TL;DR:
Your Florida homeowners insurance covers your home’s structure, detached buildings, personal belongings, loss of use expenses, and liability for injuries to others. However, there are limits and exclusions — such as caps on water damage and no coverage for flood — that can leave you paying out of pocket. Hidden storm damage is a real risk, and hiring Panther Public Adjusting ensures you get the maximum payout your policy allows.
Why Understanding Your Policy Matters
Most homeowners policies are filled with legal jargon and exclusions that make them difficult to read, let alone understand. Insurance companies write these policies to protect their bottom line — not yours.
That’s why having an advocate like Panther Public Adjusting on your side is critical. We speak the insurance company’s language, know exactly how to interpret your policy, and ensure you’re not leaving money on the table after a loss.
The Six Main Coverages in a Homeowners Policy
Coverage A – Dwelling (Primary Structure)
Coverage A protects the main structure of your home and anything permanently attached to it. That includes:
- Flooring
- Kitchen cabinets
- Light fixtures
- Bathroom fixtures
- Built-in appliances
Coverage B – Other Structures
Coverage B applies to permanent structures on your property that are not attached to your main home, such as:
- Detached garages
- Sheds
- Fences
- Guest houses
- Detached pools or workshops
Coverage C – Personal Property (Contents)
This covers the things you can take with you if you move:
- Furniture
- Clothing
- Electronics
- Jewelry
- Kitchenware
Coverage D – Loss of Use
If your home becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss, Coverage D steps in to cover:
- Hotel stays
- Rental homes or apartments
- Extra meal expenses if you can’t cook at home
Coverage E – Personal Liability
If someone is injured on your property and decides to sue you, this coverage pays for legal fees and settlements.
Coverage F – Medical Payments
This covers medical expenses for guests injured on your property, even if you’re not legally responsible.
What Damages Are Actually Covered?
If you live in your home full-time, the HO3 policy is the most comprehensive type of homeowners coverage. It covers all risks except those specifically excluded — but only if the damage is sudden and accidental.
However, even an HO3 policy has limits:
- Water damage caps: Many policies limit water damage coverage to $5,000–$10,000 — and some exclude it entirely.
- Flood exclusions: Flood (rising water from outside) is almost always excluded and requires a separate policy.
- Wear and tear: Gradual damage, lack of maintenance, and mold from long-term leaks are typically excluded.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re not sure what’s covered, send us your policy for a free review at Claims@PantherPA.com.
How Insurance Premiums Are Paid (and Why They Go Up)
When you close on your home, your first year’s premium is typically paid as part of your closing costs. After that:
- If you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require an escrow account for taxes and insurance.
- Your monthly mortgage payment will include principal, interest, and escrow.
- Every year, your lender performs an escrow analysis to see if your payment needs adjusting.
And here’s the bad news: insurance premiums in Florida have been rising 20–30% per year in recent years.
The Danger of Hidden Storm Damage
After a storm, your home might look fine — but hidden damage could be silently causing problems. We’ve seen homeowners walk away from tens of thousands of dollars in valid claims because they didn’t know what to look for.
Hidden damage can include:
- Roof deck separation
- Framing shifts
- Electrical issues
- Window damage
- Water intrusion
If you wait too long to file a claim, you could miss the deadline entirely. That’s why having a public adjuster inspect your property immediately after a storm is essential.
Learn more about early storm inspections in our guide, To Tarp or Not to Tarp – Critical Steps After Hurricane Damage.
Why You Should Hire Panther Public Adjusting Immediately After a Loss
Here’s the truth: the insurance company’s adjuster works for them — not for you. Their goal is to minimize payouts.
Our goal at Panther Public Adjusting is the exact opposite. We work exclusively for you, documenting every detail of the loss, negotiating aggressively, and making sure you get every penny you’re entitled to.
We’ve helped homeowners in Sarasota, Palmetto, and across Florida recover the full value of their claims.
Get Started Now — Protect Your Home and Your Rights
If you suspect damage or just want peace of mind:
- 📞 Call us today at 833-726-8437
- 📧 Email us your policy at Claims@PantherPA.com for a free review
- 💻 Contact us through our website
Stay Informed and Empowered
For more tips, claim strategies, and homeowner protection advice:
- Watch our videos on My Insurance Claim Expert YouTube Channel
- Join our Facebook group Anything About Property Insurance Claims 101
And don’t miss our post on 4 Myths About Public Adjusting to learn why working with a public adjuster is your best move after a loss.
✅ Bottom line: Your homeowners policy might not cover everything you think it does — but with Panther Public Adjusting on your side, you’ll have experts fighting to ensure you get the payout you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does homeowners insurance in Florida cover hurricane damage?
Yes — most standard homeowners policies cover wind and hurricane damage, but deductibles for hurricane losses can be higher. Flood damage from storm surge requires a separate flood policy.
2. How much does a public adjuster cost in Florida?
Public adjusters in Florida typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid a percentage of the claim payout — and only if you get paid.
3. How soon after a loss should I call a public adjuster?
Immediately. The sooner a public adjuster gets involved, the better the documentation, claim preparation, and negotiation will be — often leading to a much higher payout.