Insurance Attorney Property Insurance Guide—Perry, Florida

Introduction: Why Perry, Florida Homeowners Need This Guide

Wind, rain, and hurricanes are a fact of life in North Florida. Perry—seat of Taylor County and home to roughly 7,000 residents—sits only about 20 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you live near the historic downtown on Jefferson Street or in the more rural outskirts off U.S. 19, your roof, siding, and personal property can take a beating during hurricane season. Unfortunately, many policyholders discover that the real storm starts after they file a claim and their carrier drags its feet or issues an outright denial. This guide is written from a homeowner-focused perspective to explain how Florida law protects you, what steps to take after a property insurance claim denial perry florida, and when calling a Florida attorney makes sense.

Understanding Your Property Insurance Rights in Florida

Key Statutory Rights

Florida Statutes Chapter 627 gives policyholders strong, enforceable rights. Highlights include:

• Florida Insurance Consumer Bill of Rights (Fla. Admin. Code 69B-215.200): Requires insurers to acknowledge your claim within 14 days and make a coverage decision within 90 days, barring legitimate delays.

• Prompt Pay Requirements (Fla. Stat. § 627.70131): Once a claim is agreed upon, insurers must pay undisputed amounts within 60 days.

• Notice of Claim Deadlines (Fla. Stat. § 627.70132): You have two (2) years from the date of loss to report an initial or reopened claim and three (3) years for supplemental claims.

• Right to Mediation (Fla. Stat. § 627.7015): Homeowners can demand a free, state-sponsored mediation with the insurer before litigation.

Statute of Limitations for Filing Suit

If your insurer breaches the policy contract, you generally have five (5) years to file suit under Fla. Stat. § 95.11(2)(e). Keep in mind the shorter notice-of-claim windows above still apply.

Burden of Proof

Florida places the initial burden on you to show covered damage. Once that’s done, the burden shifts to the insurer to prove an exclusion applies (Jones v. Federated Nat’l Ins. Co., 235 So.3d 936, Fla. 4th DCA 2018).

Common Reasons Property Insurance Companies Deny Claims in Florida

Insurers rely on several recurring justifications. Knowing them helps you gather the right evidence upfront.

• Late Notice – Filing after the two-year notice window or waiting weeks to report can trigger a denial. Always provide prompt, written notice even if repairs are underway.

• Wear and Tear Exclusions – Carriers may label wind-caused roof damage as “age-related deterioration.” Photographs taken immediately after the storm and expert roofer opinions often rebut this.

• Water Damage Not Sudden and Accidental – Flooding from storm surge is excluded under most homeowners policies and requires separate NFIP coverage. Know the difference.

• Failure to Mitigate – Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 627.70131(5)(a)) obligates policyholders to take reasonable steps—like tarping a roof—to prevent further harm.

• Material Misrepresentation – Omitting prior losses or overstating damages can void coverage. Honesty and meticulous record-keeping protect you.

Florida Legal Protections & Insurance Regulations

Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) Oversight

DFS regulates insurers and administers the mediation program. You can file a complaint online through the DFS Division of Consumer Services.

Civil Remedies Notice (CRN)

If the insurer acts in bad faith, Fla. Stat. § 624.155 requires filing a CRN giving the carrier 60 days to cure before a bad-faith lawsuit may proceed.

Assignment of Benefits (AOB) Restrictions

Recent reforms (Fla. Stat. § 627.7152) limit contractors’ ability to take over your claim. Perry homeowners should sign AOBs only after reading terms carefully or consulting a florida attorney.

Attorney Fees and Penalties

Under Fla. Stat. § 627.428 (now § 627.70152 for property claims filed after 2023 reforms), prevailing policyholders may recover reasonable attorney fees, incentivizing carriers to resolve meritorious disputes.

Licensing Rules for Florida Attorneys

To practice in state courts, an attorney must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and comply with Bar Rules Chapter 4. Out-of-state lawyers require pro hac vice admission.

Steps to Take After a Property Insurance Claim Denial in Florida

Read the Denial Letter Carefully Identify every stated reason. Florida regulations require specificity; vague denials can violate Fla. Admin. Code 69O-166.024. Gather Evidence Compile photographs, contractor estimates, correspondence, and weather reports from sources like NOAA confirming storm conditions in Perry on the date of loss. Request the Adjuster’s File Florida law does not automatically require disclosure, but politely request photos and notes; insurers often comply to avoid discovery disputes later. File a Reconsideration or Supplemental Claim Provide new evidence within the two-year window to reopen the claim. Invoke DFS Mediation Submit Form DFS-I0-1563; mediation sessions are usually held via video or in Tallahassee, a 55-mile drive from Perry. Send a Civil Remedies Notice (if bad faith suspected) Detail statutory violations and demand cure within 60 days. Many carriers pay promptly to avoid litigation. Consult an Insurance Attorney Most offer free evaluations and work on contingency, meaning no fees unless money is recovered.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

Red Flags Requiring Immediate Counsel

• Denial based on ambiguous policy language.

• Carrier demands an Examination Under Oath (EUO) and you feel unprepared.

• Lowball offers far below independent estimates.

• Insurer delays beyond the 90-day decision deadline.

• Multiple experts contradict each other (engineer vs. roofer).

An experienced attorney can take sworn statements, hire neutral engineers, and leverage bad-faith statutes to pressure the insurer. Under Florida’s one-way attorney fee statute, the carrier may ultimately foot the legal bill if you prevail.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Perry and Taylor County Contacts

• Taylor County Building Department – 201 E. Green St., Perry, FL 32347; for permits and post-storm inspections.

• Perry Code Enforcement – Helpful for documenting unsafe conditions.

• Taylor County Clerk of Court – File small claims (up to $8,000) or record Notices of Commencement.

Statewide Assistance

Florida DFS Consumer Helpline – 1-877-693-5236 FEMA – For disaster declarations and Individual Assistance.

Staying proactive—documenting damage, meeting notice deadlines, and invoking state mediation—positions perry homeowners for a fair settlement. But if the insurer still refuses, legal action may be the only path.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and each case is unique. Consult a licensed Florida attorney regarding your specific situation.

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