Florida’s hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. If a storm damages your roof, the insurance claims process can feel overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your claim approved and your roof repaired.

Step 1: Safety First

After a storm passes, don’t go on your roof yourself. Downed power lines, weakened structures, and loose materials make post-storm roofs dangerous. From the ground, look for:

Missing or displaced tiles and shingles
Visible holes or punctures
Debris (branches, furniture) on the roof
Sagging areas
Interior water stains or active dripping

If you see active water intrusion, call a roofing contractor for emergency tarping before doing anything else.

Step 2: Document Everything

Before any temporary repairs begin, take photos and videos of:

Your roof from multiple angles (use a drone or long lens from the ground)
Any interior damage (water stains, wet drywall, damaged belongings)
Debris around your property
The exterior of your home showing the storm context

This documentation is critical for your insurance claim. Date-stamp everything if possible.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company as soon as it’s safe to do so. Most major carriers have storm hotlines that activate during declared events. Have your policy number ready.

What to expect:

They’ll assign a claim number
An adjuster will be scheduled to inspect your property
They may ask for an initial description of damage
They’ll explain your deductible and coverage limits

Keep notes of every call — who you spoke with, when, and what was discussed.

Step 4: Get a Professional Inspection

Your insurance adjuster works for the insurance company. It’s in your best interest to have your own roofing contractor present during the adjuster’s inspection. Most reputable contractors will meet the adjuster at your property to ensure all damage is documented.

A good contractor will:

Point out damage the adjuster might miss
Provide a detailed estimate for repairs
Document damage with their own photos
Answer technical questions about materials and repair methods

Step 5: Understand Florida’s Assignment of Benefits (AOB) Rules

Florida law has specific rules about Assignment of Benefits. Before signing anything that transfers your insurance claim rights to a contractor, understand what you’re signing. Working with a contractor who helps you through the claims process without requiring an AOB is generally safer.

Step 6: Review the Adjuster’s Estimate

Once the adjuster submits their report, review it carefully. Common issues include:

Depreciation applied that reduces your payout (recoverable depreciation may be available after work is completed)
Damage that was missed or undervalued
Materials specified that don’t match your existing roof
Line items that were excluded

If something doesn’t look right, ask your contractor to review the estimate and provide their own scope of work for comparison.

Step 7: Choose Your Contractor

You don’t have to use the contractor your insurance company recommends. In Florida, you have the right to choose your own licensed and insured roofing contractor. Before signing a contract:

Verify their license on the DBPR website
Confirm they have liability insurance and workers’ comp
Check reviews and references
Get a written contract with a detailed scope of work
Understand the warranty terms

Step 8: Understand Your Deductible

Florida law prohibits roofing contractors from offering to waive or pay your insurance deductible. If a contractor offers to “take care of” your deductible, that’s a red flag. You are responsible for your deductible as stated in your policy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting too long — Most policies have time limits for filing claims (typically 1-2 years from the date of loss, but filing sooner is always better)
Making permanent repairs before the adjuster sees the damage — Temporary tarping is fine; full repairs should wait
Signing over your claim rights without understanding the terms — Read every document before signing
Choosing the cheapest bid — Quality roof work isn’t cheap, and cheap work isn’t quality
Not having a contractor present during the adjuster’s inspection — This is the most common mistake, and it often results in underpaid claims

How to File a Roof Insurance Claim After a Hurricane in Florida