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Denied Insurance Claims, Insurance Claims, Property Insurance Claims, Underpaid Insurance Claims
How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Pay a Claim in Florida?
When you file an insurance claim, one of the first questions you likely have is: how long will it take to get paid?
In Florida, insurance companies are required to follow specific timelines—but that doesn’t always mean they move quickly. Delays, underpayments, and stalled claims are common issues homeowners face after property damage.
Understanding your rights can help you take action if your claim is taking too long.
Florida Insurance Claim Timeline: What the Law Says
Under Florida law, insurance companies must follow certain deadlines once a claim is filed.
1. Acknowledgment of Claim — Within 14 Days
After you file a claim, the insurance company must:
- Acknowledge receipt of your claim
- Begin reviewing the details
2. Investigation Period — Ongoing
The insurer must:
- Investigate the damage
- Request any necessary documentation
- Inspect your property if needed
There is no exact deadline for the investigation itself, but it must be handled promptly and in good faith.
3. Payment or Denial — Within 90 Days
In most cases, Florida law requires insurers to:
- Pay or deny your claim within 90 days
⚠️ Important:
If the insurance company fails to meet this deadline without a valid reason, it may be considered a bad faith delay.
Claim Taking Too Long?
If your insurance claim has been delayed, you may have legal options to recover what you’re owed.
Why Do Insurance Claims Get Delayed?
Even with legal deadlines, many claims take longer than expected. Common reasons include:
- Requests for additional documentation
- Delays in scheduling inspections
- Disputes over the extent of damage
- Lowball estimates requiring revision
- Internal processing delays
In some cases, delays are intentional—used to pressure policyholders into accepting less than they deserve.
What Happens If Your Claim Takes Longer Than 90 Days?
If your claim goes beyond the 90-day window, you may have grounds to take action.
You may be able to:
- Demand a formal explanation
- Escalate the claim
- File a complaint
- Pursue legal action for bad faith
Signs Your Insurance Company Is Delaying Your Claim
Watch for these red flags:
- Long periods with no communication
- Repeated requests for the same documents
- Unexplained claim status (“pending”)
- Delayed inspections or reports
- Settlement offers that don’t match repair estimates
If you’re experiencing these issues, it may be time to explore your legal options.
How to Speed Up Your Insurance Claim
While you can’t control everything, you can take steps to avoid unnecessary delays:
- Submit all documentation promptly
- Keep records of all communications
- Follow up regularly
- Get independent repair estimates
- Document all damage thoroughly
When Should You Contact an Attorney?
You should consider speaking with a property insurance attorney if:
- Your claim is delayed beyond 90 days
- Your claim has been denied
- Your payout is lower than expected
- You’re not getting clear answers
An attorney can help you understand your rights and push your claim forward.
Don’t Let Delays Cost You
Insurance companies are required to act in good faith. If they’re not, you may be entitled to more.
Internal Resources
- What to Do If Your Insurance Claim Was Denied in Florida
- How to Fight an Underpaid Insurance Claim
- Do I Have a Claim?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an insurance company have to pay a claim in Florida?
In most cases, insurance companies must pay or deny a claim within 90 days after receiving notice of the claim.
Can an insurance company delay a claim beyond 90 days?
Only under certain circumstances. If there is no valid reason, delays beyond 90 days may be considered bad faith.
What should I do if my insurance claim is taking too long?
Follow up with your insurer, document all communications, and consider speaking with an attorney if delays continue.
Can I sue an insurance company for delay in Florida?
Yes, if the delay is unreasonable or in bad faith, you may have legal options to pursue compensation.
Find Out If You’re Owed More
If your claim has been delayed, denied, or underpaid, don’t settle for less than you deserve.
