How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in Florida: Step-by-Step (2026)

When a storm damages your roof in Pinellas County, the clock starts ticking. You need to protect your home from further damage, document what happened, and navigate the insurance claims process. Doing this correctly can mean the difference between a full payout and a denied claim worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Florida's insurance landscape has changed significantly in recent years. The 2022 reforms altered how claims are filed, how disputes are resolved, and what protections homeowners have. This guide reflects the current rules as of 2026 and covers everything you need to know to file a successful roof insurance claim in Pinellas County, Florida.

The 10-Step Roof Insurance Claim Process

Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately

The moment it is safe to inspect your property after a storm, begin documenting damage. Thorough documentation is the single most important factor in a successful insurance claim. Insurance companies rely on evidence, and the more you provide, the stronger your case.

What to Document

• Exterior roof damage: Take photos and video from ground level on all four sides of your home. If you can safely access the roof (or use a drone), capture close-up images of missing shingles, lifted flashing, dented metal, cracked tiles, and any debris on the roof surface
• Interior damage: Photograph water stains on ceilings and walls, wet insulation in the attic, mold growth, damaged personal property, and any standing water
• Property damage: Document damage to gutters, fascia, soffits, screens, fences, and landscaping caused by the same event
• Surrounding area: Take wide shots showing storm debris in your yard and neighborhood to establish the severity of the event

Documentation Tips

• Enable date and time stamps on your camera or phone
• Take photos during daylight hours for best quality
• Capture both wide-angle and close-up views of every damaged area
• Record video narrating the damage as you walk the property
• Save weather reports and storm alerts from the date of the event
• Write detailed notes about when you first noticed the damage
• Back up all photos and documentation to cloud storage immediately

Step 2: Make Emergency Repairs to Prevent Further Damage

Florida law requires homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage after a covered loss. This is called your "duty to mitigate." Failing to protect your home from further damage can result in your insurer denying coverage for any additional harm that could have been prevented.

Common Emergency Repairs

• Tarping the roof: Cover exposed areas with heavy-duty tarps secured with boards or straps. Professional tarping services in Pinellas County typically cost $300 to $1,500 depending on the area covered
• Boarding up openings: Secure any holes or broken areas to prevent water entry and protect against further wind damage
• Water extraction: Remove standing water from your home to prevent mold growth, which can start within 24 to 48 hours in Florida's humidity
• Moving belongings: Relocate furniture and valuables away from areas with active leaks

Critical: Save all receipts for emergency repairs. Your insurance policy covers reasonable emergency mitigation costs, and these expenses are typically reimbursed separately from your main claim, often without being subject to your deductible.

Do not make permanent repairs before the insurance adjuster inspects the damage. Only perform temporary measures to prevent further damage. Permanent repairs done before inspection can result in reduced payouts because the adjuster cannot verify the original damage.

Step 3: Review Your Insurance Policy

Before calling your insurer, take time to review your policy so you understand what to expect. Key items to check include:

Understanding your Florida roof insurance policy before filing puts you in a stronger position when speaking with your insurer and helps you identify any discrepancies in the adjuster's evaluation.

Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company

Report the damage to your insurer as soon as possible. While Florida law gives you a window to file, prompt reporting strengthens your claim and starts the process sooner.

How to Report Your Claim

• Call your insurer's claims hotline (found on your insurance card or declarations page)
• Many insurers also accept claims online or through their mobile app
• Have your policy number ready before calling
• Provide a general description of the damage but avoid speculating about costs
• Ask for a claim number and the name of your assigned adjuster
• Ask about the timeline for the adjuster's inspection

What to Say (and Not Say)

When reporting your claim, stick to the facts. Describe the damage you observed and the event that caused it. Do not:

• Admit fault or suggest the damage was pre-existing
• Provide a repair estimate or dollar amount
• Agree to a recorded statement without understanding your rights
• Accept a settlement offer during the initial call
• Sign any documents without reading them thoroughly

Florida Timeline Requirements

Under current Florida law, your insurer must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 14 days and must begin investigating within 15 days. The insurer has 90 days from the date you file to pay or deny the claim (with some exceptions during declared states of emergency after major hurricanes). Keep a log of all communications, including dates, times, names, and what was discussed.

Step 5: Meet with the Insurance Adjuster

Your insurer will send an adjuster to inspect the damage. This inspection is one of the most important moments in your claim. The adjuster's report forms the basis for your insurer's payout decision.

Preparing for the Adjuster Visit

• Be present during the inspection and walk the property with the adjuster
• Have all your documentation organized and ready to share
• Point out every area of damage, including damage that may not be immediately visible
• Ask the adjuster to inspect the attic and interior for water damage
• Take your own photos during the inspection, including the adjuster's equipment readings
• Ask questions about the adjuster's findings and take notes

Important: The insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. While most adjusters are professional and fair, their assessment is inherently from the insurer's perspective. This is why getting an independent estimate (Step 6) is so important.

After major hurricanes, adjusters in Pinellas County may be overwhelmed with claims. Some may be "storm chasers" from out of state with limited experience evaluating Florida-specific roofing systems. If you feel the inspection was rushed or incomplete, you have the right to request a re-inspection.

Step 6: Get an Independent Roofing Estimate

Regardless of the adjuster's findings, get your own independent estimate from a licensed Pinellas County roofing contractor. This serves multiple purposes:

• Provides a professional assessment of the actual damage and required repairs
• Creates a comparison point against the insurer's estimate
• Identifies damage the adjuster may have missed
• Establishes the true cost of repair or replacement using local material and labor rates

Choose a contractor who is experienced with insurance claims and can provide a detailed, itemized estimate. Many reputable Pinellas County roofers provide free inspections and estimates. Be cautious of contractors who want to handle the entire insurance process for you, as this may involve an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) agreement, which has significant restrictions under current Florida law.

Learn how to find a qualified professional in our guide to finding a roofer in Florida.

Step 7: Negotiate If the Payout Is Too Low

It is common for the initial insurance payout to be lower than the actual cost of repairs. If your independent estimate is significantly higher than the insurer's offer, you have several options to negotiate a fair settlement.

Steps to Negotiate

1. Compare estimates line by line: Identify specific items where the insurer's estimate differs from your contractor's estimate. Common discrepancies include labor rates, material quantities, code upgrade requirements, and overhead and profit margins
2. Provide supporting documentation: Submit your independent estimate, photos the adjuster may have missed, manufacturer specifications, and local building code requirements to justify the higher amount
3. Request a re-inspection: Ask your insurer to send a senior adjuster or specialist to re-evaluate the damage, ideally with your contractor present
4. File a supplemental claim: If additional damage is discovered during repairs, submit a supplemental claim with documentation of the new findings
5. Escalate within the company: If the field adjuster is unresponsive, contact the claims manager or supervisor

The Public Adjuster Option

A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents you, the homeowner, in the claims process. Unlike the insurer's adjuster, a public adjuster works exclusively for you. They can be particularly valuable for:

• Large or complex claims exceeding $10,000
• Claims that have been underpaid or denied
• Situations where you lack the time or knowledge to negotiate effectively
• Hurricane claims where damage is widespread and adjusters are overwhelmed

Public adjusters in Florida typically charge between 10% and 20% of the total claim payout. Florida law caps public adjuster fees at 20% for non-emergency claims and 10% for claims filed within the first 12 months after a declared state of emergency. Verify your public adjuster's license through the Florida Department of Financial Services before hiring.

Florida Mediation and Appraisal

If negotiation fails, Florida offers two formal dispute resolution options:

• Mediation: The Florida Department of Financial Services offers free mediation for property insurance disputes. A neutral mediator helps you and the insurer reach an agreement. This is often the fastest path to resolution.
• Appraisal: Most Florida policies include an appraisal clause. Each party selects an appraiser, and the two appraisers choose an umpire. The panel determines the fair value of the loss. This process is binding.

Step 8: Choose Your Roofing Contractor

Once your claim is approved (or you have a reasonable expectation of approval based on your documentation), select your roofing contractor. Florida law gives you the right to choose any licensed contractor. Your insurer cannot force you to use their preferred vendor.

Contractor Selection Checklist

• Verify Florida roofing license (CCC for certified or CRC for registered)
• Confirm active general liability and workers compensation insurance
• Check reviews and references from local Pinellas County homeowners
• Get a detailed written estimate including materials, labor, timeline, and warranty
• Verify they pull permits with Pinellas County (never hire a contractor who skips permits)
• Ask about their experience with insurance claim projects specifically

Be extremely cautious of storm-chaser contractors who show up unsolicited after a storm. Read our guide on roofing scams in Florida to protect yourself from fraud.

Understanding AOB Restrictions (Post-2022)

Before the 2022 reforms, many Florida contractors used Assignment of Benefits (AOB) agreements to take over homeowners' insurance claims. The contractor would file the claim, handle all negotiations, and sue the insurer if necessary. While this was sometimes helpful for homeowners, it also led to widespread abuse, inflated claims, and litigation that drove up insurance costs across the state.

Under current Florida law, AOB agreements are heavily restricted. Key changes include:

• Contractors cannot use AOB to file lawsuits against insurers without meeting strict requirements
• One-way attorney fees (which incentivized litigation) have been eliminated for most insurance disputes
• You maintain more control over your claim and payout
• Contractors must provide you with a clear, itemized invoice before work begins

If a contractor asks you to sign an AOB, understand exactly what rights you are transferring. In most cases, it is better to maintain control of your own claim and work directly with your insurer.

Step 9: Approve Repairs and Complete the Work

With your contractor selected and your claim approved, it is time to move forward with repairs. Here is what to expect during the repair process:

Before Work Begins

• Sign a written contract specifying scope, materials, timeline, and total cost
• Confirm the contractor has pulled the required permits from Pinellas County
• Verify the payment schedule (never pay more than 10% to 20% upfront in Florida)
• Review your insurance payout and understand your out-of-pocket costs
• Coordinate with your contractor on any code upgrade requirements under the current Florida Building Code

During the Roof Replacement

• The contractor should document their work with progress photos
• If additional damage is discovered (rotted decking, hidden water damage), the contractor should stop and document it before proceeding
• Any additional work beyond the original scope should be documented for a supplemental claim
• Pinellas County building inspectors will inspect the work at specified stages

Supplemental Claims

It is very common for additional damage to be discovered once the old roof is removed. Rotted decking, damaged underlayment, compromised flashing, and water damage to the structure may not be visible until tearoff begins. When this happens:

1. Your contractor documents the additional damage with photos and measurements
2. The contractor prepares a supplemental estimate for the additional work
3. You (or your public adjuster) submit the supplemental claim to your insurer
4. The insurer sends an adjuster to verify the additional damage
5. Once approved, you receive additional payment to cover the extra costs

Supplemental claims are a normal part of the process. A good contractor will communicate proactively when they find additional damage and help you document it properly for the supplemental filing.

Step 10: Final Inspection and Claim Closeout

The last step brings together all the pieces. A thorough final process protects your investment and ensures everything is properly documented.

Final Inspection

• Walk the property with your contractor to inspect the completed work
• Verify all damaged areas have been repaired to your satisfaction
• Confirm the Pinellas County building inspection has passed
• Check that cleanup is complete (no nails, debris, or leftover materials)
• Test gutters and drainage to ensure proper water flow

Documentation to Collect

• Signed completion certificate from your contractor
• Final building inspection approval from Pinellas County
• Manufacturer warranty registration (for roofing materials)
• Contractor's workmanship warranty (typically 2 to 10 years)
• Final invoice showing all work performed
• Photos of the completed roof from all angles
• Permit closeout documentation

Closing Your Insurance Claim

For RCV policies, you need to submit proof of completed repairs to receive the recoverable depreciation (holdback) payment. Send your insurer:

• Final contractor invoice marked as paid
• Photos of completed work
• Building inspection passing documentation
• Request for release of recoverable depreciation

Do not forget to collect this second payment. Many homeowners leave money on the table by failing to submit completion documentation. For a $20,000 roof replacement, the recoverable depreciation could be $5,000 to $10,000 or more.

Florida-Specific Considerations for 2026

Hurricane Deductible Details

The hurricane deductible is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Florida insurance. Here are the key facts Pinellas County homeowners need to know:

• Trigger: The hurricane deductible only applies when the National Weather Service issues a hurricane watch or warning for any part of Florida, and the specific storm causes damage to your property
• Calculation: It is a percentage of your Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A), not your home's market value. If you have $350,000 in dwelling coverage with a 2% hurricane deductible, your deductible is $7,000
• Once per season: You only pay the hurricane deductible once per calendar year, regardless of how many hurricanes hit
• Tropical storms: Damage from tropical storms (not declared hurricanes) typically falls under your standard flat deductible, which is usually lower

Timeline Requirements Under Florida Law

Common Mistakes Pinellas County Homeowners Make When Filing Roof Claims

Avoid these common pitfalls that can delay, reduce, or result in denial of your roof insurance claim:

1. Waiting too long to report: Report damage within days, not months. Delays raise red flags with insurers and make it harder to prove the damage was caused by a specific event
2. Insufficient documentation: Take more photos than you think you need. Adjusters have limited time on-site; your photos fill in the gaps
3. Making permanent repairs before inspection: Emergency tarping is fine. A full re-roof before the adjuster visits is not
4. Accepting the first offer without review: Initial payouts are frequently lower than actual repair costs. Compare against independent estimates
5. Signing an AOB without understanding it: You may be giving up control of your claim and your right to the insurance payout
6. Hiring unlicensed contractors: Work done without proper licenses and permits can void your insurance coverage and create code compliance issues
7. Forgetting the recoverable depreciation: On RCV policies, submit proof of completed repairs to collect the depreciation holdback
8. Not keeping communication records: Document every call, email, and letter with your insurer, including dates, times, and summaries

Complete Roof Insurance Claim Checklist

Get Help with Your Pinellas County Roof Claim

Filing a roof insurance claim in Florida does not have to be a battle. With proper documentation, a clear understanding of your policy, and the right professional support, you can navigate the process efficiently and receive a fair payout for your roof damage.

The most important steps are the first ones: document everything, understand your coverage, and report promptly. From there, follow the process methodically, get independent estimates, and do not hesitate to negotiate or seek professional help when the numbers do not add up.

If you need a professional roof inspection to assess storm damage in Pinellas County, contact a licensed local roofing professional who can document the damage and provide a detailed estimate to support your claim. Learn more about the full cost of roof replacement in Florida to set realistic expectations for your project budget.