Florida’s property insurance landscape has seen sweeping legal changes over the past two years—many of which directly impact how homeowners file and fight property damage claims. In 2025, Miami residents navigating storm, water, or roof damage must understand how recent reforms affect their rights, timelines, and options when dealing with their insurance companies.

As an experienced property damage attorney, Karla Lopez-Fernandez is helping South Florida homeowners make sense of these legal reforms and protect themselves from new limitations designed to benefit insurers, not policyholders.

⚖️ Florida’s Legal Reforms: What Changed?

In response to the rising cost of insurance, widespread litigation, and increasing fraud allegations, Florida lawmakers passed several bills aimed at “reforming” the claims process. While some of these changes target bad actors, many also limit consumer rights and make it harder for homeowners to get compensated after property damage.

Key changes affecting property damage claims include:

• Reduced claim filing deadlines: Homeowners now have one year (not two) from the date of loss to file a claim, and 18 months to file a supplemental claim.
• Elimination of one-way attorney’s fees: Insurers are no longer required to pay the homeowner’s attorney fees if the homeowner wins, which discourages litigation—even in strong cases.
• Restrictions on Assignment of Benefits (AOB): Contractors and remediation companies can no longer take over the rights to a claim, leaving homeowners to handle disputes on their own.
• Mandatory arbitration clauses: Some policies now include binding arbitration agreements that limit your ability to take the case to court.

These changes shift much of the burden and risk onto the policyholder. Without proper legal support, many homeowners may unknowingly waive rights or miss critical deadlines.

🕒 Why These Changes Matter for Miami Homeowners

South Florida homes are more vulnerable to hurricanes, flooding, and roof damage than anywhere else in the state. That means more claims—and more opportunities for insurers to exploit the new rules.

Under the one-year filing deadline, for example, many homeowners affected by Hurricane Ian or more recent storms are now ineligible to file if they missed the window. Similarly, if your claim is denied or underpaid and you cannot afford litigation, the removal of one-way legal fees puts you at a serious disadvantage.

📑 Understanding Your Policy Language Is Critical

With legal reforms in place, insurance companies have begun updating their policy language to include new restrictions and limit your legal remedies. Some policies now:

• Require arbitration instead of court
• Limit your right to appraisal
• Use vague exclusions to deny claims based on “maintenance issues”

Karla Lopez-Fernandez encourages all Miami homeowners to review their policy with an attorney—not just after damage occurs, but at renewal time. Knowing your rights in advance is the best way to avoid surprises.

👩‍⚖️ How Karla Lopez-Fernandez Helps You Navigate the Changes

Karla’s legal team stays on top of all legislative and policy changes impacting Florida homeowners. When you work with her firm, you’ll receive:

• Policy reviews to identify restrictions before a dispute
• Strategic advice on when and how to file your claim
• Legal representation for denied or underpaid claims
• Arbitration and litigation services when needed

Whether you’re dealing with a new claim, a denied one, or an unexpected clause in your insurance contract, Karla provides clear, client-first legal support.

🏠 Don’t Let Legal Loopholes Cost You Your Home Repair

The laws have changed—but your right to fair treatment hasn’t. If you’re facing property damage and don’t know where to start, or you’re unsure how recent legal reforms impact your case, Karla Lopez-Fernandez is here to guide you.

Confused by Florida’s changing insurance laws? Contact Karla Lopez-Fernandez for expert legal advice and advocacy in your property damage claim.