Hurricane Helene & Milton One-Year Check-Up: Are You Leaving Money on the Table?
One Year Later: What Helene and Milton Taught Us About Claims
It’s been nearly a year since Hurricanes Helene and Milton tore across Central and West Florida. In the immediate aftermath, thousands of homeowners filed claims for roof damage, water intrusion, structural loss, and destruction of personal property.
But if you settled too quickly—or accepted a payout that didn’t cover the full cost of repairs—you may still have time to reopen your hurricane claim and recover more.
Many Tampa Bay homeowners don’t realize that Florida law allows you to reopen a hurricane claim for up to two years from the date of loss. If new damage appears, repair costs increase, or the original settlement was insufficient, you have the right to request a supplemental claim or complete reassessment.
Why Reopening a Hurricane Claim Might Be Necessary
1. Damage Was Missed or Undervalued
In the chaos that follows a hurricane, insurance adjusters are often stretched thin. Many claims are rushed, with inspections lasting just minutes. If your adjuster missed attic moisture, roof underlayment issues, or hidden water damage, your payout may have been too low.
A qualified public adjuster can help you reopen your hurricane claim and recover compensation for overlooked or underestimated damage.
2. New Issues Are Appearing
Some damage doesn’t show up right away. Over time, you may notice:
- Mold growth in walls or ceilings
- Cracking drywall or shifting foundation
- Roof leaks during unrelated rain events
- Warping floors or sagging ceilings
If these issues stem from Hurricane Helene or Milton, you can file a supplemental claim within Florida’s statutory window.
3. Repair Costs Were Higher Than Expected
Maybe your insurance company approved partial repairs or sent a check that didn’t come close to covering licensed contractor estimates. If you had to pay out of pocket to complete necessary work, you can reopen your hurricane claim and seek additional reimbursement.
What the Law Says About Reopening a Hurricane Claim in Florida
Under Florida Statute 627.70132, homeowners have two years from the date of loss to reopen or supplement a property insurance claim.
You may qualify to reopen your claim if:
- You have new evidence or damage not previously included
- Your original payout was based on incomplete information
- Repairs uncovered additional damage
- You were pressured into accepting a low settlement
- Your claim was denied, but you have reason to challenge it
This applies to claims from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which occurred in 2024. Most homeowners still have until late 2025 to take action.
What You Need to Reopen a Hurricane Claim
Reopening a claim isn’t automatic. You’ll need to show why the original payout was insufficient and provide supporting documentation. A public adjuster can help you prepare:
- Before-and-after photos
- Moisture readings or mold assessments
- Licensed contractor estimates
- Invoices showing additional costs
- Roof inspection reports or engineering documentation
- Evidence of newly discovered damage
This information creates the foundation of a supplemental or reopened hurricane claim and strengthens your case for additional compensation.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make After a Hurricane
Even well-intentioned policyholders can accidentally weaken their claim. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Accepting a low offer without question
- Throwing away damaged materials before documentation
- Making permanent repairs before a full inspection
- Assuming the first check is the final payout
- Missing the 2-year reopening window
If you made any of these mistakes but still have time, speaking to a public adjuster can help you recover funds you may have left on the table.
Signs You May Have Settled for Too Little
If any of these sound familiar, you may want to reopen your hurricane claim:
- You paid out of pocket for repairs not included in your claim
- Your neighbors received significantly more for similar damage
- Your insurer “patched” the damage that later worsened
- Mold or structural issues appeared after your claim was closed
- You didn’t have a public adjuster or contractor present during the inspection
How a Public Adjuster Helps Reopen a Hurricane Claim
A public adjuster works exclusively for you, not the insurance company. They can:
- Inspect your property for missed or worsening damage
- Review your policy and original claim
- Gather expert estimates and documentation
- Submit a detailed supplemental claim
- Negotiate for the full amount you’re owed
- Represent you in disputes, mediation, or appraisal
Because they’re paid on contingency, public adjusters are incentivized to recover the maximum amount available, and only get paid if you do.
Reopening a Denied Claim
Was your claim from Hurricane Helene or Milton denied altogether? That doesn’t mean it’s over.
Claims are often denied due to vague wording like:
- “Pre-existing damage”
- “Failure to maintain property”
- “Excluded peril”
- “Late reporting”
Suppose you’ve received a denial letter but believe your damage was storm-related. In that case, a public adjuster can help dispute or supplement the claim with new evidence or a legal interpretation of your policy.
Deadline Alert: Don’t Wait Too Long
The two-year window for reopening a hurricane claim is strict. Once the deadline passes, it’s challenging to reopen a file, even with new evidence.
Don’t assume your claim was handled fairly just because you received a check. Take a second look, especially if:
- You made out-of-pocket repairs
- Damage has worsened
- The initial estimate seemed too low
- You accepted the offer without expert input
Ready to Reopen Your Hurricane Claim?
If you filed a claim after Helene or Milton and suspect you were underpaid—or if you were denied entirely—now is the time to act. You may still be eligible to reopen your hurricane claim and secure the compensation you deserve.
Right Way Public Adjusting specializes in hurricane-related property claims across Tampa Bay and Central West Florida. We help homeowners document hidden or delayed damage, review past claims, and fight for the full recovery amount under their policy.
Schedule a Free Claim Review Today
Call (877) 744-8929
We serve Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and the surrounding areas.
If Hurricane Helene or Milton impacted your home, don’t let a rushed claim—or a quiet denial—keep you from the settlement you’re owed.
With years of experience in the insurance industry and a deep understanding of policy intricacies, Hunter is dedicated to providing a personalized approach to each client’s unique situation. With a passion for advocating on behalf of policyholders, he established Right Way Public Adjusting to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing property damage challenges.
