In late August 2023, Gov. Ron Desantis warned Floridians along the Gulf Coast, especially in Florida’s Big Bend region, that Hurricane Idalia was on its way and predicted to be a major hurricane. It made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane with a brief upgrade to Category 4.
Storm surges were 12 to 16 feet high with the hurricane, taller than most city buses. The damaging winds caused power outages by downing power lines in its wake.
Floodwaters also left massive amounts of damage as Hurricane Idalia swept across Florida, heading toward Georgia and South Carolina. Many Floridians were reminded of previous disasters, such as Hurricane Lee and Hurricane Ian.
President Biden has sent support from the White House as emergency management crews begin their recovery efforts in the affected areas. Floridians are also warned to be wary of bad faith tactics used by insurance companies to save money when they become overwhelmed with claims.
Compensation Options For Hurricane Idalia Damage
Hurricane Idalia hit Florida and brought with it lots of flooding from rainfall, storm surges, and damaging winds. Hurricanes do not produce rain and wind, but tornadoes can develop with these storms. Fortunately, many homeowners can count on their insurance for restoration.
While most Floridians do have insurance, it is important for homeowners to know that in Florida, flood damage is covered under its own specific policy.
Homeowners should also keep in mind that they have three years to file a hurricane damage claim, though filing quickly is better.
If your insurance provider is refusing to pay you compensation for hurricane damage, contact Florin|Roebig today. The attorneys of Florin|Roebig are not afraid to go head-to-head with your insurance company to make sure you get what you are owed.
Types Of Hurricane And Tropical Storm Damage In Florida
Major hurricanes are classified as Category 3 and above — these storms bring with them torrential rains, extremely damaging winds that can flip cars over, power outages, and more. The higher on the category list the hurricane, the greater the chance of injuries and fatalities occurring.
Common types of hurricane and tropical storm damage include the following:
- Flood and water damage: When hurricanes make landfall, the winds they bring push water onto and over land, causing a storm surge. It creates deadly flooding that is only made worse by the torrential rainfall occurring at the same time.
- Wind damage: Hurricanes are put into motion by winds that increase with speed as they develop. These can be sustained winds of over 100 mph in some hurricane categories. These winds can flip cars, tear roofs off buildings, and cause big, heavy objects to fly into homes and businesses.
- Other hurricane damage: Hurricanes are immediately devastating, but the after-effects often lead to even more damage. Mold is a huge problem in areas that have been flooded, causing walls, carpets, and other household areas to be ruined.
How Did Hurricane Idalia Affect Taylor County?
On the afternoon of August 30, after Hurricane Idalia had moved on to Georgia and South Carolina, many Florida residents began to take stock of their business and personal properties. Below, you will find how Hurricane Idalia affected different areas of Taylor County and the Florida panhandle.
Perry
The small town of Perry, Florida, is 70 miles southeast of Tallahassee. It is just inland of where Hurricane Idalia hit and received massive amounts of damage due to the sustained 125+ mph winds, storm surge, and rain.
Residents without power turned to their generators for backup, causing extraordinarily long lines of cars waiting at gas stations for fuel. Trees were reportedly split in half and ripped from the ground, and roofs were torn off hotels, homes, and other businesses.
Steinhatchee
Steinhatchee is another small coastal town in Florida that was completely devastated by Hurricane Idalia. The damage, it is reported, only took about 15 minutes from start to finish, but it was long enough to tear the town apart.
There was more wind and water than residents had expected — a storm surge of about six feet swept through the town, destroying businesses and washing away many of the town’s docks. As the waters receded, a three-inch layer of sludge and debris was left behind.
Horseshoe Beach
Horseshoe Beach, Fla., is located on the Gulf of Mexico in the southern part of Dixie County. While Horseshoe Beach has been lucky to miss many of the major hurricanes that have hit Florida, this small fishing town was not lucky this time, receiving the full force of Idalia.
Many of the town’s long-standing businesses, such as a hotel that had been in business for over 50 years, and homes were blown down flat by the force of the 125+ mph winds. Hurricane Idalia’s storm surge knocked buildings from their foundations, and many were pushed into the canal.
Cedar Key
Cedar Key is an island about four miles off the coast of Florida, connected to the mainland by a single road. About 800 full-time residents of this community had to endure the brunt of Hurricane Idalia.
The storm surge from Hurricane Idalia actually lifted and moved many homes into the Gulf of Mexico. All kinds of debris, including microwaves, blow dryers, chairs, and other large items, were left behind. The island was left without power, water, or sewage services.
Keaton Beach
Keaton Beach is another coastal community located in the southern portion of Taylor County. It is known for its miles and miles of untouched coastal land. Due to its proximity to the town of Perry, it did not escape the damaging effects of Hurricane Idalia.
There were many homes built close to the water that were damaged by the historic storm surge, and some of these homes were dragged into the gulf when the waters receded. Trees were uprooted as well, and there is a reported horrible smell left behind.
Live Oak
Live Oak, Florida, was left in shambles after Hurricane Idalia hit. The storm surge and high winds left a wide aftermath of destruction in its wake. The force of the winds peeled the roofs off buildings while the storm surge swept buildings from their foundations.
By Friday, September 1, 100,000 residents were still without electricity. Farmers in the area reported lots of damage to their buildings, and several farmers in the area reported losing animals to flying debris.
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Steps To Take If Your Insurance Claim Is Denied Or Underpaid
Many Taylor County homeowners are beginning to find that their insurance company is trying to get away with grossly underpaying insurance claims or denying them altogether.
If you think this is happening with your claim, there are steps you can take to help rectify the situation.
1. Ask Your Insurance Adjuster For A Second Review
The very first thing you should do is contact the insurance adjuster who was assigned to your claims case. You can ask them for a second review of your property damage, which will likely come with paperwork that needs to be completed and returned as soon as possible.
Policyholders should be prepared to provide more evidence of damage caused by Hurricane Idalia, such as more photos and videos from different angles. You can also get another third-party opinion from a contractor.
2. File A Complaint Against The Insurance Company
If your insurance company has failed to grant your request for a second review, or the review failed to reverse the insurance company’s initial decision, your next option is to file a complaint. Contact the Florida Department of Financial Services (FDFS) to file a complaint.
The FDFS is responsible for overseeing complaints made against companies in the insurance industry. They will communicate on your behalf with your insurance provider, but if they are unable to reach a reasonable settlement offer, they may advise you to seek legal representation.
3. Get Help From A Hurricane Damage Attorney
If the Florida Department of Financial Services has suggested you take legal action against your insurance company, we at Florin|Roebig are ready to assist you with your case. Sometimes, showing your insurance company you are serious can make them cooperate.
Your Florin|Roebig insurance attorney will communicate with your insurance company on your behalf in order to settle outside of court. However, if your insurance company still refuses to pay you, your insurance attorney will be able to explain your case to a judge.
Benefits of Hiring a Hurricane Damage Attorney
After a hurricane hits, there is so much devastation that people are often overwhelmed just trying to get their lives back in order. Many people do not understand what a relief hiring a hurricane damage attorney can be, even if your insurance claim process is smooth.
Some of the benefits of hiring a hurricane damage attorney include:
- Attorneys will fight against underpaid claims.
- Hurricane damage attorneys can increase claim response time.
- Hurricane damage attorneys can help you build a strong claim — even if your insurance company is cooperating.
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Find Help For a Hurricane Damage Claim In Taylor County
Insurance policies are designed to help people when natural disasters and tragedies occur. Unfortunately, the overwhelmed insurance industry of Florida often resorts to bad faith and illegal tactics in order to save money.
This can be especially frustrating for those trying to rebuild their homes, businesses, and lives after a hurricane hits. If your home or business property was damaged during Hurricane Idalia, and your insurance company is being uncooperative, contact Florin|Roebig today.
By reaching out to Florin|Roebig, you allow us to get started on your free case evaluation when you come to your free consultation. Your Florin|Roebig attorney will explain all of the options available to you and whether legal action is the right option for you.
