Questions & answers · Home insurance
My Florida homeowners claim was denied or underpaid. Is there a mediation program, and what comes before a lawsuit?
Home insuranceDeniedFloridaChecked Nov 5, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-05 · Source: Florida Statutes · § 627.7015(1)-(3) «Alternative procedure for resolution of disputed property insurance claims» View original ↗
In short
- Florida runs a mediation program for home claims.
- You can use it after the insurer pays or denies.
- Before you sue, give written notice at least 10 business days ahead.
What this means
Florida has a state mediation program for disputed residential property claims. The statute says the insurer must notify you of your right to take part when the policy is issued or renewed, or when you file a first-party claim [1]. A claim becomes eligible after the insurer pays or denies under § 627.70131(7) [1]. The insurer bears the cost of mediation conferences, except as the statute provides otherwise [1]. The program does not apply to private passenger auto coverage or to liability coverage disputes [1].
Before filing suit under a property policy, Florida requires written notice of intent to initiate litigation, on a form provided by the Department of Financial Services, at least 10 business days before filing suit. The notice may not be given before the insurer has made a coverage determination [2]. The insurer must respond in writing within 10 business days after receiving the notice [2].
Your next step
+ deadline (Florida): the presuit notice must be given at least 10 business days before a suit [2].
Where this comes from (2)
[1] Florida Statutes · § 627.7015(1)-(3) «Alternative procedure for resolution of disputed property insurance claims» · checked 2026-11-05
At the time of issuance and renewal of a policy or at the time a first-party claim within the scope of this section is filed by the policyholder, the insurer shall notify the policyholder of its right to participate in the mediation program under this section. A claim becomes eligible for mediation after the insurer complies with s. 627.70131(7) … The costs of mediation must be reasonable, and the insurer must bear a…
[2] Florida Statutes · § 627.70152(3)(a), (4) «Suits arising under a property insurance policy» · checked 2026-11-05
As a condition precedent to filing a suit under a property insurance policy, a claimant must provide the department with written notice of intent to initiate litigation on a form provided by the department. Such notice must be given at least 10 business days before filing suit under the policy, but may not be given before the insurer has made a determination of coverage under s. 627.70131. … An insurer must respond i…
How we found this
We matched your question to 2 official sources, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-05.
What we don’t know yet
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This answer quotes the official sources listed above, with the date we checked them. Your own policy, notice and state rules control. We are not your lawyer or your insurer. We don’t file, argue or negotiate claims for you — you send any letter or form yourself.
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