Your Rights Explained!
When a homeowner files a property insurance claim in Florida, the process can feel overwhelming, especially after a loss. To protect policyholders and make the claims process more transparent, Florida created the Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights. As a Public Adjuster, I often see homeowners who were never given this document or didn’t understand what it meant. So in this article we’ll outline important timelines, protections, and responsibilities for both you and your insurance company.
You can find the Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights (2025) under Florida Statute 627.7142
What is the Florida Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights?
Before we get into it, it’s important to know that the Claims Bill of Rights isn’t necessarily all of your rights regarding your specific policy, but it is your rights as a policyholder throughout the claims process itself. It offers protections such as how quickly your insurer must respond, key deadlines for settlements and resources if you feel your insurer is acting in bad faith.
With that being said, here are your rights as a policyholder filing a claim in the State of Florida:
1. Prompt Acknowledgement of Your Claim
Your insurance company must acknowledge your reported claim within 7 days of you notifying them. This acknowledgment confirms the claim has been received and the process is underway.
2. Timely Coverage Decision
If we submit a complete proof of loss and request information in writing, your insurer must respond within 30 days with one of the following:
A confirmation that your claim if fully covered, partially covered, or denied
A written statement that your claim is still under investigation
3. Receive your Insurer’s Estimate
After the insurer completes an inspection on your property, they will generate a detailed repair estimate. You have the right to receive a copy within 7 days after it’s created. This helps prevent situations where the insurance company has numbers internally that the homeowner never sees.
4. Payment or Denial within 60 Days
Within 60 days of filing your claim, your insurance company must pay your claim in full, pay the undisputed portion, or deny the claim. Once the insurer passes 60 days, they are entering bad faith territory.
5. Paid Interest for Delay of Claim
If your insurer fails within 60 days to pay the full settlement, pay the undisputed portion, or deny your claim, interest will begin accruing from the date the claim was filed. Interest will be paid when the claim or undisputed portion is paid.
6. Free Mediation
This is an informal meeting designed to help both sides reach an agreement without going to court. The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) offers free mediation for most disputed residential property insurance claims.
7. Sinkhole Neutral Evaluation
If your claim involves sinkhole damage, you may request neutral evaluation, a process where a certified neutral evaluator reviews the claim and provides an expert recommendation.
8. DFS Helpine
The DFS is the part of the state government that helps consumers when insurance companies aren’t communicating, delaying, or acting improperly. You have access to the Florida Department of Financial Services helpline if you have questions or want to file a complaint about your insurance claim.
Why do I still need a Public Adjuster?
The Bill of Rights outlines what your insurance company should do, but it doesn’t ensure they’ll do it, nor does it guarantee that the payments they offer will fully cover your loss. As your Public Adjuster, we work solely for you, not the insurance company, and help you navigate every step of the process: documenting damage, interpreting policy language, meeting deadlines, pushing back on delays, and negotiating for a fair settlement. Your rights give you a framework, but having a Public Adjuster puts an advocate in your corner to make sure those rights are honored and that you receive the compensation you’re truly entitled to.