In 2014, Florida was considered the Country’s 3rd largest state in population, and growing at a rapid rate. Often State Leaders are heard estimating that over 1,000 people each day relocate or move to Florida. A testament to all Florida has to offer – but new Florida Residents can have a serious learning curve regarding home maintenance and homeowner’s insurance in Florida.
First, stay alert regarding the condition of the roof of your new home. Many in other States felt comfortable making spot repairs themselves, ignoring a broken tile or shingle on a pre-purchase inspection report, patching the roof up on a ladder, and being the consummate do-it-all Homeowner. In Florida, it is critical to consult professionals. Florida roofs have to hold up to a different standard than other states. Roofs here have to routinely endure extreme windspeeds associated with hurricanes and severe Summer hail and windstorms. Many only had autumn leaves or maybe snowfall to worry about with their prior roofs – Florida roofing systems are unique and carefully constructed to ensure safety during our unusual Florida weather events. Performing the spot repairs that a Midwestern roof can easily endure, on a Florida roof can not only become problematic for your roof but can be disastrous if a homeowner’s insurance claim is ever filed for roofing damage. Florida Insurance Carriers are all too happy to deny a necessary full reroof and attempt to blame it on a homeowner’s well-meaning but better-left-to-the-professionals, attempted repairs, or ignorance of a seemingly minor issue.
Additionally, approach cast iron pipes and plumbing with caution. Cast iron pipes used to be the industry standard, in part for their supposed longevity and durability, and are common still around the Country. However, Florida’s proximity to salt water and corrosive soil has been shown to prematurely age these plumbing systems here and result in severe water damage and even insurance claims. Carriers work furiously to craft ways to deny these cast-iron pipe claims, every year the exclusions and endorsements for plumbing damage grow. The premature expiration of these plumbing systems and the dedication to fighting the claims from the Carriers may surprise individuals not from Florida, it’s critical to stay aware of the situation, consult professionals, and file a claim immediately if you believe you have related damage.
Finally, Florida’s Carriers are often fiercely combative with their homeowners regarding claims and damages. It surprises many how often Carrier will pay their defense attorneys and their adjusters to fight homeowners, rather than just pay claims, compared to their previous Carriers out of State. Remember there are opportunities here in Florida to challenge these decisions and to protect yourself early. Consider retaining representation, such as the Cohen Law Group, to assist in attaining a successful claim recovery early on.
Michael Melli, ESQ.
