Lawyer Guide to Property Insurance Disputes in Longwood, Florida

Introduction: Why Longwood Homeowners Need a Focused Guide

Nestled in Seminole County just north of Orlando, Longwood, Florida may be small in population, but its residents face the same outsized risks as other Central Florida communities: tropical storms off the Atlantic, afternoon lightning strikes, and year-round humidity that can invite roof leaks and mold. When disaster hits, Longwood homeowners expect their property insurance carriers to honor the contracts they have faithfully paid for—yet too often they meet resistance, delay, or outright denial. This guide is written for policyholders in Longwood and throughout Florida who want a clear, owner-friendly roadmap to navigating a property insurance claim denial longwood florida. We rely exclusively on Florida statutes, Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) publications, and published Florida court opinions so you can confidently protect your biggest investment—your home.

Each section below links Florida-specific laws to practical steps. Whether you live near Candyland Park or along State Road 434, you’ll learn how to understand policy language, why claims get denied, the strict time limits recently shortened by the Legislature, and when it makes sense to call a Florida attorney who focuses on insurance disputes. We keep a slight owner-friendly bias, because in our experience insurers have professional adjusters and litigators on speed dial—property owners should have equally strong information on their side.

Understanding Your Property Insurance Rights in Florida

Key Statutory Protections Every Policyholder Should Know

• Prompt Decision Requirement – Fla. Stat. § 627.70131(7)(a): Insurers must pay or deny a claim within 90 days after receiving notice, unless factors beyond their control reasonably prevent them from doing so.

• Right to Mediation – Fla. Stat. § 627.7015: Residential policyholders may demand free or low-cost DFS-managed mediation before filing suit.

• Suit Limitation Period – Fla. Stat. § 627.70132 (2023): You now have one year from the date of loss to file a lawsuit against your insurer (plus 18 months for supplemental claims). Missing this deadline can bar recovery entirely.

• Notice of Intent to Litigate – Fla. Stat. § 627.70152: Before filing suit, the policyholder must serve a pre-suit notice at least 10 business days in advance. This includes an estimate of damages and may trigger an insurer’s right to re-inspect.

Contractual Rights Inside Your Policy

Beyond the statutes, your insurance contract includes an entire “Duties After Loss” section. Although wording varies, most Florida policies give you these enforceable rights:

• The right to have an adjuster inspect within a reasonable time.

• The right to request a certified copy of your policy (usually within 30 days).

• The right to receive payment for undisputed amounts while any disputed portion is being negotiated.

Florida courts consistently hold that failing to honor these contractual rights can constitute breach of contract. See, e.g., Cistrunk v. AAA Ins., 289 So. 3d 901 (Fla. 5th DCA 2020), which covers Seminole County within its jurisdiction.

Common Reasons Property Insurance Companies Deny Claims in Florida

Insurers rarely admit they are just protecting profits; instead, denial letters cite policy exclusions or alleged non-compliance by the homeowner. The most frequent reasons we see in Central Florida include:

1. Late Notice of Claim

Under § 627.70132, you must report a claim or reopen it within one year of the date of loss. Report immediately—even if you are still assessing damage.

2. Wear & Tear or Maintenance Exclusion

Policies exclude long-term deterioration, but insurers sometimes stretch the definition to deny sudden storm losses. Roofing claims in Longwood after hail events are a prime example.

3. Water Damage Limitations

Many Florida policies now cap non-weather-related water claims at $10,000 unless the homeowner bought additional coverage. Denials often allege pre-existing leaks.

4. Misrepresentation or Fraud Allegations

If an insurer accuses you of exaggerating damages, it can void coverage under Fla. Stat. § 627.409. Always document honestly and keep receipts.

5. Failure to Mitigate Damages

You must take reasonable steps—such as tarping a roof—to prevent further loss. Keep photos and invoices to prove your efforts.

Florida Legal Protections & Insurance Regulations

The Role of the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS)

DFS regulates insurance adjusters, oversees insurer solvency, and offers consumer assistance. Through its Consumer Services Division, homeowners can:

• File a complaint online or by calling 1-877-693-5236.

• Request DFS-administered mediation described in § 627.7015.

• Access hurricane preparedness and post-storm claim resources.

For step-by-step mediation details, see the DFS page: DFS Residential Mediation Program.

The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR)

OIR approves policy forms and rates. If your carrier changes coverage mid-policy, OIR rules require advance notice and filing approval.

Attorney Fees & Bad Faith

Florida’s one-way attorney fee statute (now § 624.1552, revised 2022) was narrowed, but homeowners can still seek fees in limited circumstances when the insurer totally denies coverage and later pays after suit. Moreover, under Fla. Stat. § 624.155, policyholders may file a civil remedy notice (CRN) giving insurers 60 days to cure alleged bad faith. Failure to cure can open the door to extra-contractual damages.

Steps to Take After a Property Insurance Claim Denial in Florida

1. Read the Denial Letter Carefully

Identify each exclusion or policy condition cited. Florida law requires a ‘written explanation’—if the denial is vague, request clarification under Fla. Stat. § 626.9541(1)(i).

2. Gather Evidence

• Inspection photos and videos

• Independent contractor or engineer reports

• Weather data (NOAA, local radar) for the date of loss

• Receipts for emergency repairs

3. Request an Internal Review or Re-Inspection

Many denials flip after a second set of eyes documents hidden damage—especially for stucco, plumbing slab leaks, or attic mold common in Longwood’s older 1980s homes.

4. Invoke the DFS Mediation Program

Submit Form DFS-I0-M6 within 60 days of the denial. Mediation sessions are held virtually or at neutral facilities across Central Florida, including in Orlando.

5. Send a Notice of Intent to Litigate

Under § 627.70152, your NOI must include an estimate prepared by a licensed adjuster or contractor. Serve it by certified mail or the insurer’s designated email address.

6. File Suit Within the One-Year Deadline

When negotiations fail, preserve your rights by filing in Seminole County Circuit Court (18th Judicial Circuit) or the appropriate federal district court if diversity applies.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

Complex or High-Dollar Claims

Hurricane Ian and Nicole left many Longwood roofs requiring full replacement, often exceeding $30,000. Insurers routinely approve only a few damaged shingles, citing a matching exclusion. An experienced florida attorney can push for full replacement costs when required under Florida’s Valued Policy Law (§ 627.702) or matching statute (§ 626.9744).

Suspected Bad Faith

If the insurer refuses to provide key documents, low-balls without explanation, or drags beyond 90 days, counsel can draft and file a CRN. Many carriers reevaluate once confronted with potential bad-faith liability.

Statute-of-Limitations Concerns

Because the one-year filing window is unforgiving, a lawyer can file suit protectively while negotiations continue. Do not wait until the last week before the anniversary of the loss.

Finding the Right Lawyer

Verify Florida Bar licensure at Florida Bar Member Search.

• Confirm experience in property claims, not just personal injury.

• Ask about contingency fees capped by Rule 4-1.5(f)(4)(B) of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Seminole County & Longwood Agencies

• Seminole County Property Appraiser: Property data useful for proving square footage and building materials.

• Longwood Building Division: Permit histories can rebut ‘pre-existing damage’ arguments.

• Seminole County Clerk of Court: File your lawsuit or access online docket for ongoing cases.

Community Support Organizations

• United Policyholders: Non-profit offering claim worksheets and Florida-specific webinars.

• Florida Realtors® Disaster Relief Fund: Grants for temporary housing when waiting for claim payments.

Action Checklist for Longwood Homeowners

• Report all losses within 24 hours when possible.

• Photograph everything—before and after temporary repairs.

• Log every phone call with your insurer (date, time, name).

• Demand DFS mediation if the claim stalls beyond 60 days.

• Consult a licensed Florida insurance-dispute lawyer before the one-year deadline.

Authoritative References

Florida Statutes Online Florida Department of Financial Services Consumer Resources Find a Florida Licensed Attorney

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Florida property insurance claims and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. For advice on your specific 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.