The Rise of the Appraisal Process for Florida Homeowner's Claims After Hurricane Ian

If you're a Florida homeowner dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, understanding the appraisal process for insurance claims is crucial. At Warner & Fitzmartin, we’ve seen firsthand how recent changes in Florida's insurance laws can impact homeowners.

In the wake of Hurricane Ian, which devastated the West Coast and other areas of Florida in 2022, the Florida legislature passed new insurance laws in early 2023. Unfortunately, many of these changes do not favor homeowners. One significant aspect is the appraisal process, which has become a Wild West of sorts—misunderstood and challenging to navigate.

So, what exactly is the appraisal process? It’s not like the typical home appraisal for determining market value. Instead, it's an alternative dispute resolution method used to re-evaluate your entire insurance claim. Both you and your insurance company appoint appraisers to inspect the damage and estimate repair costs. Ideally, these appraisers agree on a settlement, but the reality is often far from perfect.

The insurance company's appraiser might provide an estimate that falls short of what you need, leading to further disputes. When this happens, a neutral umpire is brought in to review the estimates and make a final decision, which is binding and leaves little room for contestation.

The recent legislative changes aimed to speed up the appraisal process, requiring it to be completed within 90 days of a notice of intent to litigate. However, instead of expedited resolutions, we’ve seen delays, unnecessary document requests, and aggressive tactics from some insurance companies, all designed to wear you down.

If you find yourself facing the appraisal process, remember it's complex and often unfavorable without proper guidance. At Warner & Fitzmartin, we’re here to help you navigate this challenging terrain. Call us at (561) 816-5983 for a free consultation—don't go through it alone.