Security First Insurance Denied Your Claim? Florida Guide (2026)

Security First Insurance Denied Your Florida Homeowner Claim

When Security First Insurance denies your property damage claim, it can feel like you have nowhere to turn. Security First is a Florida-only property insurer that has been operating in the state since 2005, and while it serves a large number of Florida homeowners, claim denials remain a persistent issue. If Security First denied your claim, you have legal rights under Florida law and options for challenging that decision.

About Security First Insurance

Security First Financial & Insurance Company is headquartered in Ormond Beach, Florida, and has been providing property insurance exclusively in Florida since 2005. The company focuses entirely on the Florida residential property market, offering homeowner, condo, and rental property coverage through independent insurance agents across the state.

Security First's Florida-only focus gives it deep familiarity with the state's property insurance challenges, including hurricane exposure, water damage claims, and Florida's evolving regulatory landscape. However, this concentrated exposure also means the company's financial health is heavily dependent on Florida's storm activity and claims environment.

Common Reasons Security First Denies Florida Claims

• Wear and tear or deterioration: Security First frequently denies roof, plumbing, and exterior claims by attributing damage to long-term deterioration and lack of maintenance rather than a sudden, covered peril.
• Pre-existing damage: Security First's adjusters may argue that property damage existed before the claimed event, relying on property age, inspection history, or estimated deterioration timelines.
• Water damage exclusions: Claims for water intrusion are commonly denied under exclusions for gradual seepage, long-term leaks, or water entering through the foundation. Security First may argue the water damage was not sudden and accidental.
• Late notice of claim: Security First requires timely reporting of losses. If there was a delay in reporting, they may use this as a basis for denial, particularly if they claim the delay prejudiced their investigation.
• Cosmetic damage limitations: Some Security First policies include endorsements that exclude or limit coverage for cosmetic damage to roofs and other exterior surfaces from hail or wind.
• Failure to maintain the property: Security First may argue that the homeowner's failure to properly maintain the roof, plumbing, or other systems contributed to or caused the damage.
• Insufficient documentation: Denials may be based on the policyholder's failure to provide adequate proof of loss, photos, or repair estimates to support the claimed damages.

What to Do When Security First Denies Your Claim

Step 1: Obtain the Full Written Denial

Request a detailed written denial from Security First that identifies the specific policy provisions and factual reasons for the denial. Under Florida law, Security First must provide this information.

Step 2: Review Your Security First Policy

Read your policy from cover to cover, including the declarations page, coverage agreements, exclusions, endorsements, and conditions. Compare the denial reason to the actual policy language. Security First may be misapplying an exclusion or citing a condition you actually met.

Step 3: Preserve and Document All Damage

Take comprehensive photos and video of all damage. Do not dispose of damaged materials until the dispute is resolved. Obtain written repair estimates from at least two licensed Florida contractors.

Step 4: Obtain an Independent Assessment

Hire a licensed public adjuster or independent engineer to evaluate the damage and provide a professional opinion. An independent expert report that contradicts Security First's findings is powerful evidence for your appeal or litigation.

Step 5: Submit a Formal Appeal

Send a written appeal to Security First with all supporting documentation, including independent damage assessments, contractor estimates, photos, and a detailed explanation of why the denial is wrong.

Step 6: Contact a Florida Insurance Attorney

If Security First upholds the denial or offers an inadequate settlement, contact a Florida property damage attorney. An attorney experienced with Security First can evaluate your case, identify violations of Florida law, and pursue the full value of your claim.

Bad Faith Warning Signs from Security First Insurance

Florida Statute 624.155 protects policyholders from bad faith insurance practices. Be alert for these warning signs from Security First:

• Taking longer than 90 days to make a coverage determination without reasonable explanation
• Denying the claim without conducting an adequate on-site inspection
• Offering a settlement that clearly does not cover the documented damage
• Ignoring independent evidence, expert reports, or contractor estimates you submitted
• Changing the reason for the denial after the initial denial letter
• Failing to respond to communications within a reasonable timeframe
• Misrepresenting policy terms or coverage when explaining the denial

Filing a Civil Remedy Notice Against Security First

Before filing a bad faith lawsuit against Security First in Florida, you must file a Civil Remedy Notice (CRN) with the Florida Department of Financial Services under F.S. 624.155. The CRN identifies Security First, describes the statutory violations, and details your damages. Security First then has 60 days to cure the violation. If they fail to do so, you can proceed with a bad faith lawsuit seeking damages beyond your policy limits, including consequential damages, attorney fees, and costs.

An improperly drafted CRN can be fatal to your bad faith case. Work with a qualified Florida insurance attorney to ensure it is filed correctly.

How Louis Law Group Fights Security First Denials

Louis Law Group represents Florida homeowners in disputes with Security First Insurance. As a Florida-only insurer that has operated in the state since 2005, Security First has established claims practices and litigation strategies that our attorneys are familiar with. We thoroughly review every denial, obtain independent damage assessments, and pursue every legal avenue to recover the full value of your claim.

We handle all Security First disputes on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover money for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to challenge a Security First denial?

Florida's statute of limitations for breach of insurance contract is generally five years. However, your Security First policy may contain a shorter suit limitation period. Consult an attorney promptly to ensure you do not miss any critical deadlines.

Can Security First deny my hurricane claim?

Security First can deny a hurricane claim if they have a legitimate policy basis, such as an applicable exclusion or failure to meet policy conditions. However, many hurricane claim denials are improper and can be successfully challenged with the right evidence and legal representation.

What if Security First only partially paid my claim?

A partial payment does not mean you must accept Security First's valuation as final. You have the right to dispute the amount and pursue the full value of your covered damages through negotiation, appraisal, or litigation.

Is Security First Insurance financially stable?

Security First has operated in Florida since 2005 and maintains financial stability ratings. Check their current Demotech rating for the most up-to-date assessment. As a Florida-only insurer, their financial health is closely tied to the state's hurricane activity and claims environment.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer against Security First?

Louis Law Group handles Security First Insurance disputes on a contingency fee basis with no upfront costs. You only pay if we successfully recover money on your behalf.

Do Not Accept a Wrongful Denial from Security First

If Security First Insurance denied your Florida homeowner claim, you have the right to fight back. Contact Louis Law Group today for a free consultation to discuss your options.

Call us at (833) 657-4812 or see if you qualify for a free case review.