Fire Damage Insurance Claim in Florida
A fire damage insurance claim in Florida starts with one call to the insurer, and the details can wait. Florida sets a time limit for reporting a property claim, and law-firm guides put it at one year from the date of loss. Miami Fire Damage Pros documents the cleanup, but the insurer decides what a policy covers.
What to do first in a fire damage insurance claim
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's After the Fire booklet puts the order plainly: contact your insurance company and ask what actions are required of you, since the insurer does not know about the fire until told. Then ask what to do about securing the property, keep a record of every call, keep copies of every document, and save every receipt. The booklet adds that if you plan to hire a contractor for repair or inventory, discuss it with the insurer first.
The Florida notice deadline for a fire damage insurance claim
Law-firm guides read on November 7, 2026 cite Florida Statute 627.70132 and give one year from the date of loss for the first notice of a claim, with the same limit applying to a reopened claim. The statute page itself could not be reached from this site's research tools, so check your policy and the Florida Department of Financial Services before relying on a date. Do not wait. The call is short.
What to document for the insurer
Photograph every room before anything moves, and wait for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to clear entry first. Make a list of damaged items and do not throw them out until the list exists. Keep receipts for board-up, hotel and food costs. The crew provides photos of every room, the written scope, an inventory of what was removed and a moisture log, which are the documents adjusters ask for.
Renters, landlords and condo owners
A renters policy usually covers belongings, and the building owner's policy usually covers the structure. In a condo, the association's master policy and the unit owner's policy split the work, and the bylaws say where the line sits. The county booklet says a renter should tell the owner or property manager as soon as possible. This is general information, and each policy differs.
Public adjusters and free mediation
A public adjuster is hired by the policyholder to work the claim, and the county booklet says to check that the person is licensed and to check references. Law-firm guides add that the Florida Department of Financial Services offers free residential property mediation and a complaint process. Ask the insurer for the mediation notice.
Sources read for this guide
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, After the Fire booklet, read 2026-11-07; Florida Statute 627.70132 as cited by Krapf Law and Louis Law Group pages in search results, 2026-11-07 (statute page not reachable, so the date is marked unverified); Florida DFS mediation as cited by the same law-firm pages, 2026-11-07.
Get help with the cleanup
The cleanup page lists the records the crew hands over for a claim, and a call at (954) 248-3035 starts the free written estimate.
Fire damage cleanupHouse fire cleanupFire damage restoration cost
Fire damage insurance claim questions answered
Does insurance cover fire damage?
Most homeowners and renters policies cover fire and smoke, and the water used to fight it. The insurer decides, and the cleanup crew cannot promise coverage.
How long do I have to report a fire damage claim in Florida?
Law-firm guides cite Florida Statute 627.70132 and one year from the date of loss. Check the policy and the Department of Financial Services, and call the insurer now.
Does renters insurance cover fire damage?
It usually covers your belongings and extra living costs, and the landlord's policy usually covers the building. Read your policy.
Can I hire a cleanup company before the adjuster visits?
The county booklet says to discuss contracting with the insurer first. Securing the property to prevent more damage is still your duty.