South Florida Roof Damage Claims Attorney

When shingles lift or tiles crack after a storm, the roof damage claim process can drag out for months. Many homeowners look for a roof damage insurance claim lawyer to help translate policy language, push the claim forward, and challenge low estimates. Kuhn Raslavich. P.A. handles contested property claims every day. We can show you how the process works and work to obtain full reimbursement.

Prompt notice, organized proof, and a clear understanding of Florida deadlines will shape the outcome. A careful homeowner can set up the case well, and an attorney later in the process can build on that record if a dispute with the carrier escalates.

Florida Claim Deadlines and Insurer Timelines

Florida law sets strict reporting windows. Initial and reopened property claims must be reported within one year of the date of loss, and supplemental claims must be reported within 18 months of the loss. Insurers then have 60 days after notice to pay or deny a property claim unless factors beyond their control apply under section 627.70131. These rules create a predictable framework that carriers must follow. 

Those time limits matter because missing one can cut off a valid claim. Policyholders sometimes focus on repairs first and put reporting aside. A late notice can become the central defense. A lawyer later in the dispute will still look for policy-based exceptions. Still, the safest move is to provide timely written notice and maintain a paper trail the moment damage is discovered.

Florida also offers a consumer mediation program. Mediation is non-binding and often provides a quick path to resolution when the fight is mostly about price. The state site explains eligibility and provides forms if you choose to request it. An attorney who steps in for a contested claim will evaluate whether mediation, appraisal, or litigation best fits the facts and the policy language. 

Documenting Roof Damage so the Record Holds Up

Clear documentation tells the story of what happened and when. Date-stamped photos that show the roof from multiple angles help connect wind or impact forces to visible damage. Close-ups of lifted shingles, fractured tile corners, ridge caps, flashing, and any penetrations give adjusters more to work with. A simple room-by-room walkthrough video that shows interior staining or daylight at the eaves supports the roof photos.

A written inventory of affected rooms, plus receipts for temporary measures, helps establish the scope. Emergency tarping, dehumidifier rentals, and debris removal are often considered reasonable measures to prevent further loss. A lawyer who later challenges a denial will rely on those records to show prompt mitigation and a continuous timeline from the date of loss forward.

Estimates should be detailed. Line items, quantities, code items, and manufacturer specifications give structure to the repair plan. Florida building codes often require like-kind or better materials and may require additional items such as underlayment, ice-and-water protection at eaves, or fastener upgrades. An attorney preparing for an appraisal or suit will compare your scope to the carrier’s scope and highlight where the insurer’s price falls short of code or manufacturer requirements.

Common Reasons Carriers Undervalue Roof Claims

Insurers often land on lower numbers due to scope or pricing assumptions. Understanding these trends helps you anticipate pushback and organize your response.

• Agreeing to only pay for spot repairs.
• Ignoring required underlayment repairs.
• Skipping ridge vents.
• Excluding code-driven sheathing or fastener upgrades.

In some instances, they will also create pricing gaps by using outdated labor or material rates, omitting permit fees, or excluding overhead and profit.

When you see any of these patterns, ask for a written explanation of the insurance company’s decision. A lawyer will compare the carrier’s letter to the estimate and the photographs, then prepare a targeted supplemental claim that ties each missing line item to code, manufacturer literature, or inspection findings. If your claim goes to mediation, your attorney will organize those exhibits so the mediator sees where the insurer’s offer comes up short.

Appraisal, Mediation, and Litigation: Choosing the Right Path

Many policies include an appraisal clause that allows either side to demand an appraisal when the dispute is about price, not coverage. Appraisal appoints two disinterested appraisers and, if needed, an umpire to set the amount of loss. It tends to move faster than a lawsuit and can resolve broad scope-of-work disagreements. A lawyer will check whether the policy conditions for appraisal are satisfied and whether any coverage defenses require separate resolution.

Mediation allows for settlement discussions with a neutral mediator. The Department of Financial Services administers the state-run mediation program, and participation can sometimes break a stalemate. An attorney will be prepared to frame the facts, numbers, and policy language for a practical agreement, while keeping open the path to appraisal or litigation if talks fail. 

When the carrier disputes coverage, accuses misrepresentation, or claims late notice, litigation may be necessary. Florida reforms removed most one-way attorney fees in property suits and tightened bad-faith remedies, altering how settlements are structured. A lawyer will set expectations regarding costs, timelines, and potential recoveries before filing and will seek fee-eligible avenues where permitted by statute or policy. An attorney will also keep an eye on the 60-day claim-decision rule under section 627.70131 when timing issues matter. 

Building a Strong Claim File From Day One

Organization is a significant advantage in any roof claim. A single folder that holds your declarations page, endorsements, and all claim communications keeps the record clean. Keep emails, letters, carrier estimates, photos, videos, receipts, and permit records together so each supplement builds on the last.

The following checklist keeps the file focused without adding clutter:

• Your insurance policy’s declarations page
• Endorsements
• Proof-of-loss forms
• Estimates
• Permits
• Inspection reports
• Dated photos and videos of the damage to your roof
• Invoices for temporary repairs
• A room-by-room damage list with measurements

When that file exists, an insurance adjuster can quickly follow the narrative. A lawyer will use that file to prepare precise questions and requests for information. They will also match each disputed line to a page in your file, keeping negotiations grounded rather than vague.

From First Notice to Final Payment: A Practical Sequence

A successful claim is an organized claim. A lawyer can help by reviewing your policy and confirming deductibles, exclusions, and endorsements that affect roofs. Next, provide prompt written notice through the carrier’s approved channels and save the confirmation. Schedule the initial inspection, then follow it by sending organized photos and professional estimates.

If the first payment misses clear items, submit a targeted supplemental claim. A legal professional can escalate the claim to mediation when your and the insurer’s numbers remain far apart and the dispute is purely price-related. An attorney will pivot to an appraisal if the policy supports it and the record shows a resolvable scope gap under neutral eyes, or litigation if appraisal is not a good fit for the claim.

If the insurer denies coverage, you’ll need a different approach. When the carrier denies the claim by arguing the problem is due to wear and tear or prior damage, schedule a second inspection by a qualified roofer or engineer. This inspection can show damage to tiles, shingles, or underlayment caused by wind. One of our respected lawyers can align those findings with policy language and statutory timelines, then advise whether litigation is warranted. 

Damages, Depreciation, and Code-Driven Upgrades

Many South Florida policies pay actual cash value first, then release recoverable depreciation after documented repairs. That holdback can be significant for tile roofs or high-wind shingle systems. Code upgrades may fund required items, such as additional underlayment or fastener patterns, but only if your policy’s limits and sub-limits allow it.

Florida law controls the timing of payment. The 60-day decision timeframe mentioned earlier forces movement after notice of claim. Additional timing rules often apply once a complete proof-of-loss package arrives. An attorney with our firm will carefully track those dates and press for interest or other remedies available under the policy as delays grow. They will keep carrier communications in writing to avoid confusion about what was requested and when. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key deadlines for reporting a roof damage claim in Florida?

Initial and reopened property claims must be reported within one year of the date of loss, and supplemental claims must be reported within 18 months of the loss date. Insurers generally have 60 days to pay or deny a property claim after notice.

My insurance company’s offer is too low. What are my options for challenging an undervalued roof claim?

If the dispute is about price, resolution paths include submitting a targeted supplemental claim, non-binding state mediation, or demanding appraisal if your policy supports it. If coverage is disputed or appraisal is not right for you, litigation may be necessary.

What is the most critical documentation I need to build a strong roof claim file?

A strong file includes prompt written notice, date-stamped photos and videos of the damage, detailed professional estimates, invoices for temporary repairs, and copies of your insurance policy, endorsements, and any related permits.

When to Call a Roof Damage Insurance Claim Lawyer in South Florida

Escalation makes sense when a claim stalls, a payment feels far too low for the visible damage, or a denial relies on vague references to age or maintenance. At that point, Kuhn Raslavich. P.A. will review your policy and your claim file, then outline options that fit your goals. One of our lawyers will push for a fast, fair resolution through mediation or appraisal when those tools are appropriate. We will be ready to litigate where coverage defenses require a judge or jury to decide what the policy means.

The final decision rests with you. A careful homeowner who keeps strong records and tracks key dates often reaches a good outcome. When the numbers or letters do not line up with the roof you see, a South Florida roof damage insurance claim lawyer can provide structure, strategy, and a plan to pursue full value under Florida law. We understand property claims and will guide the process from first notice to final payment with clear steps and steady communication. Book a no-cost case assessment online in minutes or call Kuhn Raslavich at 877-352-7767.