Hurricane Damage in Central Florida: What to Do Before, During, and After the Storm

Keith Petrochko • September 8, 2025

Hurricane season brings significant risks to Central Florida homeowners. Whether you live in Daytona Beach, Deltona, Orange City, Sanford, or Orange County, preparation and legal knowledge matter. Florida law sets strict deadlines for reporting claims and handling disputes. Missing a step could cost you coverage.



This guide explains what to do before, during, and after the storm, identifies insurer obligations under Florida statutes, and exposes risks in relying solely on public adjusters.


Before the Storm: Protect Coverage and Prove Your Loss


  • Review your policy for hurricane deductibles and exclusions.
  • Photograph and video your home and valuables. Save copies offsite.
  • Strengthen the property: trim trees, clear drains, secure windows.
  • Bookmark emergency resources in Volusia, Seminole, and Orange Counties.


During the Storm: Prioritize Safety and Preserve Evidence


  • Follow official evacuation orders.
  • Keep a log of power outages, flooding, and emergency actions.
  • If safe, record video showing conditions (roof leaks, water lines, broken windows).


After the Storm: Deadlines and Next Steps


  • Report promptly: 1 year for initial/reopened claims; 18 months for supplemental claims (§ 627.70132, Fla. Stat.).
  • Insurer obligations (§ 627.70131, Fla. Stat.):
  • Acknowledge in 7 days.
  • Begin investigation in 7 days after proof-of-loss.
  • Inspect within 30 days.
  • Pay or deny within 60 days.
  • Presuit notice (§ 627.70152, Fla. Stat.): 10 business days before filing suit.
  • Flood claims: NFIP Proof-of-Loss due in 60 days unless FEMA extends.
  • Mitigate damages: keep receipts for temporary repairs; do not discard damaged property until documented.


Public Adjusters vs. Attorneys


Public adjusters market themselves as advocates, but there are risks:


  • They cannot hire contractors. They only negotiate. Contractors you hire may require more than the settlement allows.
  • They cannot guarantee costs. Labor and material prices may rise, leaving you underfunded.
  • Their fees are owed regardless. Even if you later need an attorney because the settlement is inadequate, the adjuster still takes their cut.
  • They cannot litigate. Only attorneys can file suit, compel mediation, and enforce statutory rights.


By contrast, our firm handles everything from negotiation through litigation at a flat 25% contingency fee. Many firms charge 33–40%. With one-way attorney fee recovery repealed, transparency and affordability matter more than ever.


Common Insurer Tactics


  • Multiple inspections to delay.
  • Lowball offers labeling damage “cosmetic.”
  • Claiming damage is “pre-existing” or caused by poor maintenance.


Strong documentation and timely legal help prevent these tactics from costing you your recovery.


FAQ


Do public adjusters hire contractors or guarantee repair costs?
No. They cannot hire contractors or guarantee that payouts will cover labor and materials.


If I later need a lawyer, do I still owe the public adjuster fee?

Yes. You must still pay the fee even if you later retain counsel.


How long do I have to report a Florida hurricane claim?
One year for initial/reopened claims; eighteen months for supplemental claims.


What are the insurer’s deadlines?
7 days to acknowledge, 30 days for inspection, 60 days to pay or deny.


Can I recover attorney’s fees from the insurer if I win?
No. Florida repealed the one-way fee statute.


Do you serve Deltona, Orange City, and Orange County?
Yes. We represent clients across Central Florida, including Volusia, Seminole, and Orange Counties.


Critical Deadlines


  • Initial/reopened claim: 1 year
  • Supplemental claim: 18 months
  • Acknowledgment: 7 days
  • Inspection: 30 days
  • Pay/deny: 60 days
  • Presuit notice: 10 business days
  • NFIP Proof-of-Loss: 60 days


Local Resources



Hurricane damage claims are time-sensitive. Call My Affordable Attorney at 866-4-ONLY-25 for a free consultation. We represent clients throughout Central Florida on a 25% contingency fee.