House Fire Insurance Claim Process in Florida: A Step-by-Step Checklist

A house fire turns life upside down in minutes. Even after the flames are out, there’s smoke, soot, water from firefighting and a long list of decisions. The insurance claim is one of them, and it usually becomes one of the largest claims a family ever files.

This checklist walks through the Florida fire claim process in order, so you can focus on one step at a time.

General information only. If anyone was hurt, take care of that first. This article covers property damage only.

Step 1: Safety and the fire report

• Don’t re-enter until the fire department says it’s safe.
• Ask for the fire report or incident number. Your insurer will want it.
• If utilities were shut off, don’t turn them back on yourself.
• Secure the property. Your policy likely requires reasonable steps to protect it from further damage, such as boarding windows or tarping a roof opening. Keep receipts.

Step 2: Notify your insurer and get your policy

Report the fire to your insurer as soon as you can, and ask for:

• Your claim number and the adjuster’s name and license number
• A complete copy of your policy, including endorsements
• An advance for additional living expenses (ALE) if you can’t live in the home

Florida’s Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights must be sent to you within 14 days after you first report the claim (Fla. Stat. § 627.7142). It summarizes your basic rights and timelines.

Step 3: Understand your coverages

A fire claim usually involves several parts of your policy:

If your policy is written on a replacement-cost basis, Florida law requires the insurer to pay at least the actual cash value of the dwelling loss up front (less the deductible) and the remaining amounts as work is performed (Fla. Stat. § 627.7011(3)(a)). For a total loss of the dwelling caused by a covered peril, the insurer must pay replacement cost coverage without holding back depreciation (§ 627.7011(3)(a); see also the valued policy law, § 627.702).

Step 4: Document everything before cleanup

• Photograph and video every room, including closets, cabinets and the attic, before anything is removed.
• Don’t throw away damaged items until the insurer has seen them or agreed in writing, unless they are a hazard.
• Photograph the outside, including neighboring walls and roof areas affected by heat or smoke.

Step 5: Don’t underestimate smoke and soot

Smoke travels through ductwork, attics and wall cavities, and can affect rooms far from the fire. Common smoke-related items include:

• Soot on ceilings, walls and inside cabinets
• Odor in insulation, drywall and HVAC ducts
• Contents that look fine but carry odor or residue (clothing, upholstery, electronics)

Ask for testing or professional cleaning protocols where needed, and make sure the estimate covers the whole affected area, not just the burned room.

Step 6: Build your contents inventory

The personal property claim is often the most time-consuming part. For each item, list:

• Description, brand and model where known
• Age and where you bought it
• Replacement cost today
• Photos (old photos, online orders and receipts help)

Work room by room. Walking through old phone photos and online order history can jog your memory. Check whether your policy pays replacement cost for contents, and what receipts it requires before releasing any holdback.

Step 7: Track your living expenses

Keep receipts for hotel stays, rent, extra mileage, meals above your normal food costs and similar expenses. ALE generally covers the increase in living costs, not your normal bills.

Step 8: Review the insurer’s estimate carefully

Your insurer must send you a copy of any detailed estimate within 7 days after its adjuster generates it, and must pay or deny within 60 days after notice for residential claims, with limited exceptions (Fla. Stat. § 627.70131). Compare the estimate line by line with what you see in the home and with contractor bids. Watch for missed rooms, smoke-affected areas, code upgrades and debris removal.

Step 9: Mind the deadlines

• Notice of a new or reopened claim: within 1 year after the date of loss. Supplemental claims: within 18 months (Fla. Stat. § 627.70132).
• Proof of loss: many policies require a sworn proof of loss within a set number of days after the insurer asks. Calendar it.
• Disputes: eligible residential disputes can go to DFS mediation (§ 627.7015), and many policies include appraisal for amount disputes.

Step 10: Decide whether you want help

Many families hire a licensed public adjuster after a fire because of the size of the claim and the volume of paperwork. A public adjuster can document the structure and contents, prepare an itemized estimate and negotiate with the insurer, while you focus on your family. In Florida, a public adjuster’s fee on additional living expenses requires a separate signed agreement (Fla. Stat. § 626.854(11)(d)), and you can cancel a public adjuster contract within 10 days of signing it without penalty (§ 626.854(7)).

Contractors and cleanup companies after a fire

You’ll likely be contacted by contractors, board-up companies and restoration firms. Before signing anything:

• Confirm licenses with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
• Read any contract that assigns your insurance benefits or takes a percentage of your claim.
• Ask your insurer about any managed repair or preferred vendor provisions in your policy, as the Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights recommends (Fla. Stat. § 627.7142).

Frequently asked questions

Dealing with fire or smoke damage?

We know how much is on your plate. Call 888-888-8591 or visit www.NorthsideAdjusters.com for a free claim review. We help homeowners, businesses and condo associations across Florida.

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