I have been an insurance agent in Florida for over 35 years. I grew up in my family's agency, and have owned two myself. I have also been the state manager for an insurance company and worked for the DFS (Florida's version of Department of Insurance). I am mostly a commercial agent, but have done it all.

Another thing to consider in Florida is you can be your own general contractor which means you are eligible for an additional 20% on your claim in overhead and profit on the job. Consider proximate cause for other damage. This is how insurance is determined to qualify for a claim on other items.

Also, if you work with unlicensed contractors you are not obligated to pay them, be sure and check. If the contractors do not show you and you do not verify if they have workers compensation or are exempt, and they are injured you just adopted another child.

Never take the first offer by an insurance adjuster, most companies will try and get out of paying the full amount they owe you. The better ones will pay at arbitration. South Florida has been tough for homeowners since Andrew. It, along with the rest of the state will have it even tougher over the next few years.

Never hire an independent adjuster. They are mostly all criminals. They should be outlawed. They cannot strong arm an insurance company to do anything. If you feel you are not being treated fair, hire an attorney, they can litigate.

Independent adjusters are grifters praying on people who thing they stand to gain more from their claim than is justified by the policy contract. Most companies will be even tighter if you are dealing with them.

Good information in your article. I hope you fair well over there.