# Fuxa & Tyler
> https://www.gft.law
> Last Updated: 2026-09-09

Fuxa & Tyler helps property owners throughout the state of Florida who are having disputes with their insurance company over property damage claims. Our firm represents homeowners, condominium owners, business owners, and other types of building owners in first-party and third-party coverage disputes, liability and damage disputes, hurricane claims and bad-faith insurance practices. If you have been working with a public adjuster, or if you are a public adjuster who recognizes the need for professional legal assistance, our office can help. Contact the experienced Florida insurance claims lawyers at Fuxa & Tyler for a free consultation.

## Contact
- Phone: +1-954-990-5251
- Address: 490 Sawgrass Corporate Pkwy, Suite 110, Sunrise, FL 33325

## Locations
- Sunrise, FL - +1-954-990-5251
  Areas served: Clearwater, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Sunrise, Tampa

## Practice Areas
- Insurance Claims
- Insurance Disputes
- Insurance Claim Arbitration
- Managed Repair Disputes
- Right to Repair Disputes
- First-Party Property Coverage
- Bad Faith Insurance Claims
- Denied Insurance Claims
- Hurricane Damage
- Preparing Your Insurance Claim
- Insurance Claim Appraisals
- Insurance Coverage Disputes
- Property Insurance Claims
- Construction Defects
- 558 Construction Defect Claims
- Faulty Roof Construction
- Roof Damage Insurance Claims
- Roof Defect
- Roof Leak Insurance Claims
- Negligent Roofing Work

## Attorneys
- Andrew Fuxa: https://www.gft.law/team/andrew-fuxa/
  Mr. Fuxa began his professional career almost 30 years ago as a property restoration contractor, having completed hundreds of residential and commercial property damage restoration projects.
- Jeremy F. Tyler: https://www.gft.law/team/jeremy-f-tyler/
  Mr. Tyler’s legal work on behalf of policyholders is primarily focused on cases in federal court, appeals, and dispositive motions.
- Xavier W. Rojas: https://www.gft.law/team/xavier-w-rojas/
  In early 2015, Mr. Rojas was hired into Fuxa & Tyler, where he continues to apply his varied experiences and knowledge to the practice of first party property litigation.
- Gilberto J. Barreto: https://www.gft.law/team/gilberto-j-barreto/
  Mr. Barreto is AV rated in the civil litigation and insurance fields and is fluent in Spanish. He is admitted to the Florida Bar as well as the United States District Court for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida.
- Maria Diaz: https://www.gft.law/team/maria-diaz/
  Maria F. Diaz is a seasoned property damage insurance litigation attorney dedicated to advocating for insureds' rights.
- Jesse Long: https://www.gft.law/team/jesse-long/
  Jesse Long is a trusted advocate for policyholders in complex property insurance disputes, known for delivering strategic, results-driven representation against insurance carriers.

## Key Pages
- Homepage: https://www.gft.law/
- Attorneys: https://www.gft.law/team/
- Blog: https://www.gft.law/blog/
- Contact: https://www.gft.law/contact/

## Social Profiles
- https://www.facebook.com/gftlawfirm/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/gftlawfirm/
- https://www.instagram.com/thehurricaneactionteam/
- https://www.gft.law/

## Reviews
- Rating: 5/5 based on 133 reviews

## Practice Area Details

### Florida Insurance Claims & Property Damage Lawyers
https://www.gft.law/
Fuxa & Tyler is a law firm helping property owners throughout the state of Florida who are having disputes with their insurance company over property damage claims.

### Florida Insurance Claims Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/insurance-claims/
Contact Florida insurance lawyers at Fuxa & Tyler for a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your property and your financial well-being.

### Florida Construction Defects Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/florida-construction-defects-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler represents homeowners, condominium associations, and property owners in all types of construction defect disputes, contact us today.

### Florida Hurricane Damage Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/florida-hurricane-damage-lawyer/
Florida's geographical location makes it a prime target for hurricanes. Contact the skilled Florida hurricane damage lawyers at Fuxa & Tyler, today.

### Florida Hurricane Helene Insurance Claims Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/florida-hurricane-helene-insurance-claims-lawyer/
Anyone who sustained hurricane damage in Florida after Hurricane Helene needs to seek legal help with their hurricane insurance claim, contact Fuxa & Tyler.

### Florida Hurricane Milton Insurance Claims Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/florida-hurricane-milton-insurance-claims-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler can assist you. Contact our experienced Florida Hurricane Milton insurance claims lawyer today.

### Florida Insurance Claim Arbitration Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/florida-insurance-claim-arbitration-lawyer/
Florida insurance claim arbitration lawyers at Fuxa & Tyler ensure that the homeowner’s rights, interests, and financial protections remain fully intact.

### Florida Property Insurance Claims Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/florida-property-insurance-claims/
Our team of Florida property insurance lawyers recognize how complicated the claims process is, contact Fuxa & Tyler for assistance.

### Florida Managed Repair Disputes Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/florida-managed-repair-disputes-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler covers every type of managed repair dispute, stepping in when insurers assume control of repairs, cut corners, or fail to protect the policyholder.

### Florida Right to Repair Disputes Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/florida-right-to-repair-disputes-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler represents homeowners and property owners across Florida who find themselves stuck in right-to-repair disputes. Contact our firm today.

### Florida 558 Construction Defect Claims Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/florida-558-construction-defect-claims-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler represents homeowners and associations throughout Florida in 558 construction defect claims, using detailed investigation & strategic negotiation.

### Florida Roof Defect Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/florida-roof-defect-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler represents Florida property owners dealing with defective roofing materials or installation errors that have led to serious structural damage.

### Florida Faulty Roof Construction Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/florida-faulty-roof-construction-lawyer/
Poor workmanship during roof construction can lead to costly damage over time, and Fuxa & Tyler is ready to help Florida homeowners pursue legal remedies.

### Florida Negligent Roofing Work Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/florida-negligent-roofing-work-lawyer/
If a roofer performed substandard work on your Florida home, Fuxa & Tyler can help you pursue a negligence claim and recover damages for the resulting harm.

### Clearwater Roof Defect Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/clearwater-roof-defect-lawyer/
Defective roofing in your Clearwater home can compromise safety and property value, and Fuxa & Tyler is prepared to pursue claims against responsible parties.

### Clearwater Faulty Roof Construction Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/clearwater-faulty-roof-construction-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler helps Clearwater homeowners hold contractors accountable for faulty roof construction that has caused significant damage or financial losses.

### Clearwater Negligent Roofing Work Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/clearwater-negligent-roofing-work-lawyer/
Negligent roofing work in Clearwater can leave your home vulnerable to water intrusion and damage, and Fuxa & Tyler is here to help you seek justice.

### Clearwater Construction Defects Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/clearwater-construction-defects-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler represents Clearwater property owners in construction defect cases, pursuing compensation from contractors who failed to meet building standards.

### Fort Lauderdale Roof Defect Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/fort-lauderdale-roof-defect-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler represents Fort Lauderdale property owners harmed by defective roofing products or installation, seeking full compensation for all related damages.

### Fort Lauderdale Faulty Roof Construction Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/fort-lauderdale-faulty-roof-construction-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler holds Fort Lauderdale roofing contractors accountable for faulty construction work that leaves homeowners facing costly repairs and damage.

### Fort Lauderdale Negligent Roofing Work Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/fort-lauderdale-negligent-roofing-work-lawyer/
When a roofing contractor in Fort Lauderdale performs negligent work, Fuxa & Tyler steps in to help homeowners pursue the legal remedies available to them.

### Fort Lauderdale Construction Defects Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/fort-lauderdale-construction-defects-lawyer/
Construction defect claims in Fort Lauderdale require skilled legal help, and Fuxa & Tyler has the experience to hold builders and contractors responsible.

### Orlando Roof Defect Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/orlando-roof-defect-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler helps Orlando homeowners seek compensation from contractors or manufacturers responsible for defective roofing that has led to property damage.

### Orlando Faulty Roof Construction Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/orlando-faulty-roof-construction-lawyer/
Shoddy roof construction can leave an Orlando home exposed to serious damage, and Fuxa & Tyler pursues claims against contractors who cut corners on the job.

### Orlando Negligent Roofing Work Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/orlando-negligent-roofing-work-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler represents Orlando property owners who have suffered losses due to a roofing contractor performing careless or substandard work on their home.

### Orlando Construction Defects Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/orlando-construction-defects-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler assists Orlando property owners in pursuing construction defect claims against builders who failed to meet acceptable workmanship standards.

### Sarasota Roof Defect Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/sarasota-roof-defect-lawyer/
When defective roofing materials or workmanship damages your Sarasota home, Fuxa & Tyler is prepared to pursue the responsible parties on your behalf.

### Sarasota Faulty Roof Construction Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/sarasota-faulty-roof-construction-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler represents Sarasota homeowners harmed by faulty roof construction, seeking damages from contractors who failed to meet acceptable standards.

### Sarasota Negligent Roofing Work Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/sarasota-negligent-roofing-work-lawyer/
A negligent roofer can leave your Sarasota home at risk for years of costly damage, and Fuxa & Tyler is prepared to pursue legal action on your behalf.

### Sarasota Construction Defects Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/sarasota-construction-defects-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler helps Sarasota property owners build strong legal cases against contractors and builders responsible for construction defects and substandard work.

### St. Petersburg Roof Defect Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/st-petersburg-roof-defect-lawyer/
When defective roofing damages your St. Petersburg property, Fuxa & Tyler takes on contractors and manufacturers to recover the compensation you are owed.

### St. Petersburg Faulty Roof Construction Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/st-petersburg-faulty-roof-construction-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler represents St. Petersburg homeowners in claims against roofing contractors whose faulty construction caused significant damage and expense.

### St. Petersburg Negligent Roofing Work Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/st-petersburg-negligent-roofing-work-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler stands up for St. Petersburg property owners whose homes were damaged by roofing contractors who failed to perform their work with reasonable care.

### St. Petersburg Construction Defects Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/st-petersburg-construction-defects-lawyer/
Property owners in St. Petersburg rely on Fuxa & Tyler for skilled legal representation in construction defect cases involving contractors and home builders.

### Sunrise Roof Defect Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/sunrise-roof-defect-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler represents Sunrise property owners who have suffered losses due to defective roofing, pursuing claims against contractors and manufacturers alike.

### Sunrise Faulty Roof Construction Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/sunrise-faulty-roof-construction-lawyer/
Faulty roof construction in Sunrise can lead to water damage and costly repairs, and Fuxa & Tyler holds negligent contractors accountable for their work.

### Sunrise Negligent Roofing Work Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/sunrise-negligent-roofing-work-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler fights for Sunrise homeowners harmed by substandard roofing work, pursuing compensation for all repairs and losses caused by contractor negligence.

### Sunrise Construction Defects Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/sunrise-construction-defects-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler helps Sunrise property owners pursue construction defect claims and recover damages from contractors responsible for structural or code issues.

### Tampa Roof Defect Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/tampa-roof-defect-lawyer/
When defective roofing materials or workmanship puts your Tampa home at risk, Fuxa & Tyler pursues claims against the contractors or manufacturers responsible.

### Tampa Faulty Roof Construction Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/tampa-faulty-roof-construction-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler represents Tampa homeowners who experienced property damage and financial loss resulting from faulty roof construction by negligent contractors.

### Tampa Negligent Roofing Work Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/tampa-negligent-roofing-work-lawyer/
A Tampa roofer who performs careless or substandard work can cause lasting damage to your home, and Fuxa & Tyler is ready to help you seek compensation.

### Tampa Construction Defects Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/tampa-construction-defects-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler provides experienced legal help for Tampa property owners pursuing construction defect claims against builders who failed to deliver quality work.

### Clearwater Hurricane Helene Insurance Claims Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/clearwater-hurricane-helene-insurance-claims-lawyer/
Clearwater property owners who sustained any type of hurricane damage as a result of Hurricane Helene should seek assistance from the firm of Fuxa & Tyler.

### Clearwater Hurricane Milton Insurance Claims Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/clearwater-hurricane-milton-insurance-claims-lawyer/
Was your Hurricane Milton insurance claim denied in Clearwater, contact our experienced Clearwater Hurricane Milton insurance claims lawyer today.

### Fort Lauderdale Hurricane Helene Insurance Claims Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/fort-lauderdale-hurricane-helene-insurance-claims-lawyer/
At Fuxa & Tyler, our Fort Lauderdale Hurricane Helene insurance claims lawyer can help you overcome them and ensure your best interests are always protected. Call us today at (954) 990-5251

### Orlando Hurricane Milton Insurance Claims Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/orlando-hurricane-milton-insurance-claims-lawyer/
There are many benefits to hiring an Orlando Hurricane Milton insurance claims lawyer. We can fully review the insurance contract to see if your loss is covered.

### Sarasota Hurricane Milton Insurance Claims Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/sarasota-hurricane-milton-insurance-claims-lawyer/
Contact Fuxa & Tyler to speak with a Sarasota Hurricane Milton insurance claims lawyer, we can help.

### St. Petersburg Hurricane Helene Insurance Claims Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/st-petersburg-hurricane-helene-insurance-claims-lawyer/
Contact our experienced St. Petersburg Hurricane Helene insurance claims lawyer to get assistance with your hurricane insurance claim today.

### St. Petersburg Hurricane Milton Insurance Claims Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/st-petersburg-hurricane-milton-insurance-claims-lawyer/
Was your St. Petersburg area property damaged by Hurricane Milton? Now is the time to seek legal advice about your hurricane insurance claim.

### Sunrise Denied Insurance Claims Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/sunrise-denied-insurance-claims-lawyer/
Fuxa & Tyler, our Sunrise denied insurance claims lawyer can work on your behalf to uphold your best interests and help you obtain the best possible outcome. Call us today at (954) 990-5251

### Sunrise Hurricane Milton Insurance Claims Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/sunrise-hurricane-milton-insurance-claims-lawyer/
If you are still trying to recover from Hurricane Milton, do not go through the process alone. At Fuxa & Tyler, our Sunrise Hurricane Milton insurance claims lawyer can help you navigate the process so you receive the full compensation you need.

### Tampa Boat Insurance Claims Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/tampa-boat-insurance-claims-lawyer/
Request a consultation today with our Tampa boat insurance lawyer. To get the maximum compensation for your claim, call or contact us online.

### Tampa Hurricane Helene Insurance Claims Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/tampa-hurricane-helene-insurance-claims-lawyer/
For caring, personalized service and fierce legal representation, contact our office to schedule a consultation with our Tampa Hurricane Helene insurance claims lawyer today.

### Tampa Hurricane Insurance Claims Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/tampa-hurricane-insurance-claims-lawyer/
Get trusted, local legal help from our Tampa hurricane insurance claims lawyer to protect your rights.

### Tampa Hurricane Milton Insurance Claims Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/tampa-hurricane-milton-insurance-claims-lawyer/
Our Hurricane Milton insurance claims lawyer protects your rights in dealing with insurers in the aftermath, fighting to get you the compensation you deserve.

### Tampa Insurance Disputes Lawyer
https://www.gft.law/tampa-insurance-disputes-lawyer/
Our Tampa insurance disputes lawyer takes on insurers and fights to get what you are entitled to in your claim. Fuxa & Tyler has extensive experience handling complex insurance disputes.

## Recent Articles

### Appeals Court Cancels $335,000 Jury Award in Florida Property Insurance Lawsuit
https://www.gft.law/blog/appeals-court-cancels-335000-jury-award-in-florida-property-insurance-lawsuit/ (2026-09-09)
At Fuxa & Tyler, our legal team is made up of a diverse combination of attorneys who are well-positioned to protect the legal rights and financial interests of policyholders.

### Hurricane Season Begins to Take Shape in Florida With New Flooding Warnings
https://www.gft.law/blog/hurricane-season-begins-to-take-shape-in-florida-with-new-flooding-warnings/ (2026-09-08)
At Fuxa & Tyler, our legal team is made up of a diverse combination of attorneys who are well-positioned to protect the legal rights and financial interests of policyholders.

### Why Wildfires Elsewhere in the US Will Make Fort Lauderdale Property Insurance More Expensive
https://www.gft.law/blog/why-wildfires-elsewhere-in-the-us-will-make-fort-lauderdale-property-insurance-more-expensive/ (2026-09-04)
At Fuxa & Tyler, our legal team is made up of a diverse combination of attorneys who are well-positioned to protect the legal rights and financial interests of policyholders.

### Impact Windows: Can They Reduce Your Home Insurance in Fort Lauderdale?
https://www.gft.law/blog/impact-windows-can-they-reduce-your-home-insurance-in-fort-lauderdale/ (2026-09-03)
At Fuxa & Tyler, our legal team is made up of a diverse combination of attorneys who are well-positioned to protect the legal rights and financial interests of policyholders.

### Insurance Companies in Florida Are Raking in the Profits: Who’s Paying For It?
https://www.gft.law/blog/insurance-companies-in-florida-are-raking-in-the-profits-whos-paying-for-it/ (2026-08-10)
At Fuxa & Tyler, our legal team is made up of a diverse combination of attorneys who are well-positioned to protect the legal rights and financial interests of policyholders.

### Citizens Bill Dies in Florida, Forcing Homeowners to Continue With Arbitration
https://www.gft.law/blog/citizens-bill-dies-in-florida-forcing-homeowners-to-continue-with-arbitration/ (2026-08-09)
At Fuxa & Tyler, our legal team is made up of a diverse combination of attorneys who are well-positioned to protect the legal rights and financial interests of policyholders.

### Insurer Faces Allegations of Secretly Cutting Hail Damage Payouts
https://www.gft.law/blog/insurer-faces-allegations-of-secretly-cutting-hail-damage-payouts/ (2026-08-04)
At Fuxa & Tyler, our legal team is made up of a diverse combination of attorneys who are well-positioned to protect the legal rights and financial interests of policyholders.

### Trump Administration Plans to Shift Flood Insurance From FEMA to the Private Market
https://www.gft.law/blog/trump-administration-plans-to-shift-flood-insurance-from-fema-to-the-private-market/ (2026-08-03)
At Fuxa & Tyler, our legal team is made up of a diverse combination of attorneys who are well-positioned to protect the legal rights and financial interests of policyholders.

### Property Insurance Costs Are Contributing to Foreclosures in Florida
https://www.gft.law/blog/property-insurance-costs-are-contributing-to-foreclosures-in-florida/ (2026-07-28)
At Fuxa & Tyler, our legal team is made up of a diverse combination of attorneys who are well-positioned to protect the legal rights and financial interests of policyholders.

### New Predictions Released for Hurricane Season 2026 in Fort Lauderdale
https://www.gft.law/blog/new-predictions-released-for-hurricane-season-2026-in-fort-lauderdale/ (2026-07-27)
At Fuxa & Tyler, our legal team is made up of a diverse combination of attorneys who are well-positioned to protect the legal rights and financial interests of policyholders.

## Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know whether my roof failed because of negligence or just age?
A: A forensic roofing consultant or licensed home inspector with construction defect experience can evaluate the failure and give an opinion on causation. They look at things like the age of the materials versus how they performed, whether failure patterns are consistent with manufacturing wear or installation error, and whether the work meets current Florida Building Code standards. That expert opinion is often the foundation of the entire claim.

Q: Can I sue a roofer who is no longer in business?
A: Possibly, yes. If the contractor was licensed, they may have been required to carry general liability insurance, and that policy may still be in force for claims arising during the policy period. Additionally, if the contractor operated as a corporation or LLC, there may be grounds to pierce the corporate veil in certain fraud or misconduct situations. An attorney can investigate the contractor's insurance history, licensing records, and business filings to assess what recovery options remain...

Q: My insurance company is blaming the contractor and the contractor is blaming the storm. What do I do?
A: This is one of the most common dynamics in Fort Lauderdale roofing cases, and it is exactly the kind of situation where having a Fort Lauderdale roofing negligence attorney matters. When two parties are pointing at each other, the property owner often ends up uncompensated while the dispute drags on. An attorney can compel both parties to respond through legal process and pursue claims against both simultaneously if the facts support it.

Q: Does Florida's assignment of benefits law affect my claim?
A: Florida's AOB reforms have significantly changed how contractors and restoration companies can pursue insurance benefits directly. Under current law, restrictions apply to third-party assignments. This affects some cases where a contractor attempted to get a property owner to sign an AOB, either before or after 2023 reforms. If you signed any assignment-of-benefits agreement with a roofing contractor, an attorney should review it before you take further action.

Q: What if I used a contractor my insurer recommended?
A: If your insurer directed you to a contractor through a managed repair program and that contractor did defective work, the insurer may share liability for the resulting damage. Florida courts have addressed insurer responsibility for contractor performance under managed repair arrangements. The insurer's role in selecting and supervising the contractor is a key factual question in these claims, and it is one that Fuxa and Tyler has direct experience litigating.

Q: How long do roofing negligence cases typically take to resolve?
A: Cases involving only a contractor and straightforward facts can sometimes resolve in months through negotiation or mediation. Cases that involve an insurance company as a co-defendant, a Chapter 558 process, expert witnesses, and substantial damages often take one to two years or more if they proceed toward trial in the 17th Judicial Circuit. Most cases settle before trial, but the willingness to litigate is what drives reasonable settlement offers.

Q: Will my homeowner's insurance cover roofing defects at all?
A: Standard homeowner's policies generally exclude coverage for workmanship defects themselves, but they may cover resulting damage to the structure if the damage falls within a covered peril. For example, if a negligently installed roof allows wind-driven rain to damage interior walls and contents during a covered storm, the insurer may owe for those interior damages even while denying coverage for the roof repair itself. Sorting out where coverage applies requires a careful reading of the spec...

Q: Can I pursue a claim if I bought a home and later discovered the previous owner had negligent roofing work done?
A: This depends on how recent the work was and whether it was disclosed. If the defective roofing work was done within the past four years and you did not know about it at the time of purchase, you may have claims against both the original contractor and, in some circumstances, the seller who failed to disclose known defects. Florida's seller disclosure requirements are relevant here, and a Florida roofing negligence attorney can assess whether your timeline and facts support a viable claim.

Q: What damages can I recover in a roofing negligence case?
A: Recoverable damages can include the cost to properly repair or replace the roof, the cost to remediate any secondary damage such as mold or structural deterioration, the cost of alternative housing if the damage made the property uninhabitable, diminution in property value if proper restoration is not possible, and in insurance bad faith scenarios, potentially consequential damages beyond the original policy limits. The specific damages available depend on the legal theories pursued and the f...

Q: Do I need a public adjuster before I contact a lawyer?
A: Not necessarily. Fuxa and Tyler works with public adjusters as part of its network and can help connect clients with qualified adjusters when fieldwork needs to be done before a legal claim can be fully documented. If you come to the firm without a public adjuster, the firm will assess what documentation is needed and coordinate accordingly. You do not need to have all the pieces in place before making an initial call.

Q: How long do I have to file a property insurance claim in Florida?
A: Florida law sets the deadline for filing a claim with your insurer and a separate deadline for filing a lawsuit if the dispute is not resolved. Legislative changes in recent years shortened the timeframe for filing suit on a first-party property claim. Because these deadlines have changed, and because the clock may run from different triggering events depending on the circumstances, consulting an attorney early protects your ability to act.

Q: My insurer sent an adjuster who gave a very low estimate. Can I dispute that?
A: Yes. You are not bound by the insurer's adjuster's estimate. You can hire a public adjuster to prepare an independent estimate, and you can hire legal counsel to review the claim file and challenge the insurer's valuation. If the dispute is about the amount of loss rather than coverage, the policy's appraisal provision may provide a mechanism for resolving the disagreement.

Q: What is the appraisal process in a Florida property insurance claim?
A: Appraisal is a contractual dispute resolution process in which each party selects a competent appraiser, and the two appraisers then select a neutral umpire. The appraisers attempt to agree on the amount of loss, and if they cannot, the umpire resolves the disagreement. An award signed by any two of the three participants is binding. Appraisal does not resolve coverage disputes, only the dollar value of a covered loss.

Q: Can I still pursue a claim if my insurer already issued a denial letter?
A: A denial letter is not the end of the road. Denials can be challenged, and Florida law provides avenues for disputing a carrier's decision through litigation, appraisal in appropriate circumstances, and the Civil Remedy Notice process for potential bad faith claims. The key is not to let the denial sit unaddressed until deadlines expire.

Q: What is a Civil Remedy Notice and when is it used?
A: A Civil Remedy Notice is a statutory notice filed with the Florida Department of Financial Services and served on the insurer before a bad faith lawsuit can proceed. It identifies the specific conduct the policyholder believes constitutes bad faith and gives the insurer an opportunity to cure the alleged violation within a set period. If the insurer cures, the bad faith claim may not proceed. If it does not, the notice becomes a prerequisite to filing suit under Section 624.155.

Q: My Clearwater home has both wind damage and flood damage from a storm. Does that complicate my claim?
A: It does. Standard homeowners policies typically cover wind damage but exclude flooding. Flood damage is usually covered under a separate National Flood Insurance Program policy or a private flood policy. When a storm causes both types of damage, insurers sometimes dispute what portion of the damage was caused by which peril. This "concurrent causation" issue is one of the more contested areas of Florida property insurance litigation, and it often requires expert analysis to resolve.

Q: The insurance company's contractor did shoddy repair work on my home. Who is responsible?
A: When an insurer uses its managed repair program to send contractors to your property, the question of who bears responsibility for deficient work is legally complicated. Fuxa & Tyler specifically handles managed repair disputes and situations where insurer-directed contractors leave homes in worse condition than before. The firm pursues the insurer's accountability in these situations rather than leaving homeowners to chase individual contractors with limited resources.

Q: Does it matter that my property is a condo rather than a single-family home?
A: Yes, significantly. Condominium damage claims involve at least two layers of insurance coverage: the unit owner's individual policy and the association's master policy. Florida's Condominium Act and the association's declaration of condominium define where individual ownership ends and common element ownership begins, which dictates which policy applies to which part of the structure. Disputes between unit owners and associations over who is responsible for a repair, or whose insurance should...

Q: I've been working with a public adjuster. Do I still need a lawyer?
A: Public adjusters and attorneys serve different functions. A public adjuster documents and quantifies the loss and handles the claims process on your behalf with the insurer. When a claim proceeds to litigation, arbitration, or bad faith action, that requires legal representation. Fuxa & Tyler works directly with public adjusters and can step in when a claim has moved beyond what a PA can handle alone. If you are already working with a public adjuster, an attorney can complement that work rath...

Q: What does it cost to hire Fuxa & Tyler for a property damage claim?
A: The firm takes property damage cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront legal fees. If the case does not produce a recovery, the client does not owe attorney fees. This structure makes legal representation available to policyholders who are already dealing with unreimbursed repair costs and financial pressure from an insurer that has not paid what it owes.

Q: What qualifies as a construction defect under Florida law?
A: Florida law defines construction defects broadly to include deficiencies in design, construction, inspection, remodeling, or repair that result in physical damage to real property or personal property, bodily injury, or death. The deficiency may result from a contractor's failure to build in accordance with building codes, the applicable standard of care, or the contract itself. Material defects, workmanship defects, and design defects all fall within this definition.

Q: How is a construction defect different from normal wear and tear?
A: Normal wear and tear refers to gradual deterioration from ordinary use and the passage of time. A construction defect involves a failure that would not have occurred had the work been performed correctly from the outset. For example, a roof that deteriorates after twenty years of normal use is wear and tear. A roof that begins leaking within two years because flashing was improperly installed is a defect. The distinction matters because insurance policies often exclude wear and tear while con...

Q: Can I file a construction defect claim against a contractor who is no longer in business?
A: It depends on the structure of the contractor's business and whether a surety bond was in place. If the contractor operated as a corporation that has since dissolved, the personal liability of the principal contractors may still be pursued in some circumstances, particularly if the dissolution was improperly handled. Surety bonds, which are required for licensed contractors in Florida, may provide a recovery source even when the business is gone. Homeowners should also check whether a develop...

Q: Does homeowners insurance cover construction defect damage?
A: Homeowners insurance policies generally exclude damage from faulty workmanship. However, secondary damage caused by a defect, such as water damage from a defective roof, may be covered depending on policy language and how the claim is framed. Disputes over whether damage is attributable to a covered peril or excluded workmanship are common, and a property insurer's denial of a construction-related claim does not automatically resolve whether the contractor can be held liable independently. Cl...

Q: What happens if multiple contractors are responsible for the same defect?
A: Florida applies principles of comparative fault in construction defect cases, which means that liability can be apportioned among multiple parties based on their respective contributions to the defect and resulting damage. This requires careful investigation into which trade performed which work, what the contracts between parties required, and whether supervisory negligence by a general contractor contributed to a subcontractor's deficient work. Each party in the chain is typically served wi...

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Detailed version — see https://www.gft.law/llms.txt for summary
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