Updated November 4, 2026
First steps after storm damage
Stay safe first. Then document the damage with dated photos and video, make reasonable temporary protection to prevent more damage, and keep receipts. Contact your insurance company or agent to report the loss.
Florida sets deadlines. Under Florida Statute 627.70132, notice of an initial or reopened property claim must be given within 1 year after the date of loss, and notice of a supplemental claim within 18 months after the date of loss. For a hurricane, the date of loss is the date the hurricane made landfall. Do not wait. Delays can make damage harder to prove. See the statute.
What contractors cannot do
Florida Statute 489.147 sets rules for roofing contractors who work on insurance claims. Among them:
- They may not offer a rebate, gift, gift card, cash, coupon, or waiver of your insurance deductible in exchange for a roof inspection or for filing a claim.
- Advertisements that encourage you to contact a contractor about a roof-damage claim must include required disclosures, including that you are responsible for your deductible and that a contractor who pays or waives it commits insurance fraud.
- They may not interpret your policy terms or adjust your claim unless licensed as a public adjuster.
- They may not give you a repair authorization without a good-faith, itemized estimate.
- They may not pay or accept compensation for referrals of services paid by property insurance.
Violations can bring discipline and fines of up to $10,000 per violation. Read the statute.
Assignment of benefits is prohibited
An assignment of benefits (AOB) lets a contractor take over your right to collect insurance money. In Florida, post-loss assignment of benefits is prohibited under residential and commercial property policies issued on or after January 1, 2023 (Florida Statute 627.7152). The state's Department of Financial Services says such agreements are invalid and unenforceable. If a contractor asks you to sign something that hands over your claim rights, stop and get the document reviewed. See the legislative summary.
Policies issued before that date have different rules, so check your policy's issue date if you are unsure.
Contract protections to look for
- A roof repair or replacement contract must include a notice that the contractor may not offer deductible waivers or other prohibited inducements. If it is missing, you may void the contract within 10 days after signing.
- If the contract is signed during a governor-declared state of emergency, within 180 days of the events and in the declared area, you may cancel within 10 days of signing or by the official start date, whichever comes first. Cancel by certified mail, return receipt requested, or another provable method to the address in the contract.
- The contract must include bold language advising you to verify your insurance coverage before signing.
Also watch deposits. If a contractor takes an initial payment over 10 percent of the price on residential work, the contractor generally must apply for permits within 30 days and start work within 90 days after permits issue, unless an exception applies. See Florida Statute 489.126.
Red flags
The Florida Department of Financial Services lists warning signs. Be careful if someone:
- Asks you to keep your insurer from inspecting the repairs until the work is done.
- Will not itemize labor and materials.
- Offers to claim damage that does not exist to cover your deductible.
- Pressures you to sign without a written estimate.
- Knocks on your door unprompted and wants a signature right away.
Suspected insurance fraud can be reported at FraudFreeFlorida.com, according to the state. See the state's contractor FAQ.
Get your contract checked for free
Florida's Department of Financial Services runs a Check My Contract program. Policyholders who have hired, or plan to hire, a contractor or public adjuster for storm damage can submit the contract for an independent review. The state says the service is free. The review looks at whether the contract follows Florida law, including emergency rules, price-gouging limits, assignment-of-benefits rules, cancellation notices, and required roofing disclosures. Start at the Check My Contract page.
Also verify the contractor's license at MyFloridaLicense.com and ask for proof of insurance before signing anything.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to report roof damage to my insurer?
Under Florida Statute 627.70132, notice of an initial or reopened claim must be given within 1 year after the date of loss, and a supplemental claim within 18 months. For hurricanes, the date of loss is the date of landfall.
Can a roofer cover my deductible?
No. Florida law prohibits contractors from offering to waive, rebate, or pay your deductible, and doing so is described by the state as insurance fraud.
Should I sign an assignment of benefits?
Post-loss assignments are prohibited under residential property policies issued on or after January 1, 2023, and the state says such agreements are invalid and unenforceable. Do not sign one without getting it reviewed.
Can a roofer negotiate with my insurance company for me?
Not unless the person is also a licensed public adjuster. A roofing contractor may not interpret policy terms or adjust your claim.
Is there a free contract review?
Yes. The Florida Department of Financial Services runs Check My Contract, which the state describes as free.