Insurance Attorney Property Insurance Guide – Hollywood, Florida

Introduction: Why Hollywood, Florida Policyholders Need This Guide

From North Beach to the tree-lined streets of Emerald Hills, Hollywood, Florida homeowners pay some of the highest property-insurance premiums in the nation. Atlantic hurricane exposure, year-round humidity, and an aging housing stock mean claims are common—yet many residents discover that filing is only half the battle. If you have experienced a property insurance claim denial Hollywood Florida, you already know insurers do not always play fair. This 2,500-plus-word guide is designed for Hollywood homeowners seeking a location-specific, law-grounded roadmap that slightly favors the policyholder’s perspective. Every statute, deadline, and best-practice tip cited below comes from authoritative Florida sources so you can make informed, confident decisions.

Understanding Your Property Insurance Rights in Florida

1. The Insurance Contract Is a Two-Way Street

Florida insurance policies are governed by contract law. Under Fla. Stat. § 624.155, you may bring a bad-faith action if your carrier fails to settle a claim when it could and should have done so. In other words, the insurer’s duty of good faith is every bit as real as your duty to pay premiums.

2. Timely Claims Handling Requirements

• 14 Days: Insurer must acknowledge your claim (Fla. Stat. §627.70131(1)(a)).

• 30 Days: Must begin any physical inspection (same statute).

• 60 Days: Must pay, deny, or provide a partial payment explanation (Fla. Stat. §627.70131(5)(a)).

If these deadlines are not met, document every missed benchmark. It can become powerful leverage in a dispute.

3. The Five-Year Statute of Limitations

You have five years from the date of loss to sue for breach of an insurance contract in Florida (Fla. Stat. §95.11(2)(e)). Nevertheless, practical evidence issues—like faded water stains or lost receipts—make it unwise to wait.

4. The Right to an On-Site Appraisal

Most Florida policies contain an appraisal clause. Either party may demand appraisal to resolve disputes about amount of loss. Choosing an experienced, independent appraiser can turn a lowball offer into a fair payout.

5. The Right to Hire a Florida Attorney

Florida Bar-licensed attorneys follow Rule 4-1.5(f)(4) (contingency fee schedule) and must be in good standing. You never owe a fee unless money is recovered in most contingency arrangements—but always get the agreement in writing.

Common Reasons Property Insurance Companies Deny Claims in Florida

• Late Notice of Loss – After Hurricane Irma, thousands of claims were denied for “late reporting.” Your policy may require notice “promptly” or within a fixed number of days. Report immediately to close that loophole.

• Wear and Tear vs. Sudden Event – Insurers frequently argue older roofs or cast-iron plumbing failed due to age, an exclusion. Push back by obtaining expert reports linking damage to a specific storm date.

• Water Mitigation Lapses – Florida policies obligate homeowners to take reasonable steps to protect property. Document every tarp, dehumidifier, or emergency plumber visit.

• Misrepresentation on the Application – Omitting prior claims or a flat roof can lead to rescission. Review your original application; if the agent filled it out, errors may be theirs, not yours.

• Alleged Fraud or Inflated Estimates – Carriers use Special Investigative Units (SIUs). Provide honest, well-supported estimates and keep communication professional.

Statistics from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) show wind and water losses dominate South Florida disputes. Knowing the insurer’s playbook helps you anticipate counter-arguments.

Florida Legal Protections & Insurance Regulations

1. Florida’s Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights

The Department of Financial Services (DFS Bill of Rights) guarantees:

• Free DFS mediation for claims under Residential policies.

• No cancellation for 90 days after a loss except for non-payment or fraud.

• Prompt, written explanations for claim decisions.

2. Senate Bill 2-A (2022) & Recent Reforms

SB 2-A curtailed one-way attorney fees and Assignment of Benefits (AOB) abuses, but it did not eliminate your right to sue. Policyholders may still recover fees under §624.155 bad-faith actions once liability is determined.

3. DFS Mediation & Neutral Evaluation

Under Fla. Stat. §627.7015, residential policyholders can request DFS-sponsored mediation—often scheduled at the Broward County Governmental Center. Insurers must pay the mediator’s fee.

4. Building Code Upgrade Coverage

Florida’s Building Code is among the strictest. Check for Ordinance or Law coverage in Section I.A.3 of most HO-3 policies, which pays for mandatory code upgrades. Don’t leave that money on the table.

5. Citizens Property Insurance: Special Rules

If you are with state-run Citizens (common in Broward County), you have a shorter one-year deadline to submit supplemental claims (§627.70132). Mark your calendar.

Steps to Take After a Property Insurance Claim Denial in Florida

Step 1 – Review the Denial Letter Line-by-Line

Florida law (§626.9541(1)(i)) requires specific denial reasons. Generic phrases like “not covered” may constitute an unfair claim practice—note them for a future complaint.

Step 2 – Collect and Preserve Evidence

• Time-stamped photos & videos

• Independent contractor or engineer reports

• Receipts for emergency repairs, hotels, meals (Coverage D—Loss of Use)

• Written logs of every insurer conversation (date, time, rep’s name)

Step 3 – Demand a Certified Copy of Your Policy

Under Fla. Stat. §627.4137, insurers must furnish it within 30 days of written request. You need the full policy, not just declarations pages, to identify additional coverages.

Step 4 – File a Notice of Intent to Litigate (NOI)

As of 2023, policyholders must file a pre-suit NOI at least 10 business days before suing (§627.70152). The carrier then has 10 days to respond with a new offer.

Step 5 – Explore DFS Mediation

Submit Form DFS-I0-J1 to the Mediation Unit. Sessions are virtual or held in Plantation—20 minutes from downtown Hollywood. Many disputes settle here without court.

Step 6 – Engage an Experienced Florida Attorney

An attorney can issue Civil Remedy Notices, depose adjusters, and bring suit in Broward County Circuit Court. Most work on contingency, meaning no recovery, no fee.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

While small clerical issues may settle in mediation, the following red flags almost always justify calling a Florida attorney:

• Carrier alleges fraud or misrepresentation.

• Denial cites complex exclusions (earth movement, water backup, anti-concurrent causation).

• Large-loss claims exceeding $50,000.

• Citizens Property Insurance disputes—Citizens follows unique pre-suit notice rules.

• Multiple supplemental claims or undervalued estimates.

The Florida Bar’s public site lets you verify licensing and disciplinary history. Look for attorneys headquartered in Broward County who regularly litigate in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Hollywood-Specific Agencies

• Hollywood Building Division – 2600 Hollywood Blvd. Obtain inspection reports & permit history.

• Broward County Property Appraiser – Useful for verifying square footage and building details.

• Hollywood Office of Emergency Management – Free hurricane shutter guidelines.

• Florida DFS Consumer Helpline – 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236).

Education & Self-Help

Print the DFS Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights and keep it with your policy. Attend free webinars offered by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. Review recent Florida Supreme Court opinions such as Johnson v. Omega Insurance, 200 So.3d 1207 (Fla. 2016) for a primer on appraisal scope.

Moving Forward

Combining meticulous documentation, statutory knowledge, and—when needed—experienced counsel tilts the balance of power back toward Hollywood homeowners. Remember, the burden to prove an exclusion rests on the insurance company, not on you (LaFayette v. Allstate, 5 So.3d 684 [Fla. 3d DCA 2009]).

Legal Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change, and facts vary. Consult a licensed Florida attorney for advice specific to your situation.

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