How long does insurance have to pay a hurricane claim in Florida? (2026)
The insurer has 60 days from the day you report the claim to pay or deny it, in whole or in part, and explain the decision in writing (s. 627.70131). That Florida rule covers Hurricane Isaias and every other 2026 hurricane claim on a homeowners policy.
Sixty days is the deadline to decide, and the decision can be a partial payment.
Key takeaways
The insurer must acknowledge your claim within 7 calendar days and pay or deny it within 60 days of notice (s. 627.70131).
The 60 days start when the insurer hears from you, not on storm day.
Mediation through the state pauses the clock, and so does a late reply to the insurer's request for claim information.
Pay late, and the insurer owes interest from the day you reported (rate set by s. 55.03).
What are the Florida claim timelines?
Step | Rule |
Acknowledge your communication | 7 calendar days |
Begin investigating after proof of loss | 7 days |
Physically inspect, if needed | 30 days after receiving proof of loss statements |
Send you a detailed estimate | 7 days after its adjuster generates it |
Pay or deny the claim or a part of it | 60 days after notice of the claim |
When does the 60 day clock start?
The clock starts the day the insurer receives notice of your claim. Hiring a contractor or starting repairs does not start it. Report the claim in writing and keep proof of the date.
For Hurricane Isaias, notice of a new claim is due by October 9, 2027. Reporting early starts the 60 days early.
If you are not sure what day your 60 days started, call us with your claim number and the date you reported, and we will work out the count with you. Call 954-466-5730
What stops or stretches the 60 days?
Under s. 627.70131(8), the 60 days stop running in two situations:
While you and the insurer are in the Department of Financial Services (DFS) mediation program.
When the insurer asked for material claim information and you did not send it within 10 days. This applies only to requests sent at least 15 days before the 60 day deadline.
Two more rules can add time. After a state of emergency, the Office of Insurance Regulation can give insurers in the affected area up to 30 more days (s. 627.70131(5)(a)). The 60 day deadline also gives way when factors beyond the insurer's control reasonably prevent a decision (s. 627.70131(7)(a)).
Answer every information request in writing, and fast. A late reply stops your own clock.
What happens if the insurer pays late?
A payment made after the 60 days, or after any approved extra time, bears interest at the rate in s. 55.03. Interest runs from the date the insurer received notice. Under s. 627.70131, missing the 60 day rule is also a violation of the Florida Insurance Code.
What should I do if the dates pass with no decision?
Write down the date you gave notice. Log the date of each call and letter.
Send the insurer a written request for the status and the reason for the delay. Ask whether it is waiting on something from you.
Answer any request for documents, and keep copies.
Call the DFS insurance helpline at 1-877-693-5236.
What if the payment arrives on time but looks too low?
A payment can arrive inside the 60 days and still be short. When it is less than the insurer's own detailed estimate, the insurer has to explain the gap in writing. Our estimate guide walks through the comparison.
More questions about claim timelines
Does the 60 day rule apply to a supplemental claim?
The rule covers new claims, and reopened and supplemental ones too. For Hurricane Isaias, notice of a supplemental claim is due by April 9, 2028.
Does the insurer pay the whole claim in one payment?
Many insurers make partial payments while the claim goes on. Florida requires a printed notice with a partial payment saying the insurer is still evaluating the claim.
Is the rule the same for flood claims?
A federal flood policy has its own rules, separate from this Florida statute. Check that policy for its timelines.
More on Isaias: Hurricane Isaias insurance claims.
Talk to a licensed public adjuster
Before you call, find the date you first reported the claim.
General information only. Coverage depends on your policy and the facts of your claim. Base Claims is not a law firm and does not give legal advice.
Base Claims Public Adjusters, 2400 NE 9th St, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009. Benji Licht, Licensed Public Adjuster, FL Lic. #W523574. Yossi Garber, Licensed Public Adjuster, FL Lic. #G173942.
THIS IS A SOLICITATION FOR BUSINESS. IF YOU HAVE HAD A CLAIM FOR AN INSURED PROPERTY LOSS OR DAMAGE AND YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH THE PAYMENT BY YOUR INSURER, YOU MAY DISREGARD THIS ADVERTISEMENT.
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