For a few years following, hundreds of thousands of Florida homeowners reaped the benefits of these discounts and have luckily enjoyed somewhat quiet hurricane seasons. However, as the number of discount claims rose, insurance companies began to complain it was costing them too much money and too many fraudulent reports were being submitted.

In 2008 and 2009, new legislative changes made it much more difficult to qualify for these discounts, and also imposed penalties on home inspection companies falsifying reports to qualify non-compliant houses. After these changes, many homeowners saw their policy premiums spike as much as 60% in some cases when they were told they were no longer eligible for certain discounts.

Reevaluations of policies have led to these premium increases, and the new legislation also allows insurance companies to hire their own home inspection companies to perform the analysis – a move many consider potentially unfair. Some fear insurance-hired inspectors are more apt to side with the insurance company to keep their business.

If you recently had your Florida homeowners insurance policy reviewed and have lost your rightful discounts, you may need to speak with an experienced Florida homeowners insurance attorney. The recent changes to the Florida homeowners insurance discounts can be confusing and frustrating to fight alone. If you are wrongfully denied discounts and need help providing evidence of your eligibility, an attorney can help.

Getting the Help of a Florida Homeowners Insurance Attorney

The Florida homeowners insurance attorney team at Falk & Falk Law Firm knows how important it is to you and your family to receive all your eligible Florida homeowners insurance discounts. Our Florida homeowners insurance attorney team has experience in helping victims of natural disasters—and other homeowners’ nightmares—recover from their loss.

An experienced attorney can help you fight for the compensation you deserve and navigate the tricky world of homeowners insurance. To help take the confusion out of the current laws regarding eligibility for Florida homeowners insurance discounts for hurricane safety, contact us today – 305-742-0878.

With the appeal of homeowners insurance discounts also came dishonesty, both from home inspectors and homeowners. Many falsified inspection reports were submitted to qualify for deductions from homeowners insurance rates. Eventually, the insurance companies called for regulation and new legislation was passed to impose restrictions and better guidelines on discount eligibility. 

If you are renewing your homeowners policy soon, you may have questions on your eligibility for certain deductions. In some cases, homeowners find they are no longer eligible for deductions under these new laws as well. To re-qualify for some of your discounts, you may have to go through a new home inspection and provide photographic evidence of improvements. 

The new legislation also allows for insurance companies to have their own inspectors review your home improvements. While this is at their expense, it may raise questions of the inspectors’ loyalty to the insurance company if they deny obvious and eligible improvements. If you question the integrity of an inspection report by an insurance company inspector, you may need to consult with a Florida homeowners insurance attorney to see if you have a legal case. 

A Florida homeowners insurance attorney can assist you in reviewing the current status of Florida homeowners insurance discounts and how they apply to your home. If you are wrongfully denied discounts and need help in providing evidence of your eligibility, an attorney can help.

Getting the Help of a Florida Homeowners Insurance Attorney 

The Florida homeowners insurance attorney team at Falk & Falk Law Firm knows how important it is to you and your family to receive all your eligible Florida homeowners insurance discounts. Our Florida homeowners insurance attorney team has experience in helping victims of natural disasters—and other homeowners’ nightmares—recover from their loss. 

An experienced attorney can help you fight for the compensation you deserve and navigate the tricky world of homeowners insurance. To help take the confusion out of the current laws regarding eligibility for Florida homeowners insurance discounts for hurricane safety, contact us today– 305-742-0878.

The primary focus of the new legislation was to double Florida homeowners insurance discounts for those residences with increased hurricane-safe standards. For a few years following, hundreds of thousands of homeowners began inspections and improvements to their homes to take advantage of the Florida homeowners insurance discounts. 

Unfortunately, as more homeowners applied for the Florida homeowners insurance discounts, more insurance companies began complaining about the costs. Soon, legal battles began over denial of discounts and many homeowners needed to hire a Florida homeowners insurance attorney to resolve these conflicts. 

Unfair Florida Homeowners Insurance Discounts 

To avoid the doubled reduction rates, many insurance companies began complaining there were unfair practices with the home inspectors. As a result, a Florida homeowners insurance attorney is often necessary to help honest homeowners prove their home inspection reports are valid in light of the many false reports that have surfaced. 

The insurance companies often accuse inspection companies of falsifying records to approve homes for hurricane-safe standards. As insurance companies became more frustrated with falsified claims, it became more difficult for honest homeowners to apply for their Florida homeowners insurance discounts. 

New Legislation for Florida Homeowners Insurance Discounts 

In response to the insurance company complaints, new legislation was introduced in 2008 and 2009 to reinforce discount regulations, impose penalties on dishonest home inspectors, and update the guidelines for approval. This created a whole new set of standards which a homeowner must follow to obtain approval for Florida homeowners insurance discounts. 

Many homeowners now benefit from the help of a Florida homeowners insurance attorney when seeking approval for their Florida homeowners insurance discounts. Your attorney can help explain the full requirements your home must meet to be eligible for your discount, as well as determine any wrongful conduct between the insurance company and home inspectors. 

Some of the new changes to the legislation include: 

• penalties for inspectors who knowingly submit false verification documents;
• a requirement for photographic evidence of each home upgrade adding to the home’s hurricane safety;
• product approvals required for certain home features such as garage doors;
• allowing insurance companies to designate their own inspectors to verify upgrades; and
• updates to requirements such as roof coverage percentages. 

The Confusion of Florida Homeowners Insurance Discounts 

The full legislative changes to the Florida homeowners insurance discounts are much more extensive than the few points listed above. An experienced Florida homeowners insurance attorney can help you review these changes against your former policy discounts to determine your current eligibility under the new laws. 

Because things have changed so drastically in the recent years, discounts that applied last year may no longer apply this year under the new legislation. When reviewing your policy renewal, if you are missing discounts or believe you have been unfairly denied discounts, you may need the help of a Florida homeowners insurance attorney to straighten out your policy terms. 

Many insurance companies are scrutinizing the claims for Florida homeowners insurance discounts more closely and taking the extra step to require more proof of improvements. Even though the insurance company must pay the expense for its own inspectors, in several cases the company will pay the extra cost to determine if your claims are valid. 

Getting the Help of a Florida Homeowners Insurance Attorney 

The Florida homeowners insurance attorney team at Falk & Falk Law Firm knows how important it is to you and your family to receive all your eligible Florida homeowners insurance discounts. Our Florida homeowners insurance attorney team has experience in helping victims of natural disasters—and other homeowners’ nightmares—recover from their loss. 

An experienced attorney can help you to fight for the compensation you deserve and navigate the tricky world of homeowners insurance. To help take the confusion out of the current laws regarding eligibility for Florida homeowners insurance discounts for hurricane safety, contact us today – 305-742-0878.

If extenuating circumstances prevent you from evacuating your home before a hurricane makes landfall or you do not live in an evacuation zone in Miami, there are steps that you can take to protect yourself, your home and your personal property during a Florida hurricane. 

These steps include: 

• staying up-to-date on storm information through TV, radio and Internet broadcasts.
• securing your storm shutters or boarding your windows, and removing any debris (wheelbarrows, gardening tools and tree branches) from your yard;
• turning off your propane tanks;
• filling your car with gas;
• buying an adequate supply of bottled water and several days’ worth of canned food; and
• sanitizing your bathtub with bleach and water, rinsing thoroughly and refilling with clean water in case the water supply is interrupted. 

If you do have time to evacuate your home, then you can go to your nearest Hurricane Evacuation Center (HEC). During a hurricane, Dade county public schools and the American Red Cross operate these Hurricane Evacuation Centers to provide a safe place for hurricane evacuees. 

If you live in Miami-Dade County, then it is important to be aware of Miami hurricane evacuation procedures. After a storm has passed, you may claim compensation for the damage to your home. A Miami hurricane lawyer can help with your hurricane damage claim. 

Contacting a Miami Hurricane Lawyer  

The Miami hurricane lawyer team at Falk & Falk Law Firm knows how important it is to you and your family to get the settlement you need in order to move on with your lives. Our hurricane attorneys have experience in helping victims of natural disasters—and other homeowners nightmares—recover from their loss. An experienced Miami hurricane lawyer can help you to fight for the compensation that you need and navigate the tricky world of homeowners and hurricane insurance. Contact us today – (305) 742-0878.

If your policy requires that you give a recorded statement to your homeowners insurance adjuster when filing a claim, exercise great caution and say as little as possible during the recorded statement. Keep your answers honest but brief, and give just the basic facts about the damages and your losses.

If the adjuster starts asking very specific questions, or questions that don’t relate directly to the basics of the hurricane itself and the hurricane damage to your home, you have the right to seek the help of a Florida hurricane attorney. For instance, if your insurer asks questions about your finances, debts or your job, it may be in your best interest to call a Florida hurricane attorney. 

When an insurer gains information in your recorded statement, they may use it to deny your Florida homeowners insurance claim. 

If, for instance, you failed to mitigate your hurricane damages, then your claim may be denied. If your claim is denied, then you may appeal the denial, or choose to pursue damages in a formal court of law. In a Florida homeowners insurance lawsuit, you will need the help of an attorney. 

If you have difficulty with your Florida homeowners insurance claim, and you can’t get the money you deserve, a Florida hurricane attorney can try to negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf. If your insurer won’t agree to a settlement, then your attorney can represent your legal interests in a Florida homeowners insurance lawsuit. 

Contacting a Florida Hurricane Attorney  

The Florida hurricane attorney team at Falk & Falk Law Firm knows how important it is to you and your family to get the settlement you need in order to move on with your lives. Our hurricane attorneys have experience in helping victims of natural disasters—and other homeowners nightmares—recover from their loss. An experienced Florida hurricane attorney can help you to fight for the compensation that you need and navigate the tricky world of homeowners and hurricane insurance. Contact us today – (305) 742-0878.

Some tips for evacuating your home before a hurricane makes landfall in the greater Miami area include: 

• follow the evacuation instructions of your local authorities, as certain areas must be evacuated while others may be safe;
• evacuate your mobile home or any temporary structure that isn’t safely grounded;
• evacuate the upper floor of any high-rise building as hurricane winds are generally stronger at higher elevations;
• stay away from coastal areas, as well as floodplains, islands and major waterways; and
• if you have nowhere else to go after evacuating your Florida home, head to your nearest government-provided Hurricane Emergency Center.  

As a hurricane approaches, listen to TV, Internet and radio broadcasts to stay updated on news pertaining to Miami hurricane evacuation procedures. Such procedures may save your life in the event of a devastating storm. Your local authorities will have more information about the procedures for your specific neighborhood and may be able to direct you to the preferred evacuation routes, as well. 

If you live in Miami-Dade County, then it is important to be aware of Miami hurricane evacuation procedures. After a storm has passed, you may claim compensation for the damage to your home. A Miami hurricane lawyer can help with your hurricane damage claim. 

Contacting a Miami Hurricane Lawyer 

The Miami hurricane lawyer team at Falk & Falk Law Firm knows how important it is to you and your family to get the settlement you need in order to move on with your lives. Our hurricane attorneys have experience in helping victims of natural disasters—and other homeowners nightmares—recover from their loss. An experienced Miami hurricane lawyer can help you to fight for the compensation that you need and navigate the tricky world of homeowners and hurricane insurance. Contact us today – (305) 742-0878.

Some tips for following Miami hurricane evacuation procedures include: 

• follow the directions of your local authorities;
• evacuate any mobile home or temporary structure, as these shelters are never safe during a Florida hurricane;
• evacuate any upper floor of a high-rise building, since hurricane winds are generally stronger at high elevations;
• stay away from the coast, floodplains, islands and waterways; and
• if you have nowhere to go after evacuating your home, head to your nearest government-provided Hurricane Emergency Center.  

If you have any questions about Miami hurricane evacuation procedures, contact the Miami-Dade Department of Emergency Management to learn more about the procedures and recommendations specific to your community. 

When a Florida Hurricane Approaches Miami-Dade County 

When a Florida hurricane approaches your Miami home, there are steps you’ll need to take in order to protect your home and property. 

These steps include: 

• stay up to date on storm warnings through TV and radio broadcasts;
• close your storm shutters and remove any small or loose objects from your yard;
• turn off your utilities if you are instructed to do so;
• turn off your propane tanks; and
• buy an adequate supply of bottled water and several days’ worth of canned food. 

You should listen carefully for any information about Miami hurricane evacuation procedures. If there is a serious threat to you or your home, then a police officer may come to inform you of a mandatory evacuation. If you are evacuated, then you may be told to go to the nearest Miami Hurricane Evacuation center. 

Miami Hurricane Evacuation Centers 

During a Florida hurricane, Dade county public schools and the American Red Cross operate Hurricane Evacuation Centers (HECs). These HECs provide a last resort for hurricane evacuees. If you are unable to stay with friends or family after being evacuated from your home, then an HEC in your local district may be the safest place to stay. 

Miami Hurricane Evacuation Zones 

According to Miami hurricane evacuation procedures, there are 3 different zones that have been established for hurricane evacuation. 

These include: 

• Zone A (Red Zone) – This Miami hurricane evacuation zone includes Miami Beach, Virginia Key, Key Biscayne and all islands lying within Biscayne Bay, including the municipalities of Golden Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbor, Bay Harbor Islands, Indian Creek Village, Surfside, North Bay Village, City of Miami Beach and the island portions of the City of Miami.  
• Zone B (Yellow Zone) – All areas of mainland Miami-Dade County lying (north to south) east of Biscayne Boulevard, including Brickell Avenue, South Miami Avenue, South Bayshore Drive, Main Highway, Ingraham Highway, Old Cutler Road, the Florida Turnpike south to U.S. 1 to State Road 9336 (which includes SW 344 Street [Palm Drive], SW 192 Avenue [Tower Road] and Ingram Highway) south to Everglades National Park. Note: there is a small area east of Old Cutler Road, west of SW 67 Avenue and north of SW 152 Street that is not designated as a Miami hurricane evacuation zone. 
• Zone C (Green Zone) – The area of Miami-Dade County west of Zone B and a line defined by SW 152 Street (Coral Reef Drive) at Old Cutler Road going west to U.S. 1, then south to SW 184 Street (Eureka Drive), then west to SW 127 Avenue (Burr Road), then south to U.S. 1 to SW 312 Street (Campbell Drive or Homestead’s NW 8 Street), then west to Everglades National Park. 

When following Miami hurricane evacuation procedures, you need to be aware of which zone your home is in. These zones will be evacuated according to the hurricane’s track, as well as the projected storm surge. 

Returning Home After a Florida Hurricane Evacuation 

Your first priority during a Florida hurricane is to protect your safety and that of your family. By adhering to Miami hurricane evacuation procedures, you can reduce the risk of suffering serious injury in a storm. After the immediate threat has passed and you have the opportunity to return to your Miami home to assess the damage, there are steps you can take after a Florida hurricane to protect your safety and your potential hurricane damage claim. 

If your home has been damaged by a Florida hurricane, a Miami hurricane lawyer can help you file an insurance claim. Through a Florida hurricane damage claim, a Miami hurricane lawyer can help you properly assess the damage to your home and personal property and negotiate a fair settlement. 

Contacting a Miami Hurricane Lawyer After a Florida Hurricane 

The Miami hurricane lawyer team at Falk & Falk Law Firm knows how important it is to you and your family to get the settlement you need in order to move on with your lives. Our hurricane attorneys have experience in helping victims of natural disasters—and other homeowners nightmares—recover from their loss. An experienced attorney can help you to fight for the compensation that you need and navigate the tricky world of homeowners and hurricane insurance. Contact us today – (305) 742-0878.

When appealing your Florida hurricane damage claim with FEMA, your letter should include: 

• documentation of your losses (as a result of the Florida hurricane);
• a copy of your insurer’s written denial;
•  your policy number (as it appears on the declaration page of your policy);
• the policy holder’s name (exactly as it appears on the declarations page of your policy);
• your address (exactly as it appears on the declarations page of your policy);
• your contact information;
• a detailed account of the issue that you are appealing; and
• the contact information for the person(s) who handled your Florida hurricane damage claim. 

Once FEMA has received your letter of appeal, they may conduct a re-inspection of your Florida hurricane damage. If FEMA requests additional information about your claim, you must provide the information within 14 calendar days or risk dismissal of your claim. 

To get help appealing to FEMA, you can contact an experienced Florida hurricane insurance attorney. If your Florida hurricane damage claim is denied after an appeal, you may choose to file a lawsuit. A hurricane insurance attorney in Florida can help make sure you make FEMA deadlines, and can represent you in a formal court of law, if a lawsuit is necessary.  

Contacting a Florida Hurricane Attorney 

The Florida hurricane attorney team at Falk & Falk Law Firm knows how important it is to you and your family to get the settlement you need to move on with your lives. Our hurricane attorneys have experience in helping victims of natural disasters—and other homeowners’ nightmares—recover from their loss. An experienced attorney can navigate the tricky world of homeowners and hurricane insurance and help you fight for the compensation you need. Contact us today – (305) 742-0878.

The types of hurricane insurance adjusters who may work on your Florida hurricane damage claim include: 

• A company adjuster – This is an employee of your insurer, who is sent to determine the value of your Florida hurricane damage claim. This type of hurricane insurance adjuster will typically be licensed in Florida.
• An independent adjuster – This type of hurricane insurance adjuster may be labeled as independent, but they are generally contracted by the insurance company, and work for them, not you.
• A catastrophe adjuster – This type of hurricane insurance adjuster also works for the insurance company. Some of them are very experienced, although some may have very little training.
• An SIU adjuster – SIU stands for “special investigative unit.” If you receive a visit from this kind of hurricane insurance adjuster, then most likely your insurer suspects you are misrepresenting your claim (fraud). In this case, you should immediately seek help from a Florida hurricane attorney.
• A public adjuster – This type of hurricane insurance adjuster is hired by, and works for you. 

To know more about what type of hurricane insurance adjuster may represent your Florida hurricane damage claim and how to communicate with them, you can consult an experienced Florida hurricane attorney. 

Contacting a Florida Hurricane Attorney 

The Florida hurricane attorney team at Falk & Falk Law Firm knows how important it is to you and your family to get the settlement you need to move on with your lives. Our hurricane attorneys have experience in helping victims of natural disasters—and other homeowners’ nightmares—recover from their loss. An experienced attorney can navigate the tricky world of homeowners and hurricane insurance and help you fight for the compensation that you need. Contact us today – (305) 742-0878.

These steps include: 

• Try to negotiate with your insurance claims adjuster – If you do not understand the adjuster’s decision, ask for an explanation. To negotiate with your insurance claims adjuster, you may need the representation of a Florida hurricane attorney.
• Contact the adjuster’s supervisor for more information – Do this if you are not satisfied with the answers that your insurance adjuster has given you.
• Contact your insurance company’s claims representative for assistance – Do this when the claims adjuster’s supervisor can’t resolve your issues.
• If none of these avenues of appeal can help resolve your issues, you can write a letter of appeal to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – In your letter of appeal to FEMA, you should include documentation of everything that supports your Florida hurricane damage claim, as well as a copy of your insurer’s written letter of denial. 

If your letter of appeal to FEMA fails to resolve your Florida hurricane damage claim, then you can pursue your claim in a lawsuit. For help with submitting your letter of appeal to FEMA, or with filing a lawsuit after your Florida hurricane damage claim is denied, you can get the help of an experienced Florida hurricane attorney.  

Contacting a Florida Hurricane Attorney 

The Florida hurricane attorney team at Falk & Falk Law Firm knows how important it is to you and your family to get the settlement you need to move on with your lives. Our hurricane attorneys have experience in helping victims of natural disasters—and other homeowners’ nightmares—recover from their loss. An experienced attorney can navigate the tricky world of homeowners and hurricane insurance and help you fight for the compensation you need. Contact us today – (305) 742-0878.