St. Petersburg is a beautiful place to call home for over 260,000 residents. But during hurricane season, living in the serendipitous city can be as dangerous as it is beloved.
Hurricane Milton has been named one of the worst Florida hurricanes to date, resulting in torrential rains, a storm surge, high winds, and ensuing damages. Residents along the Gulf Coast, including those in St. Petersburg, suffered both personal injury and property damage as a result of the storm.
St. Petersburg residents who suffered damage during Hurricane Milton may need the help of property damage attorneys who understand Florida’s laws.
The law firm of Florin|Roebig has been helping Florida residents seek compensation for property damage claims caused by the hurricane season since 1985. We can help you during a free case evaluation today.
How Has Hurricane Milton Affected St. Petersburg?
Hurricane Milton made landfall an hour south of St. Petersburg, striking Siesta Key. In the hours before the storm hit, 38 tornadoes touched down around the state. St. Petersburg lost water for a short time, had 18 inches of rain, and sustained winds over 80 mph.
The Category 3 hurricane hit on October 9, 2024, two weeks after Hurricane Helene made landfall farther north, in Florida’s Big Bend area. While residents of the Tampa and surrounding cities were still cleaning up Helene damage, Hurricane Milton struck. Millions lost power for days, and several places that were missed by Helene ended up getting hit hard by Milton.
The most damaged areas in St. Petersburg:
Snell Isle – This once serene, upscale waterfront community has been torn apart by Milton’s powerful winds and storm surge. Homes have been ripped apart, with roofs torn off and structures flooded beyond repair. The surge pushed water far inland, leaving the entire area submerged under several feet of water.
Shore Acres – Known for its vulnerability, Shore Acres has been completely flooded by the storm surge, with nearly every home affected. The high winds knocked down trees and power lines, and floodwaters rose rapidly, leaving homes and streets destroyed. Residents have been forced to evacuate, with many homes uninhabitable.
Venetian Isles – The waterfront neighborhood of Venetian Isles has been devastated. The storm surge swallowed entire streets, and many homes were flooded to the roofline. Winds ripped through the area, causing extensive structural damage and leaving the community in ruins.
Downtown St. Petersburg (Waterfront) – The downtown waterfront area has been pummeled by Milton, with storm surge flooding streets and wind tearing through businesses and residences. Many buildings have been badly damaged or completely destroyed, and the once vibrant downtown now lies in shambles, with debris scattered across the streets.
Coquina Key – Coquina Key, an island community, has been decimated by both the storm surge and high winds. Floodwaters engulfed homes, while winds tore apart roofs and downed trees. The entire area remains underwater, with many homes severely damaged or destroyed, leaving the island virtually unrecognizable.
Reports of property damage by residents of St. Petersburg include:
- Roof damage
- Damage to carports
- Damage to pool cages
- Shed damage
- Damages to churches
- Damages to commercial buildings
Types Of Damage Caused By Hurricane Milton In St. Pete
When natural disasters like Hurricane Milton and storms before it, like Hurricane Helene, hit Florida, homeowners expect some storm damage. However, they likely also expect to have insurance coverage for the damage in order to make necessary repairs.
With the compounded damage caused by the two hurricanes, policyholders must be able to prove which storm caused what issues. Insurance companies will use the confusion to further deny claims and delay compensation.
Policyholders who are currently struggling with the claims process and believe their insurance company may be acting in bad faith do have options. A hurricane damage lawyer can help take on the adjuster and fight against lowball payouts.
The following are common types of damage caused by tropical storms and hurricanes:
- Wind damage caused by severely strong winds
- Flood damage caused by storm surges and resultant flooding
- Other water damage, such as to water wells on the property
- Other consequences, like car accidents and bodily injury
What Does Florida Property Insurance Cover For Hurricane Damage?
It’s a common misconception that if you have homeowners insurance, you are protected against hurricane flooding, one of the most common types of hurricane damage.
Unfortunately, that’s not so in most cases. Homeowners insurance in Florida includes windstorm damage insurance but not flood insurance which must be purchased separately. Having flood insurance protects policyholders from water damage due to flooding.
However, your insurance policy should cover other damages caused by the storm, such as roof damage, siding damage, and more. Keep in mind that you may have a deductible to meet before coverage kicks in.
Filing property insurance claims allows residents in Tampa, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and elsewhere to seek recourse for damages wrought by Hurricane Milton. Property owners who need help disputing a claim should get in touch with an insurance claim attorney.
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What To Do If You’ve Found Damage From Hurricane Milton
Hurricane damage can be stressful for St. Pete homeowners, but if you have insurance on your home you can file a hurricane insurance claim. Here’s how you should proceed:
1. Carefully Document All Damages
Document all damage thoroughly, no matter how small. Documentation includes taking photos with proper lighting and from many angles to capture damage as accurately as possible.
You will also need to submit your hurricane damage claim form with an itemized list of damaged property and other details to your insurance company.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
When you’ve put all the information together, send it to your insurance company. They will be able to make a determination on your claim and assist with payout.
If your insurance adjuster will not return your calls or becomes difficult to deal with, you don’t have to handle the claim alone.
3. Call A Hurricane Insurance Lawyer
If you feel your claim was underpaid for the damage you sustained, or you didn’t get paid at all, an experienced attorney with knowledge of Florida law can help you.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
St. Petersburg Hurricane Attorneys Working for You
The Florin|Roebig legal team consists of attorneys who are dedicated to providing expert legal services in St. Petersburg, Florida.
St. Pete homeowners who experience damage due to Hurricane Milton’s path through Tampa Bay have rights, and we are here to protect them.
If you need help poring over your homeowners insurance policy to ensure you should be covered, or fighting your insurance provider to get the payout you deserve, we can help.
Call for a free consultation today if you’re struggling to get paid for your Hurricane Milton or Hurricane Helene insurance claim.
