If you notice that your windows are bowing, then there is an immediate need to find out the cause. Whether it's a natural disaster like high winds or a torrential downpour, bowing can be a sign that your windows have been damaged. Warped windows are not going to...
Year: 2019
It may be difficult to get tax relief after a storm
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changed the tax treatment of property damage caused by floods and other natural disasters. Florida residents may only be able to claim a deduction for damage that occurs during a federally recognized disaster. Hurricanes and other tropical...
Just one more year to file Hurricane Irma insurance claims
Florida residents who own homes that sustained damage during Hurricane Irma are getting close to the time when they will need to file an insurance claim if they want help funding recovery costs. They have three years from the time a hurricane makes landfall to notify...
How homeowners can protect themselves financially
Florida residents may not be ready for the financial losses a natural disaster such as a hurricane could cause. In 2018, they caused $160 billion in damage throughout the country. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there have been...
State funds to aid Keys’ hurricane recovery
The Florida Keys will receive a new influx of funds to help the islands recover from Hurricane Irma. According to Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Keys will receive $21 million to help deal with hurricane damage and an additional $35 million investment in affordable housing....
Reasons for spike in hailstorm losses not clear
Most homeowners in Florida are aware of the potential for hailstorm damage, especially during the summer months when storms that can produce frozen rain are more likely to occur. But something odd happened in 2008: That year, nationwide hail-related losses passed the...
Damaged home? Start repairs and then make your claim
You recently suffered damage to your home during one of the major storms that passed through. You called your insurance company about the damage, but they seem to be giving you the run around. You would continue to wait for them to give you a payment to fix your home,...
Insurance law changed to curb assignment of benefits practice
Lawmakers in Florida approved a plan designed to restructure and lessen the importance of assignment of benefits, a common practice in the state's insurance industry. The Citizens Property Insurance Corp., which is backed by the state, faces thousands of lawsuits...
New Florida initiative provides hurricane preparations
In order to help residents prepare for the next major hurricane that will inevitably make landfall, the Florida Chief Financial Officer started the Prepare Florida initiative. Even in a state where hurricanes make landfall somewhat regularly, many homeowners and other...
Congress extends flood insurance program
Florida homeowners have found some temporary relief after the House of Representatives approved a two-week extension of the federal flood insurance program on May 30. This comes after the Senate approved the extension by voice vote the week before. While this vote...