You have one year from the date of the storm to file a Hurricane Helene property damage claim.
According to Florida’s updated insurance laws, you have only one year from the date of Hurricane Helene’s landfall to file a property damage claim. This means that by September 26, 2025, your claim must be submitted to your insurance company.
Given the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene, it’s crucial not to delay. Taking swift action to file your claim will improve your chances of securing a fair payout from your insurance company.
Need help filing your Hurricane Helene claim? Contact a Gelber Law Group hurricane property damage lawyer today. Our legal team works on a contingency fee basis, which means there are zero upfront costs, and you only pay if we get you paid.
Hurricane Helene was the strongest storm to hit Florida’s Big Bend Area on record.
Hurricane Helene made landfall near Perry, Florida, as a Category 4 hurricane on September 26, 2024. With sustained winds of 140 mph and gusts reaching 155 mph, this was the most powerful hurricane ever recorded in Florida’s Big Bend area. Helene’s destructive power caused immense devastation, particularly due to the storm surge, powerful winds, and widespread flooding that extended as far south as the Tampa region.
What Should You Do If Your Home Was Damaged by Hurricane Helene?
Document the Damage
Once it is safe to do so, inspect your property and document all visible damage. Take clear photographs and videos of all damaged areas. It’s also helpful to gather any pre-storm photos to establish a “before and after” comparison for your insurance claim. You can even pull your Ring Doorbell footage to show weather conditions such as flying debris or tree branches. This evidence is critical, as the burden of proof is on the homeowner to demonstrate how the damage was caused by the hurricane.
Mitigate Further Losses
Most insurance policies require homeowners to take steps to prevent additional damage after a storm. For example, if a window was shattered or your roof was damaged, you should temporarily cover these areas to prevent water intrusion or further structural damage. Failure to take reasonable precautions could negatively impact your claim.
Why You Need a Professional Home Inspection
Not all storm damage is visible to the untrained eye. While some issues, like broken windows or roof shingles, are easy to spot, other forms of damage—such as water infiltration, foundation cracks, and mold growth—may require a professional assessment.
Florida’s recent legislative changes now give homeowners only one year to file a hurricane property damage claim. It’s critical to have a thorough inspection as soon as possible. A professional inspection can uncover hidden damage and ensure that your claim includes all necessary repairs.
We can help determine if your roof has wind uplift damage.
One of the most common yet overlooked forms of hurricane damage is wind uplift. During a hurricane like Helene, powerful winds can create pressure on your roof that leads to the breaking of waterproof seals. Once these seals are broken, water can seep in, causing internal damage that may not be immediately visible. Over time, this water damage can spread, leading to costly repairs.
If your home was in the path of Hurricane Helene, it’s critical to have your roof professionally inspected. Many homeowners don’t discover wind uplift damage until months later when water stains appear on their ceilings. By then, the damage could be extensive, and filing a claim may be more difficult if too much time has passed.
What type of Hurricane Property Damage is generally covered by your insurance policy?
While every policy is unique, most Florida homeowners insurance policies typically cover the following types of hurricane-related damage:
- Roof damage (including wind uplift)
- Broken doors and windows
- Damage from flying debris
- Wind damage
- Wind-driven water damage
- Mold growth
- Damage to personal belongings (e.g., furniture, electronics)
- Damage to outdoor structures (e.g., sheds, pools, fences)
However, it’s important to thoroughly review your policy for any exclusions or limitations.
How Gelber Law Group Can Help with Your Hurricane Helene Property Damage Claim
Navigating the complexities of filing a hurricane property damage claim can be overwhelming. At Gelber Law Group, we are here to assist you every step of the way. Our experienced attorneys will:
- Help document and file your claim properly
- Review your insurance policy for full coverage details
- Work with professionals to conduct thorough property inspections
- Negotiate with your insurance company to fight so you can receive a high and fair payout
- Provide legal support in the event your claim is delayed, denied, or underpaid
Don’t Wait to File Your Claim.
Gelber Law Group operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any fees unless we win your case. Contact us today at 954-320-0100 for a free consultation and take the first step toward recovering from Hurricane Helene.