TL;DR:
-
- Universal Property & Casualty Insurance was fined $4 million for fraudulent Hurricane Irma claims.
-
- The misconduct involved submitting ineligible claims under Florida’s False Claims Act.
-
- Homeowners across Florida have faced unjust denials and delays for years.
-
- Recent laws have weakened homeowner protections, making it harder to challenge insurers.
-
- Hiring a public adjuster remains essential to protecting homeowners’ rights and ensuring fair compensation.
Florida homeowners have long suspected it. Public adjusters have known it for years. And now, the state is finally catching up: One of Florida’s largest insurance carriers has been fined for mishandling claims stemming from Hurricane Irma in 2017. But with countless Floridians still battling denials and delays from Hurricanes Michael, Sally, Ian, and beyond, this long-overdue accountability raises a troubling question: Has the system been rigged against policyholders all along?
A Fine—Eight Years Too Late
On April 1st, 2025, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis levied a $4 million fine against Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company for fraudulently submitting numerous ineligible claims for reimbursement in violation of the Florida False Claims Act. According to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, Universal systematically submitted these false claims related to Hurricane Irma, leading to wrongful reimbursement from state-backed funds. Read the official news release and view the settlement agreement.
According to the Attorney General’s office, the recent $4 million fine specifically addresses Universal’s fraudulent submission of numerous ineligible claims for reimbursement, violating the Florida False Claims Act. Universal improperly sought reimbursement from state-backed insurance funds for claims that were not eligible, causing significant financial harm to Florida taxpayers and further burdening the state’s insurance system.
This was not an isolated incident. Universal has been the subject of repeated complaints and investigations.
This isn’t Universal’s first time in the hot seat. Back in 2013, the company was reprimanded and fined for similar misconduct, including failing to pay claims promptly and pressuring policyholders to settle for less than they were owed (Gainesville Sun).
So why did it take until 2025 to hold them accountable for behavior dating back to Irma in 2017?
Homeowners Left in the Lurch
While regulators dragged their feet, policyholders continued to suffer. After Hurricane Irma came Hurricane Michael in 2018, Hurricane Sally in 2020, and Hurricane Ian in 2022. Most recently, Hurricanes Debbie and Milton left devastation in their wake. In city after city—Tampa, Sarasota, Palmetto, Miami, and beyond—homeowners saw their legitimate claims denied, delayed, or drastically underpaid.
Instead of stepping in to protect consumers, Florida legislators made things worse. New laws stripped away the right to recover attorney fees, sending a clear message to carriers: Wrongfully deny claims, and you’ll face little to no consequence.
Even in a worst-case scenario—like the recent $4 million fine—it’s still a drop in the bucket compared to the profits gained from shortchanging thousands of homeowners.
The Legislative Shift That Empowered Abuse
It’s one thing to fine a company eight years after the fact. It’s another to rewrite laws that tilt the playing field entirely in favor of the insurers.
By eliminating the policyholder’s ability to recover legal fees when they win in court, the Florida Legislature has effectively silenced homeowners. Now, only the wealthiest can afford to challenge a denial. Insurance companies know this—and they’ve responded by underpaying claims without fear.
As a result, homeowners from Englewood to Venice and St. Petersburg to Ruskin have been left to fend for themselves, often without the knowledge or resources to fight back.
The Real Cost of Carrier Misconduct
Let’s be clear: Every denied or underpaid claim is a family left in crisis. At Panther Public Adjusting, we’ve seen it firsthand. Like the case where we turned a $42,000 offer into a $250,000 payout (see how we did it), or the homeowner offered just $8,700 after their house was destroyed (read their story).
The fine against Universal is a small step—but what about the countless other cases still unresolved? Homeowners shouldn’t have to wait nearly a decade for justice.
How Public Adjusters Level the Playing Field
If you’re a homeowner dealing with storm damage in Sarasota, Tampa, or anywhere in Florida, the most important decision you can make is hiring a public adjuster—from the very start.
Public adjusters work for you, not the insurance company. We:
-
- Document and photograph every inch of damage (check out our photo checklist)
-
- Navigate policy loopholes and exclusions (understand what your policy really means)
-
- Maximize your payout and speed up the process (see how public adjusters can help)
And when needed, we connect you with experienced legal partners who will go the distance—because you deserve every dollar you’re entitled to.
Don’t Wait for the State to Step In—Take Action Now
The state is just beginning to hold carriers accountable. But you don’t have to wait. If your claim has been denied, delayed, or underpaid—call Panther Public Adjusting today at 833-726-8437.
You can also email your policy to Claims@PantherPA.com for a free review. Our experts will analyze your coverage and fight to get you what you’re owed.
Want to understand more about the insurance process? Watch helpful videos on our YouTube channel, My Insurance Claim Expert. And join our Facebook group Anything About Property Insurance Claims 101 to connect with other homeowners just like you.
Florida Homeowners Deserve Better
Whether you’re in Palmetto or Saint Petersburg, Sarasota or Ruskin, the message is clear: Florida homeowners deserve protection—not predation. And until the laws change, hiring a public adjuster is the best way to protect yourself.
We’ve helped thousands recover what they were rightfully owed—and we can help you too.
✅ Contact us now to get started. ✅ Email Claims@PantherPA.com to have your policy reviewed. ✅ Call PantherPA at 833-726-8437—Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Florida deserves better—and together, we can demand it.
Looking for answers about your policy, depreciation deductions, or what happens after a claim? Start here: Depreciation Explained, What Happens When You File a Claim, and Avoid This Common Check Trap.
Why was Universal fined $4 million?
Universal was fined for fraudulently submitting numerous ineligible claims for reimbursement, violating the Florida False Claims Act.
How can a public adjuster help me?
A public adjuster works exclusively for homeowners, ensuring claims are properly documented, maximizing payouts, and speeding up the claims process.
Should I contact a public adjuster even if my claim was denied?
Yes. Public adjusters specialize in reopening denied or underpaid claims and often help homeowners secure significantly larger settlements.
What should I do immediately after my home suffers storm damage?
Contact a public adjuster immediately to assess damage, document evidence, and properly file your claim to ensure maximum compensation.
Can Panther Public Adjusting review my policy for free?
Absolutely. Email your policy to Claims@PantherPA.com or call 833-726-8437 for a no-cost policy review and consultation.