Property Insurance & Hurricane Lawyers in Hollywood, Florida

Introduction: Why Hollywood, Florida Homeowners Need This Guide

Located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the City of Hollywood, Florida enjoys beautiful beaches and a vibrant local economy—yet it also sits squarely in the Atlantic hurricane corridor. From Hurricane Irma in 2017 to Hurricane Ian’s effects in 2022, Broward County residents have learned that a single storm can upend lives, damage roofs, flood interiors, and trigger lengthy insurance battles. If you are a Hollywood homeowner facing a property insurance claim denial hollywood florida, you are not alone. The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) consistently reports thousands of contested claims in the aftermath of major storms. This guide distills the key laws, deadlines, and practical tips you must know to protect your investment in the Sunshine State.

Written with a homeowner-friendly perspective, the following sections cover your rights under Florida Statutes, common reasons insurers deny or underpay claims, and the exact steps you can take—today—to move your claim toward a fair resolution. While we focus on hurricane damage, the same principles apply to wind, water, fire, and mold losses commonly experienced by Hollywood homeowners. Whether you reside in Hollywood Lakes, Emerald Hills, or one of the city’s historic districts, the information below can help you challenge an unfair denial and decide when it is time to call a qualified Florida attorney for help.

Understanding Your Property Insurance Rights in Florida

1. The Policy Is a Contract—And Florida Law Favors Enforcement

Your homeowners policy is a legally binding contract. Under Florida law, insurers must “adhere to the terms and conditions of the policy” (see Johnson v. Nationwide, 828 So.2d 1021, Fla. 2002). If your carrier promises to cover wind damage, flood mitigation expenses, or additional living costs, they must deliver—unless a specific, valid exclusion applies.

2. Prompt Payment Statute

Section 627.70131, Florida Statutes, requires insurers to acknowledge your claim within 14 days and pay undisputed amounts within 90 days. If the carrier drags its feet, you may be entitled to interest and, in some cases, attorney’s fees.

3. Three-Year Notice Requirement for Hurricane Claims

Under § 627.70132, Florida Statutes, homeowners must provide notice of a hurricane or windstorm claim within three years from the date the storm first made landfall in Florida. Missing this deadline can bar recovery, so act quickly after any storm affecting Hollywood.

4. Five-Year Breach-of-Contract Statute of Limitations

Even after you file timely notice, you have five years from the date of loss (or from the date the insurer breaches the contract) to file a lawsuit for unpaid benefits, according to § 95.11(2)(e), Florida Statutes.

5. Right to an Appraisal or Mediation

The Florida DFS offers a free mediation program for many residential property disputes under Rule 69J-166.031 of the Florida Administrative Code. You also may invoke the appraisal clause in your policy to resolve disputes over the amount of loss.

6. Attorney’s Fees and Bad-Faith Damages

If the insurer wrongly denies or delays payment, Florida’s one-way attorney’s fee statute (§ 627.428, Fla. Stat.) can make the carrier pay your reasonable legal fees if you prevail. In cases of egregious misconduct, you may sue for bad-faith damages under § 624.155.

Common Reasons Property Insurance Companies Deny Claims in Florida

Insurance adjusters sometimes cite legitimate exclusions, but many denials stem from broad or misapplied policy language. Watch for these frequent justifications—and ways to counter them:

• Late Notice – The insurer claims you missed the three-year hurricane deadline or reported ordinary damage "too late." Provide dated photos, contractor invoices, or weather data to prove timely notice.

• Wear and Tear Exclusion – Carriers often deny roof claims by calling hurricane-caused shingle loss “age-related deterioration.” Obtain an independent roofing expert’s report that attributes damage to wind uplift or projectile impact.

• Water vs. Flood – Standard policies cover sudden water damage but exclude “flood” defined as rising surface water. In South Florida’s low-lying areas like Hollywood’s North Beach neighborhood, the line blurs. Compare National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) definitions and gather moisture-mapping evidence.

• Pre-Existing Damage – Adjusters may reference old inspection photos or prior claims. Counter with a detailed timeline and proof of recent repairs.

• Failure to Mitigate – Florida policies require reasonable steps to prevent further damage (e.g., tarping a roof). Keep receipts and before-and-after photos to show compliance.

Florida Legal Protections & Insurance Regulations

Regulatory Oversight

The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) licenses carriers, sets solvency requirements, and can discipline companies that violate state law. You can file a consumer complaint through the DFS’s Consumer Services Portal.

Neutral Evaluation for Sinkhole Claims

Although less common in Hollywood’s coastal geology than Central Florida’s karst terrain, sinkhole disputes fall under § 627.7074, Florida Statutes, which creates a “neutral evaluation” process, an alternative to immediate litigation.

Assignment of Benefits (AOB) Restrictions

2023 amendments to § 627.7152 curbed abusive AOB practices. Homeowners may still assign benefits, but assignments must meet strict formatting and cancellation rules. Understanding these limits helps you avoid inadvertently compromising your claim.

Roof Replacement vs. Repair

Florida Building Code generally requires roof replacement if more than 25% is damaged within a 12-month period. Insurers must factor code upgrade costs when coverage includes Ordinance or Law provisions.

Florida Bar & Attorney Licensing

Only attorneys licensed by the Florida Bar may give legal advice about Florida insurance disputes. Out-of-state firms must associate with local counsel under Rule 4-5.5 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar.

Steps to Take After a Property Insurance Claim Denial in Florida

• Read the Denial Letter Carefully Identify each policy provision cited by the insurer. Highlight ambiguities and prepare specific rebuttals.

• Collect Additional Evidence Independent inspections, drone imagery, thermal scans, and meteorological data (e.g., NOAA wind-speed records for the date of the storm) strengthen your file.

• Request a Certified Copy of Your Policy Florida law requires the insurer to provide the full policy upon request. Compare endorsements, exclusions, and declarations pages to the denial language.

• File a Notice of Intent to Initiate Litigation (NOI) Under § 627.70152, you must send an NOI and wait 10 business days before filing suit. The carrier then has an opportunity to cure.

• Engage DFS Mediation if Appropriate For claims under $100,000 (excluding deductibles), the DFS mediation program may be the fastest route to settlement. File a request online and pay the nominal $70 fee.

• Track All Deadlines Create a calendar reminding you of the three-year hurricane notice window, five-year litigation limit, and any policy-specific appraisal deadlines.

• Consult a Licensed Florida Attorney An experienced lawyer can analyze coverage, negotiate with the insurer, and file suit if necessary. Many firms take these cases on contingency, charging no fees unless they recover funds for you.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

Minor disputes over a few hundred dollars may not justify litigation. However, call a Florida attorney immediately if:

• The insurer accuses you of fraud or intentional misrepresentation.

• Your claim exceeds $10,000 and the carrier refuses to negotiate.

• You receive a "reservation of rights" letter indicating potential coverage defenses.

• You suspect the adjuster undervalued structural damage or personal property.

• The insurer requests a recorded statement or Examination Under Oath (EUO).

Attorneys who focus on property insurance disputes understand the complex interplay between policy language, building codes, and recent statutory changes. They can also advise on whether to invoke the appraisal clause, pursue mediation, or go straight to court.

Local Resources & Next Steps

1. City and County Contacts

• City of Hollywood Building Division – Obtain permits and post-storm inspection reports.

• Broward County Records, Taxes & Treasury – Access property deeds and prior permitting history.

2. Florida DFS Consumer Helpline

Call 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236) to speak with a consumer specialist, or submit questions through the DFS online contact form.

3. Professional Associations

• Windstorm Insurance Network – Continuing education and certified appraiser lists.

• Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (FAPIA) – Locate licensed public adjusters in Broward County.

4. Court Locations

If litigation becomes necessary, property insurance lawsuits for Hollywood homeowners are generally filed in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, or in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida if diversity jurisdiction applies.

5. Next Steps Checklist

• Document ongoing repairs and keep all receipts.

• Check your policy’s "suit against us" clause for additional deadlines.

• Consult with a hurricane damage attorney to evaluate bad-faith exposure.

• Preserve all written and recorded communications with the insurer.

• Follow up with DFS or the Florida Bar if you encounter unlicensed claims activity.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Florida property insurance law. It is not legal advice. For advice about 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.

Additional reading:

Florida Statute §627.70131 – Insurer Payment of Claims Florida Statute §627.70132 – Notice of Windstorm or Hurricane Claims Florida Department of Financial Services – Consumer Services The Florida Bar – Finding Legal Help