What to Do After a Florida Hurricane Condo Insurance Claim


What To Do, What Your HO-6 Covers, and How Claims Are Handled Under Florida Law
Hurricane claims in Florida condominiums are different from single-family home claims.

They involve:
  • Two separate insurance policies (the association’s master policy and your HO-6)
  • Coverage responsibilities defined by Florida Statute 718.111(11)(f)
  • Percentage hurricane deductibles based on Building and Contents limits
  • Potential special assessments to unit owners
  • FHCF-backed carrier claim procedures
  • Multiple adjusters and inspection timelines

Understanding this process before a storm makes a significant difference in how smoothly your claim is resolved.

Step 1: Safety and Damage Mitigation

After a hurricane:
  • Follow all evacuation and re-entry instructions
  • Shut off water if leaks are present
  • Protect the unit from further damage if it can be done safely
  • Arrange emergency drying, tarping, or board-up if needed
  • Photograph and video all damage immediately
Florida policies require reasonable mitigation.
Delaying emergency action can jeopardize coverage.

Step 2: Understand There Are Two Claims

In a condominium, hurricane damage typically triggers:
1. The Association’s Master Policy ClaimThis generally covers:
  • Roof and exterior walls
  • Structural components
  • Common areas
  • Shared plumbing and electrical
  • Building envelope and systems
This claim is filed and managed by the association.

2. Your HO-6 Unit Owner ClaimUnder Florida Statute 718.111(11)(f), your HO-6 typically covers:
  • Kitchen and bathroom cabinets and countertops
  • Flooring and wall coverings
  • Plumbing and electrical fixtures
  • Appliances and in-unit water heaters
  • Owner improvements and upgrades
  • Personal property
  • Additional living expenses
  • Personal liability

These two claims are separate and often move on different timelines.

Step 3: Hurricane Deductibles and Special Assessments

Florida hurricane deductibles are usually:
  • A percentage of the association’s Building and Contents limits
  • Commonly 2%–10%
  • Applied once per calendar year for named storms
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After the claim is paid:
   1. The association funds the deductible
   2. The board allocates the cost
   3. Unit owners are billed through a special assessment Your HO-6 may provide limited loss assessment coverage (often capped at the statutory minimum of $2,000 in the standard market), subject to policy and underwriting restrictions.

Step 4: When to File Your HO-6 Claim

You should report a claim if your unit sustains:
  • Interior water or wind damage
  • Damage to cabinets, flooring, walls, or fixtures
  • Personal property damage
  • Wind-driven rain intrusion
  • Power loss causing food spoilage
  • Loss of use or displacement
  • Damage to other units caused by your unit

Provide:
  • Photos and video
  • Description of damage
  • Inventory of affected contents
  • Repair estimates
  • Temporary living expense receipts

Timely notice is a policy requirement.

Step 5: Documentation Is Critical

Maintain:
  • Photos and video before repairs
  • Mitigation invoices
  • Claim numbers for both the HO-6 and master policy
  • Adjuster contact information
  • Board communications regarding building repairs and assessments
  • Proof of loss forms when requested

Hurricane claims often involve months of coordination.

Step 6: What Is Commonly Not Covered

Hurricane claims can be denied or limited for:
  • Pre-existing damage
  • Long-term water intrusion
  • Deferred maintenance
  • Wear and tear
  • Building components outside the unit owner’s statutory responsibility
  • Assessments unrelated to a covered peril
  • Ordinance & law upgrades beyond policy limits

Understanding the statute-based boundary prevents confusion and dispute.

Step 7: Loss Assessment Claims

If the association levies a special assessment related to a covered hurricane loss:
  • Obtain written assessment documentation
  • Confirm it is tied to an insured peril and deductible
  • Submit it to your HO-6 carrier under loss assessment coverage
  • Understand statutory and market limits apply

Not all assessments are insurable.

Step 8: Working With Adjusters and Contractors

Before signing:
  • Assignments of benefits
  • Public adjuster contracts
  • Repair authorizations

Make sure you understand:
  • Which policy the work is billed to (HO-6 vs master)
  • Who controls the claim
  • Your deductible obligations
  • Your right to review estimates

Why Condo Claims Are Different in Florida

Florida condominium hurricane claims are governed by:
  • Statute-defined interior responsibility
  • Percentage deductibles based on large insured values
  • FHCF reinsurance procedures
  • Association board decision processes
  • Multiple carriers and adjusters
  • Ordinance & law compliance

They require specialized handling.

How Universal Condo Helps

We insure Florida condo unit owners only.

Our role is to help you:
  • Understand what your HO-6 covers under Statute 718
  • Coordinate your claim with the association’s master policy
  • Navigate deductible and assessment issues
  • Avoid common documentation and reporting mistakes
  • Know what is insurable and what is not

We focus on clarity before the storm and guidance after it.

Prepare Before the Next Storm

The best claim outcome begins with properly structured coverage.
👉 Get your Florida HO-6 quote from a condo specialist