In 2023, Florida lawmakers promised relief for homeowners by passing sweeping changes to the state's insurance laws. The goal was clear: reduce lawsuits, lower premiums, and stabilize Florida's struggling insurance market. But new data shows that instead of protecting homeowners, the reforms may have tilted the scales even further in favor of insurance companies.

At Taylor, Warren, Weidner, Hancock & Barnes (“TWWHB”), our Pensacola-based plaintiff's firm has seen firsthand how insurance companies often shamelessly delay, deny, and underpay claims. We believe it's critical for Florida homeowners to understand what's happening and what steps you can take if your own claim is unfairly handled.

The 2023 Insurance Reform: What Changed?

We reported on the sweeping changes, multiple times, when they were being enacted because Florida's new laws targeted the legal rights of policyholders.  We even pointed out back in 2023 what this article has again determined—that the legislators' claim the law changes were needed as a result of rising lawsuits was not true.  Rather, internal mismanagement by insurance companies and improper claim delay and denial caused the insurance crisis, not claim litigation.  

It is not hard to see why lobbyists and legislators had wanted to point to allegedly increasing litigation to get the changes enacted.  They were very favorable to insurance companies by enacting the following key changes:

• Reduced deadlines (shorter statutes of limitations (aka deadlines) to file claims).
• Restrictions on attorney's fees, eliminating many “one-way attorney's fees” where insurers used to pay the homeowner's lawyer if the homeowner won in court.  This change left homeowners with almost no ability to hold insurance companies accountable.  Thankfully, it seemed courts were initially only willing to apply this substantial change proactively—meaning only to policies issued after the new law went into effect, not before. 
• Procedural hurdles that make it harder for homeowners to challenge wrongful denials.

On paper, this was supposed to clean up and “fix” Florida's insurance market. But in practice, it left many homeowners with fewer tools to fight back.

What's Really Happening?  Denials, Lawsuits, Premiums All Rising

The Washington Post recently analyzed insurance claim data and found troubling trends:

• More denied claims: Nearly half of all homeowner damage claims in Florida in 2024 were closed without any payment—the highest rate in a decade.
• Lawsuits remain high: Due to the staggering number of claims closed without payment, 13% of denied claims led to lawsuits in 2024—among the highest litigation rates in the nation.
• Premiums keep climbing: Despite promises of relief, many Floridians are paying staggering premiums—some of the steepest homeowner insurance premiums in the country.

The bottom line?  Florida insurers are saving millions by paying fewer claims, while homeowners were left with higher premiums and fewer tools to fight back when their claims are wrongfully denied or delayed.

Why This Matters to You

When disaster strikes—a hurricane, fire, or storm—Pensacola homeowners like you often suffer damage to their largest investment and greatest source of security: your home. You pay premiums for peace of mind. But if your insurance company denies your claim or offers a lowball settlement, you could be left struggling to rebuild.

The 2023 reforms were designed to discourage lawsuits. But the truth is, many lawsuits exist because insurers refuse to pay what's fair. These are not “frivolous” cases.  They're hardworking homeowners demanding the coverage they were promised, which their insurance company is wrongfully refusing.

Protecting Yourself After a Denied Claim

If your claim is denied or underpaid, in addition to our Six Steps to Take After a Storm and our FREE After the Storm Guide here's what you can do to protect your rights:

1. Document everything: Take photos and video of damage, keep receipts, and save every communication with your insurer.  Here is a helpful article on how to keep accurate records.
2. Don't accept the first lowball offer without review: Many initial settlements are far below what's needed for full repairs.
3. Know your deadlines: Florida law now gives you less time to challenge a claim. Act quickly.
4. Seek legal help early: With attorney's fees harder to recover, insurers are banking on homeowners giving up. Speaking to an experienced insurance dispute lawyer ensures you know your options and make the best choices to protect your rights.

How Taylor, Warren, Weidner, Hancock & Barnes Can Help

At TWWHB, our attorneys have built our practice on fighting for Florida homeowners and policyholders—not big insurance companies.  We have never represented insurance companies, and we never will.

• We handle insurance disputes of all sizes, from storm damage to denied roof and water claims.
• We know the tricks insurers use to delay or deny valid claims.
• We give our clients a local advantage: real Pensacola attorneys, not billboard lawyers from out of town.

If your insurer has denied your claim, offered far less than you need to rebuild, or closed your case without payment, we can help you evaluate your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Final Takeaway

The Florida insurance reforms were sold as a way to protect homeowners. Instead, the data shows they've left homeowners with fewer protections and higher costs.

If you find yourself battling an insurance company, remember this: you don't have to fight alone. At TWWHB, we stand with Florida families — holding insurers accountable and helping you get the results you deserve.

Call or contact us today to schedule a consultation.