A Business Owner's Guide to Florida Commercial Insurance Claims

If you're a Florida business owner, your commercial insurance policy is more than just paperwork — it’s protection against disaster. Whether you’re dealing with hurricane damage, roof collapse, pipe leaks, or fire-related property loss, filing a commercial insurance claim in Florida can be challenging (especially when insurers delay, underpay, or deny what you're rightfully owed).

At Murray Law Group, we help policyholders navigate Florida’s complex insurance environment. That’s why we’ve come up with some practical steps to prepare, document, and submit your claim, so you can get back to business.

Notify Your Insurance Provider Immediately

The moment you discover damage to your property, notify your insurance company. Florida commercial insurance policies often contain strict deadlines for filing claims. Missing these could void your coverage.

Check your policy (or contact your broker) to confirm:

• How to file a commercial property insurance claim in Florida
• Who must report it (you or your agent)
• Time-sensitive requirements for property damage claims

Keep written confirmation of the date and time the notice was submitted — this protects your timeline if the insurer disputes it later.

Document Everything — Before and After the Loss

One of the biggest claims mistakes in Florida is poor documentation. Insurers frequently cite lack of evidence or pre-existing damage as reasons to reduce or deny claims.

Before the loss:

• Maintain up-to-date photos of your property, equipment, roofing systems, and common areas.

After the loss:

• Photograph and video all visible damage, structural issues, and leaks.  Include timestamps if possible.
• Document conditions outside the building (downed trees, debris, broken windows) to show the full impact of the storm or loss event.

Understand Your Coverage — and What’s Not Covered

Florida business owners often discover too late that their insurance claim doesn’t include certain damage types. Review your policy closely, or ask a legal professional to explain:

• Your deductibles (some peril deductibles are higher than others)
• Exclusions for certain type of losses or loss events
• Business interruption insurance limitations (timing, covered expenses, etc.)
• Missing Ordinance or Law coverage for building code compliance upgrades

If you're unsure, don’t guess — contact an experienced insurance attorney for claim review.

Save All Records and Communications

Your commercial insurance claim is more than pictures and paperwork — it’s also a story told through documentation. Preserve everything, such as:

• Emails and letters with your insurer or claims adjuster
• Phone call logs, including names and timestamps
• Receipts from temporary repairs, inspections, and contractors

Also track every visit to the property — adjusters, contractors, engineers — and get written reports whenever possible.

Secure the Property and Mitigate Further Damage

After a loss, you’re required to protect the property and prevent further losses. This is known as the duty to mitigate. That doesn’t mean full repairs right away — just basic stabilization steps like:

• Tarping exposed roof sections
• Boarding windows and entry points
• Hiring licensed water mitigation or mold remediation services

Document all steps and expenses. Save receipts and take before-and-after photos of any emergency work.

Cooperate With Your Insurer — But Know Your Rights

Under Florida law, policyholders must cooperate with insurers to resolve claims. But you are not required to accept unfair estimates, delays, or vague denials.

Examples of unfair tactics include:

• “Lowball” repair estimates from the insurer’s adjuster
• Delays in assigning adjusters or processing payments
• Unclear explanations for denied coverage

You have the right to request re-inspections, bring in your own contractors, and consult a lawyer before signing any final documents.

Why This Matters in Florida

Florida’s insurance industry has changed dramatically in recent years. With rising premiums, new legislation, and insurer insolvencies, Florida commercial insurance claims are under more scrutiny than ever. Coastal and inland properties alike face challenges getting full value from their policies.

Don’t wait until a problem arises — take these steps now and be ready to protect what you’ve built.

Know When to Contact a Florida Insurance Attorney

If your claim is being mishandled — or you’re unsure how to move forward — contact a Florida-based insurance recovery law firm like Murray Law Group. We help business owners with:

• Denied insurance claims
• Delayed claims processing
• Underpaid property loss claims
• Business interruption insurance disputes
• Bad faith insurance practices

We deal directly with insurers so you can focus on getting your business operational again.

Let’s Talk About Your Claim

If you're facing delays, underpayment, or a denied claim — we're here to help.  Murray Law Group is proud to represent Florida business owners. We’ve handled commercial insurance disputes across the state for more than 20 years and we’re committed to creating positive outcomes for our clients. Contact us today!