Hollywood, Florida Property Insurance: Attorney Near Me

Introduction

The City of Hollywood, Florida, is nestled along Broward County’s Atlantic shoreline between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Beautiful beaches, historic lakes, and a bustling downtown make it a desirable place to own property—but its coastal location also exposes homes and condominiums to hurricanes, tropical storms, and year-round thunderstorms. According to the Broward County Property Appraiser, tens of thousands of residences sit less than five miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Each year, Hollywood homeowners pay some of the highest property-insurance premiums in the nation, hoping that their carriers will stand behind them when disaster strikes.

Unfortunately, many residents discover after filing a claim that their insurer is more focused on minimizing payouts than on quickly restoring homes. If you have experienced a property insurance claim denial Hollywood Florida, or if you fear that your claim may be underpaid, this comprehensive guide—written with a bias toward protecting policyholders—will explain your rights, the deadlines that matter, and the local resources available to help you fight back.

Understanding Your Property Insurance Rights in Florida

Key Policyholder Rights Under Florida Law

• Right to Prompt Communication: Under Florida Statute §627.70131(1)(a), insurers must acknowledge receipt of a claim in writing within 14 days, unless payments are made within that period.

• Right to Fair Claim Handling: Section 626.9541(1)(i) of the Florida Statutes prohibits insurers from engaging in unfair claim-settlement practices, such as misrepresenting policy provisions or failing to investigate promptly.

• Right to Receive a Coverage Decision: §627.70131(7)(a) requires carriers to pay, deny, or state the reasons they cannot decide within 90 days after receiving notice of a residential property claim.

• Right to Interest on Late Payments: If payment is overdue, insurers must include statutory interest from the date the payment should have been made.

• Right to Appraisal or Alternative Dispute Resolution: Most Florida policies contain an appraisal clause that allows either side to invoke a neutral damage assessment process when value, not coverage, is disputed.

• Right to Hire Counsel: Florida law permits policyholders to consult or retain a Florida attorney at any stage of the claim process.

These rights exist statewide, but they are particularly critical for Hollywood homeowners given the city’s vulnerability to wind and water losses. Remember that insurance policies are contracts; if your carrier breaches its duties, you can pursue legal remedies in a Florida court.

The Statute of Limitations

Under Florida Statute §95.11(2)(e), a policyholder has five years from the date of loss to file a lawsuit over a property insurance breach of contract. Failing to act within that window can forfeit your claim, which is why immediate action is essential after any denial or underpayment.

Common Reasons Property Insurance Companies Deny Claims in Florida

While every claim is unique, insurers tend to rely on a predictable set of arguments when denying payment. Understanding these rationales can help you prepare a robust response.

• Late Notice of Loss: The insurer alleges that you did not report damage “promptly,” even when you alerted the company as soon as damage was discovered. Courts often weigh whether the delay prejudiced the insurer’s investigation.

• Wear and Tear or Maintenance Exclusions: Carriers claim the loss resulted from long-term deterioration rather than a covered sudden event. This is common for roof claims following hurricanes such as Irma (2017) and Ian (2022).

• Water Damage Exclusions: Policies may exclude repeated seepage or flood damage. Insurers sometimes over-apply these exclusions to deny plumbing-leak claims involving accidental discharge.

• Pre-Existing Damage: Adjusters blame prior storms or builder defects. Under Florida law, the insurer bears the burden of proving an exclusion applies.

• Misrepresentation or Fraud Allegations: Any perceived inconsistency in paperwork can trigger an unjustified claim denial. Always be truthful, but remember an innocent error does not equal fraud.

If you receive a denial letter citing any of the above, it is prudent to consult a licensed Florida insurance attorney before the appeal window closes.

Florida Legal Protections & Insurance Regulations

Critical Statutes and Administrative Codes

• Florida Statute §627.70131: Sets strict timelines for acknowledgment, investigation, and payment of residential property claims.

• Florida Statute §626.9541: Defines Unfair Claim Settlement Practices and grants policyholders grounds to recover extra-contractual damages in egregious cases.

• Florida Statute §627.428 (now §627.70152 for certain cases): Historically awarded attorney’s fees to insureds who prevailed in court. Though recently amended, fee-shifting is still available in certain situations.

• Florida Administrative Code 69O-166: Requires insurers to adopt fair claim handling standards.

The Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights

Florida Statute §627.7142, known as the Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights, must be provided to policyholders within 14 days after they report a claim. It summarizes your protections, including the right to receive information about mediation and to engage legal counsel.

Comparative Case Law

The Florida Supreme Court’s decision in Johnson v. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., 828 So.2d 1021 (Fla. 2002), confirmed that courts, not appraisers, decide insurance coverage disputes. This ruling strengthens policyholders’ arguments when insurers attempt to push coverage issues into appraisal to avoid judicial review.

Steps to Take After a Property Insurance Claim Denial in Florida

1. Read the Denial Letter Carefully

The denial letter must state specific policy provisions the carrier relies on. Compare those provisions with your declarations page and the full policy. Note any factual errors.

2. Gather and Preserve Evidence

• Photograph and video every damaged area from multiple angles.

• Keep receipts for emergency repairs and temporary housing.

• Save correspondence with the insurer, adjusters, or contractors.

3. Request the Claim File

Florida Administrative Code 69O-166 allows policyholders to request claim-handling documents. A written demand often reveals whether the insurer’s investigation was adequate.

4. Obtain an Independent Estimate

Hire a licensed Florida public adjuster or a reputable contractor familiar with Broward County building codes. Independent estimates frequently uncover thousands of dollars in overlooked damages.

5. Invoke Appraisal or Mediation

The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) offers a free Residential Property Mediation Program for disputes under $50,000. You can file online at the DFS website: DFS Consumer Services Complaint Portal. Mediation is non-binding, meaning you don’t lose the right to sue if the session fails.

6. File a Civil Remedy Notice (CRN)

Before suing for bad-faith damages, Florida Statute §624.155 requires policyholders to file a CRN giving the insurer 60 days to cure. The form is submitted through the DFS site and must cite the specific statute allegedly violated.

7. Consult or Retain a Florida-Licensed Attorney

A seasoned lawyer can decode policy exclusions, coordinate expert inspections, and file suit before the five-year statute of limitations expires.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

Indicators You Need an Attorney

• The insurer has denied or severely underpaid a claim exceeding your deductible.

• Multiple adjusters, engineers, or consultants have inspected without a clear resolution.

• You suspect the insurer violated florida insurance law deadlines or misrepresented coverage.

• You have received a Reservation of Rights letter hinting at potential fraud allegations.

Florida Attorney Licensing Rules

Only members in good standing with The Florida Bar may give legal advice on Florida insurance matters. Verify that any lawyer you consider is “eligible to practice” and has no history of discipline. Contingency-fee contracts for property claims must meet the requirements of Rule 4-1.5(f)(4) of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar and be signed by both attorney and client.

Costs and Fee-Shifting

Many attorneys handling property-damage cases work on contingency—no fee unless they recover money for you. Depending on the date of loss and policy language, certain statutes still allow recovery of reasonable attorney’s fees from the insurer if the lawsuit results in payment in excess of any prior tender.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Government and Non-Profit Assistance

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Homeowner Resources – Tips on hurricane preparedness and filing claims.

• City of Hollywood Building Division – 2600 Hollywood Blvd; obtain permits and inspection records helpful in proving repair costs.

• Broward County Property Appraiser – Access property cards to substantiate square footage and construction details.

Professional Support

• Licensed Public Adjusters in Broward County can help document damages.

• Certified General Contractors familiar with Florida Building Code (2023) provide repair estimates.

• Local mitigation companies offer “dry-out” services to prevent further mold and water damage.

Your Action Plan

• Report the loss in writing and save confirmation numbers.

• Collect photos, videos, receipts, and witness statements.

• Review your policy and the Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights.

• Set calendar reminders: 14-day acknowledgment, 90-day payment deadline, five-year lawsuit deadline.

• If denied or underpaid, engage professionals—public adjuster, engineer, or attorney—within 30 days to keep momentum.

Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Florida property-insurance law and is not legal advice. Every claim is fact-specific. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed Florida attorney.

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