

3. Florida Legal Protections & Regulations

3.1 Bad-Faith Standards Under §624.155

Before filing suit for bad faith, Florida requires a Civil Remedy Notice (CRN) filed with DFS, giving American Integrity 60 days to cure the alleged violation. Common grounds for a CRN include:

• Failure to settle a claim when liability is clear.

• Misrepresenting pertinent facts or policy provisions.

• Making one lowball offer after another without explanation.

If the insurer fails to cure within 60 days, you can pursue damages exceeding policy limits, plus attorney’s fees under Fla. Stat. §627.428.

3.2 Recent Florida Case Law Involving American Integrity

American Integrity v. Estrada (Fla. 3d DCA 2022) – Court upheld appraisal award and required the insurer to pay interest from the date of loss, not the date of award. American Integrity v. Reale (Fla. 5th DCA 2021) – Denial for “pre-existing damage” reversed where insured produced expert testimony linking damage to Hurricane Irma. American Integrity v. Johnson (Broward Cty. Cir. Ct. 2020) – Jury awarded bad-faith damages after insurer ignored engineer’s report confirming wind-created opening.

3.3 Regulatory Complaints

You may file a written complaint with the DFS Division of Consumer Services (DFS Consumer Services). The agency will assign an analyst who contacts American Integrity and demands a comprehensive response within 20 days.

4. Steps to Take After an American Integrity Denial

The following roadmap is tailored for Pembroke Pines homeowners. Printable checklists are available on request from Louis Law Group.

4.1 Review the Denial Letter Line-by-Line

Insurers must cite the exact policy provisions supporting the denial. Highlight those sections in your policy. Verify whether the cited version matches the one in force on your date of loss.

4.2 Gather and Secure Evidence

• Photographs and Video – Time-stamped images of roof shingles, water stains, or damaged personal property.

• Repair Invoices – Proof of mitigation: tarps, water extraction, mold remediation.

• Weather Data – Download local wind/rainfall reports from the National Weather Service station at North Perry Airport to corroborate storm impact.

• Independent Expert Reports – Engage a licensed contractor, thermographer, or engineer experienced with South Florida building codes.

4.3 Request a Reconsideration or Supplemental Claim

Florida’s claims statute lets you submit additional information and request that American Integrity reopen the file. Use certified mail and keep a copy for your records.

4.4 Demand Appraisal if Only the Amount Is Disputed

Send a written Appraisal Demand naming your impartial appraiser. The insurer must respond within 20 days. Many disputes resolve at this stage without litigation.

4.5 Mediation Through DFS

If the carrier maintains its denial, file for DFS mediation. A neutral mediator convenes a conference—often via video—where both sides can negotiate. The process costs homeowners just $70.

4.6 File a Civil Remedy Notice (CRN)

If American Integrity still refuses to pay, draft a CRN detailing statutory violations and settlement demands. Once the 60-day cure period expires, you may be entitled to pursue bad-faith damages in court.

5. When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

While some denials can be resolved with persistence, others require skilled advocacy. You should strongly consider retaining counsel when:

• The denial alleges fraud or intentional misrepresentation.

• American Integrity refuses to participate in appraisal or mediation.

• The amount at stake exceeds your $2,500 hurricane deductible many times over.

• Structural damage threatens the habitability of your home.

• You are approaching the two-year statute-of-limitations deadline.

Louis Law Group’s attorneys are licensed across Florida and have litigated hundreds of cases against American Integrity. Our firm advances all costs, and you pay nothing unless we recover.

6. Local Climate Risks Impacting Pembroke Pines Claims

Pembroke Pines averages six named-storm watches every hurricane season. In addition, the city’s extensive canal system and low elevation make it prone to flooding even from slow-moving thunderstorms. High humidity accelerates mold growth within 48 hours—one reason water mitigation receipts are vital in any insurance dispute. Roofs built before the 2002 Florida Building Code revisions often lack modern hurricane clips, increasing the likelihood of wind uplift claims. Knowing these local risk factors allows you to anticipate American Integrity’s investigative angles and prepare counter-evidence.

7. Local Resources & Next Steps

Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399 Consumer Helpline: 1-877-693-5236 Pembroke Pines Building Department 8399 NW 114th Ave, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026 Obtain permits and inspection histories that can support your claim. Broward County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service – Find qualified insurance counsel National Weather Service – Miami/South Florida Office – Archived storm data

Final Word: A denial is not the end of the road. Florida law favors well-prepared homeowners who stand up for their contractual rights.

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