Roofing Guides · Updated October 2026
Filing a Roof Claim After a Hurricane
After a hurricane, stay safe, document the damage with photos, prevent further damage with reasonable temporary repairs (keep the receipts), and notify your insurer promptly. Florida law requires notice of a new claim within 1 year of the hurricane's landfall date and a supplemental claim within 18 months. You file and manage your own claim, and a licensed roofer can give you a written estimate to support it.
1. Safety first
Stay off the roof and away from downed lines. FEMA and the National Hurricane Center advise waiting until local officials say it's safe.
2. Document everything
Take dated photos and video of the roof, ceilings, attic and contents before you clean up. FEMA's Ready.gov recommends keeping copies of your insurance policy and important records safe and accessible.
3. Prevent further damage
Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to protect the property, such as an emergency tarp. Keep every receipt. See Roof Leaking During a Storm: What to Do.
4. Notify your insurer
Under §627.70132, F.S., a new or reopened claim is barred unless notice is given within 1 year of the date of loss, and a supplemental claim within 18 months. For hurricanes, the date of loss is the landfall date.
5. Get a licensed roofer's written estimate
Check the license first (How to Check a Florida Roofer's License). Watch out for storm chasers: Florida law (§489.147, F.S.) bars contractors from offering gifts or incentives for a claim and from adjusting claims without a public adjuster license.
You stay in control
You talk to your insurer, you decide on settlement, and you choose who does the work. We provide the inspection, photos and estimate. DFS offers free consumer help with disputes.
Not legal or insurance advice. You stay in control of your own insurance claim.
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Sources
- Florida Statutes §627.70132 (2026), Notice of property insurance claim
- Florida Statutes §489.147 (2026), Prohibited property insurance practices
- Florida DBPR, Fact Sheet: SB 76 / SB 2-D and contractor responsibilities (2022)
- Florida DFS, Contractor – Residential Property FAQs
- Florida DFS, Storm Resources for Consumers
- FEMA Ready.gov, Hurricanes
- FEMA Ready.gov, Financial Preparedness (documents, insurance and records)
- NOAA National Hurricane Center
Sources checked October 2026. Laws, codes and prices change, so confirm current details with the source.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a hurricane roof claim in Florida?
Notice of a new or reopened claim must be given within 1 year of landfall, and a supplemental claim within 18 months (§627.70132, F.S.).
Should I tarp my roof before the adjuster comes?
Generally yes. Reasonable temporary repairs to prevent further damage are expected under most policies. Photograph everything first and keep receipts.
Can a contractor offer to pay my deductible?
No. Florida law prohibits contractors from offering anything of value to get you to file a claim, and policies and law make you responsible for your deductible.
What if I disagree with the settlement?
Check your policy's dispute options. Florida DFS offers mediation and consumer assistance for many residential claims.
Will you handle my claim for me?
No. You stay in control of your own claim. We inspect, document and estimate the roof work.