HOA Fire Insurance Claims in Florida
An HOA fire claim is decided by the master policy — and by whether the board is forced to assess
When fire or smoke moves through attached homes, an HOA’s recovery turns on how the master policy responds across shared structures and common areas, how smoke and water damage to units is allocated, and whether code upgrades on rebuild are covered. What the board can’t see in the carrier’s estimate is the gap between the offer and the association’s full insured value — the gap that lands on owners as a special assessment. That is exactly the gap we close.
When a fire affects a condominium or homeowners association, the damage extends beyond individual units. Public Loss Adjusters, LLC represents Florida HOAs and condominium associations to coordinate full recovery under master policy coverage. We ensure both common areas and affected units are properly documented and valued.
Understanding HOA Fire Coverage
Most HOA master policies cover the building envelope and shared structures. Unit owners’ policies (HO-6) cover interiors and contents. Coordinating these claims requires strict compliance with §626.854 and §627.70131, Florida Statutes. We manage documentation and communication for both carrier and board representatives.
Typical Issues in HOA Fire Claims
- Disputes over responsibility between master and unit policies.
- Code upgrade and ordinance-and-law coverage conflicts.
- Smoke or soot migration across multiple units.
- Delayed restoration due to board approvals.
Our Process
- Board authorization and letter of representation.
- Property-wide inspection, drone imaging, and scope creation.
- Coordination with carrier adjusters for each structure segment.
- Appraisal or mediation if valuation disputes arise.
⏰ Underpaid or closed out on a past commercial claim? Florida law may still give you a window.
Separate from the §627.70131 response deadlines, Fla. Stat. 627.70132 gives a policyholder a running window to reopen or supplement a property claim. The clock starts on the date of loss, not the day you discover the shortfall — so on older hurricane and water losses you may have far less time than you think.
Your policy’s own notice terms can be shorter, and every claim is different. Whether a past loss can still be reopened — and what the carrier left unpaid — is exactly what we assess. Call (352) 353-4556.
General information about Florida claim deadlines under Fla. Stat. 627.70132, not legal advice. Windows run from the date of loss and vary by claim and policy; your policy’s prompt-notice terms may be shorter — contact us to confirm specific deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an HOA and a unit owner file separate claims?
Yes. The HOA files for common property; unit owners file for interior finishes and contents. Both can proceed concurrently.
Who decides to hire a public adjuster?
The board of directors votes to authorize representation and signs the Letter of Representation under §626.854.
Are board members personally liable?
No. The association, not individuals, is the insured entity for common-area claims.
Notice: This page provides general information for Florida policyholders and does not constitute legal advice. Public Loss Adjusters, LLC, License A161638. Consistent with §626.854 and §627.70131, Florida Statutes.
Talk to a Florida Public Adjuster
Public Loss Adjusters, LLC • PO Box 560404, Montverde, FL 34756 • 352-353-4556 • rmack@placlaim.com
All commercial property damage · Hotel & hospitality · Office · Multi-family · Condo/HOA · Business interruption · Water · Fire · Appraisal & mediation
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Tell us about the loss and a licensed public adjuster will review your commercial claim — no cost, no obligation. We represent property owners, boards and managers, not the carrier, and we are paid only on what we recover.