Jacksonville is a city near the east coast of Florida, in the far northeast corner of the state. On August 5th, 2024, Hurricane Debby made landfall southeast of Jacksonville near Steinhatchee in Florida’s Big Bend as a category one hurricane.
The storm brought damaging winds and heavy rains to the Jacksonville area, just days after Hurricane Debby ripped through the region, bringing major storm damage.
Although Jacksonville was well east of the Big Bends landfall, the storm still brought major impacts to the area, resulting in wind damage and water damage to many properties.
Home and business owners in Jacksonville and greater Duval County who file property damage claims after this natural disaster may find that their insurance companies make things difficult or deny their claims.
If you have any trouble with the claims process, do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced hurricane damage attorney, who can help you to hold your insurance company accountable with the threat of legal action.
Types Of Damage Caused By Hurricane Debby In Jacksonville
Hurricane Debby brought various impacts to Jacksonville and the surrounding area.
Although Jacksonville avoided the worst of Debby’s storm surge, which wiped out entire beaches and rows of oceanside properties to the southeast, heavy impacts were still felt in Jacksonville from the storm’s high winds and rainfall.
Flood damage has likely occurred in Duval County, as many streams and rivers swelled due to Debby’s heavy rainfall.
Additionally, roof damage and other property damage is likely due to Debby’s tropical-storm-force winds, flying debris, and downed trees.
The four most damaged areas in Jacksonville
1. Riverside
Riverside, one of Jacksonville’s most historic neighborhoods, is located along the St. Johns River, making it particularly vulnerable to flooding. During Hurricane Debby, Riverside experienced severe flooding due to the storm surge and heavy rainfall. The neighborhood’s iconic riverside parks and historic homes were inundated, causing extensive property damage. Many roads were impassable, and power outages affected thousands of residents. The storm’s impact emphasized the neighborhood’s susceptibility to storm surges and riverine flooding.
2. San Marco
San Marco is a vibrant neighborhood known for its beautiful architecture and bustling commercial district. The area is also located near the St. Johns River, making it prone to flooding during hurricanes. Hurricane Debby caused significant flooding in San Marco, submerging streets and causing damage to businesses and homes. The historic San Marco Square, a hub for shopping and dining, was severely impacted, with many establishments facing water damage and temporary closures. The storm highlighted the ongoing need for flood mitigation measures in this low-lying area.
3. Downtown Jacksonville
Downtown Jacksonville faced some of the most severe impacts from Hurricane Debby, with heavy rainfall leading to widespread flooding. The combination of storm surge and rain overwhelmed drainage systems, causing water to inundate streets and buildings. Many businesses in the urban core suffered extensive water damage, and infrastructure disruptions affected public transportation and emergency services. The flooding underscored the need for improved stormwater management in the city’s central business district, which is vital for economic activity.
4. Mandarin
Mandarin, a suburban neighborhood in Jacksonville, is known for its lush landscapes and historic charm. The area was severely impacted by Hurricane Debby, as the storm’s heavy rains led to flash flooding and wind damage. Several residential areas experienced fallen trees and power lines, causing prolonged outages and blocking roadways. Mandarin Park, a popular recreational area along the St. Johns River, was heavily flooded, resulting in significant damage to park facilities. The storm highlighted the neighborhood’s vulnerability to both river flooding and wind damage.
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Steps To Take After Hurricane Debby Damages Your Jacksonville Property
People across the state of Florida, including in areas like Orlando, Fort Myers, Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville, know that hurricanes will be a threat each and every year.
Still, when a disaster like Debby does strike, knowing exactly what to do can be difficult.
There are specific steps you should take after a storm to ensure that your property insurance company is held responsible for damages covered under your policy.
Follow these steps after Hurricane Debby if your Jacksonville property has been damaged:
1. Document The Damage
Once it is safe to do so, you should document damages to your entire property.
Sometimes, damage is not immediately apparent — so it is a good idea to take photos and videos of all areas of your home or business, even if you can’t see damage.
Make a list of any visible damage and keep this for your records, in addition to photos and videos. If an insurance dispute arises down the line, your documentation of damage may serve as critical evidence.
2. Make Temporary Home Or Property Repairs
If your home or business needs immediate repairs to make it usable or to prevent further damage, go ahead and make those repairs or hire someone to make them.
Make sure to keep receipts for all parts and labor. These repairs should be reimbursable by your property damage claim.
3. Know Your Insurance Coverage
Before you file a claim with your insurance company, it is a good idea to read over your homeowner’s insurance policy or other policy and make sure you understand what is and is not covered.
Knowing your policy will make the claims process smoother and prevent insurance adjusters from taking advantage of you.
4. File An Insurance Claim
When you are ready, you should file a damage claim with your property insurance company. Most policies require that policyholders file their claims within a certain time window, so the sooner you are able to do this, the better.
5. Get A Third-Party Estimate
As soon as possible, you should have a trusted contractor visit your property and assess storm damage so they can make an estimate for repair costs.
Oftentimes, insurance companies will offer a lowball settlement that is not enough to pay for needed repairs. A third-party estimate for repairs can help to hold your insurer accountable for the full amount.
6. Hire An Insurance Claims Attorney
In an ideal world, your property insurance company would swiftly process your claim and offer a fair settlement amount that covers the cost of high-quality repairs to damaged property.
Unfortunately, people often experience all sorts of issues with their insurance claims after widespread disasters like Hurricane Debby.
If you are having any trouble with your claim, you should reach out to a legal team with plenty of experience handling Florida hurricane insurance disputes.
The attorneys at Florin|Roebig law offices are standing by, ready to hold your insurance company accountable and get you a fair settlement.
When To Hire A Jacksonville Hurricane Damage Lawyer
It might not always be clear when it’s time to contact an insurance disputes lawyer for a case review.
Your insurance company is required by Florida law to process your claim in a timely manner and offer a fair settlement for damages covered under your policy.
If your property insurance company does any of the following things, contact Florin|Roebig for a free consultation immediately:
- The insurance adjuster assigned to your claim is unresponsive, does not return calls, or cannot be reached.
- Your insurance company says that you need separate flood insurance to cover damages, or that your premium and deductible are not enough to cover damages.
- The insurance company is stalling or taking too long to process your claim.
- The insurance company offers you a lowball settlement that is not enough to properly repair damage.
- The insurance company denies your claim.
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Get In Touch With A Jacksonville Hurricane Damage Claims Lawyer Today
If your Jacksonville home or business sustained damage during Hurricane Debby, the attorneys at Florin|Roebig can help. Our law firm helps Florida residents with a variety of issues, including car accident claims and personal injury claims.
We have decades of experience helping Floridians hold their property insurance companies accountable.
Call us today to schedule your free case evaluation or chat with a specialist.
