- Deadline to file
- 1 year
- From the date of loss for a new or reopened claim (Fla. Stat. § 627.70132) — file promptly, not at the deadline.
- Supplemental claim window
- 18 months
- The longer window applies only to supplemental claims — not to filing a new one.
- Hurricane deductible
- 2%–5%
- Typical share of your Coverage A dwelling limit; after a named storm it replaces your standard deductible.
When does insurance cover a roof — and when does it not?
Florida carriers have tightened roof rules in recent years — some apply roof-age limits or pay only Actual Cash Value on older roofs. After a named storm, your separate (and usually higher) hurricane deductible — typically 2%–5% of your dwelling coverage (Coverage A) — applies instead of your standard deductible. One more Florida rule worth knowing: under the 25% roof-replacement rule (Fla. Stat. § 553.844), if more than 25% of a roof is repaired or replaced within any 12-month period the entire roof generally must be brought up to current code — unless it was already built or replaced to the 2007 Florida Building Code or later, in which case only the damaged section must comply. Read your declarations page so there are no surprises.
“The claims that settle fairly almost always have two things in common: the homeowner documented the damage right away, and our roofer was standing on the roof when the adjuster showed up. And I never let anyone sign an AOB just to simplify paperwork — you give up control of your own policy.”
RCV vs. ACV — which one do you have?
| Replacement Cost Value (RCV) | Actual Cash Value (ACV) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it pays | Full cost to replace the roof, at today's prices | Only the depreciated (aged) value of the old roof |
| Depreciation | Held back, then released to you after the work is done | Permanently subtracted — you never recover it |
| Your out-of-pocket | Just your deductible | Deductible plus the depreciation gap |
| Typically applies to | Newer roofs and fuller policies | Older roofs; increasingly common in Florida |
Check your declarations page for “RCV” or “ACV” on roof/dwelling coverage before storm season — an older roof on an ACV policy can leave a large gap. A code-compliant re-roof can also help you keep RCV coverage; see how roof age affects your coverage.
How to file a roof insurance claim in Florida (step by step)
- 1Document the damage immediately. Photograph the roof from the ground, interior water stains, and any debris. Note the date of the storm. Don't make permanent repairs yet — but do prevent further damage (emergency tarping).
- 2Get a professional inspection. Have a licensed roofer walk and drone the roof and produce a written, photo-backed report. This is your evidence and your scope of work.
- 3File the claim with your carrier. Report the date of loss and submit your documentation. Florida gives you up to one year from the date of loss for a new claim (Fla. Stat. § 627.70132) — but file promptly.
- 4Meet the adjuster on-site. Have your contractor present when the insurance adjuster inspects, so nothing is missed and the scope matches reality.
- 5Review the scope and settlement. Compare the carrier's scope to your contractor's. Dispute missing line items or underpayment with documentation before you sign off.
- 6Complete the work and recover depreciation. On an RCV policy, the held-back depreciation is released once the licensed work is finished and invoiced.
Be careful with AOBs and storm chasers
We're a licensed Florida contractor (FL CCC1337480) based in Gulf Breeze with 30+ years on the Panhandle — not a crew driving in from out of state. Learn what to ask any roofer in our guide on questions to ask before hiring a roofer.