A New Report Highlights the Ongoing Battle Between Policyholders and Property Insurers in Florida
A new investigative report has exposed a troubling trend among Florida’s homeowners insurance companies. According to recent data, 14 different Florida insurers denied or closed more than half of all home damage claims without issuing any payment in 2024. This includes claims related to hurricanes, windstorms, flooding, and other storm-related property damage that has devastated countless residents across the state.
Among the companies listed in the report are Slide Insurance, Heritage Property & Casualty, Southern Fidelity, and others. These insurers are allegedly leaning on vague claim denials, lack of documentation accusations, or claim delays in an effort to reduce payouts—even when legitimate storm damage has clearly occurred. This practice has left thousands of Florida homeowners with uncovered losses and growing frustration in the face of an already challenging recovery process.
A Pattern of Denials and Delays
The report reveals that in the wake of major storms like Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Idalia, Florida’s insurance market continues to shift more risk onto the backs of policyholders. In many cases, homeowners followed every step required—promptly filing claims, documenting damage, and remaining cooperative—yet were still met with denials or claim closures without explanation or compensation.
While insurers often blame litigation costs and fraud for rising premiums and stricter claims handling, watchdog groups and policyholder advocates argue that these companies are leveraging complex policy language and internal financial maneuvers to avoid paying out what is contractually owed.
This pattern of behavior is consistent with other troubling revelations in Florida’s insurance industry, including undisclosed money transfers to affiliate companies, excessive executive compensation, and increased rates even during years with minimal catastrophic events.
The Legal Implications
For many homeowners, a denied claim is not the end of the road—it may be the beginning of a legal battle. Under Florida law, insurers are required to act in good faith when handling property damage claims. When they fail to do so, homeowners may have grounds for a bad faith insurance lawsuit.
At Boltz Legal, we work directly with homeowners who feel misled or mistreated by their insurance companies. Our team evaluates whether a denial was based on the actual facts and terms of your policy—or if your insurer has acted in violation of Florida’s insurance code. We understand the tactics insurers use and are prepared to hold them accountable.
Protect Yourself: What Homeowners Can Do Now
If your property has sustained damage from a hurricane, storm, or other covered peril, and your claim has been denied or underpaid, here are several steps you should take:
- Document Everything: Take detailed photos and video of the damage immediately after the event. Keep track of all repairs, contractor estimates, and correspondence with your insurer.
- Request a Full Claims File: You are entitled to request the complete record of your claim from the insurance company. This may include adjuster notes, internal evaluations, and denial justifications.
- Review Your Policy Carefully: Understand what’s covered, what’s excluded, and what obligations you have under the policy.
- Speak with an Attorney: If you’re receiving confusing responses or repeated delays, it’s time to get legal guidance. Don’t accept a denial without reviewing your options.
- Watch for Patterns: If others in your neighborhood with similar damage had their claims approved and yours was denied, it may point to unfair treatment.
A System Under Scrutiny
This report is part of a growing number of investigations that question whether Florida’s property insurance industry is operating in the best interest of the public. As rates continue to climb, and more insurers exit the market, policyholders are left vulnerable not only to natural disasters—but also to financial ruin from denied claims.
For the full investigative news report, watch here:
Watch: 14 Florida Insurers Rejected More Than Half of Claims Filed
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