Florida Claims Guide
Florida Hurricane Damage Help
Hurricanes are overwhelming. This page helps you take the next right step.
- Built from official storm + insurance resources
- Plain words, clear steps, no fluff
- Updated often as rules and programs change
"Every Florida homeowner deserves fair treatment from their insurance company."
What to Do First
Follow these 5 essential steps immediately after the storm.
1
Make it safe. Stay away from down lines.
2
Stop more damage. Use a tarp if you can do it safely.
3
Take photos and video right away.
4
Write down dates and times.
5
Call your insurance company and ask for a claim number.
6
Watch flood alerts
Hurricane documentation tips
Mark water lines, keep wet item photos, keep repair receipts, store claim notes in one folder.
What to Photograph
Take these photos as soon as it’s safe. They help prove what happened.
Roof (all sides)
Gutters, downspouts, vents
Window screens, AC fins, exterior paint
Inside water stains (ceiling, walls)
Any broken items outside
Free Downloads to Keep You on Track
Printable checklists and guides to help you stay organized.
Storm Damage Photo Checklist
A quick checklist to help you document storm damage correctly and protect your insurance claim.
Storm Damage Insurance Claim Timeline
An easy-to-follow timeline showing key steps and deadlines in the storm insurance claim process.
Why Storm Damage Claims Get Stuck
Learn the common reasons storm damage claims are delayed or denied—and how to avoid them.
Do I Need an Attorney for My Storm Damage Claim
A simple guide to help you decide if legal help is necessary for your storm damage claim.
Florida Hurricane damage articles
In-depth guides and resources for Florida homeowners.
Get the hurricane “calm plan”
A short email plan you can follow—plus official Florida links.
Helpful Resources
Florida & National resources to help with your storm damage claim
Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Consumer Services (insurance help + complaints)
- Helpline: (877) 693-5236 (FL) | (850) 413-3089 (out of state)
- Address: 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0322
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (license checks + complaints)
- Phone: (850) 487-1395
- Address: 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
- Phones: (850) 413-3140
- Address: 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Florida Division of Emergency Management
- Phones: (850) 815-4000
- Address: 2555 Shumard Oak Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-2100
National Resources
FEMA Disaster Helpline
- Phones: 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585)
- Address: 500 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20472
Disaster assistance (apply + check status)
- Use: DisasterAssistance.gov (official FEMA portal)
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance (loans + support)
- Phones: 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339)
American Red Cross (shelter + supplies + reunification)
- 1-800-733-2767
- 431 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20006
211 (local help fast)
- Phone: Dial 2-1-1 (housing, food, shelters, local programs)