Public adjuster in Apalachicola, FL
Aviva Insurance Adjusters is a licensed Florida public adjusting firm that works Apalachicola, Carrabelle, St. George Island and Franklin County. We represent Franklin County homeowners and business owners, never insurance companies, on hurricane, storm surge, flood, roof and water claims.
Se habla español. Ajustador público que habla español
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Why Apalachicola claims are different
Hurricane Michael pushed water 7.72 feet above ground at Apalachicola on October 10, 2018, breaking the record of 6.43 feet set by Hurricane Dennis in 2005. On Alligator Point, a water line from Michael’s roughly 10-foot surge was still on one family’s shed in 2024.
Hurricane Isaias kept up the pattern in October 2026. Its surge pushed saltwater over US-319 in Carrabelle and damaged marine infrastructure, including a collapsed seawall at the Apalachicola boat ramp, and an EF0 tornado caused minor damage to several homes, according to the National Weather Service.
Franklin County claims tend to share the same problems.
Filing after Hurricane Isaias? Our Hurricane Isaias insurance claim guide covers your deadlines, what your insurer must do and when, and FEMA help for Panhandle counties.
- Wind vs. surge
- Surge damage falls under flood insurance; wind and wind-driven rain under the homeowners policy. Waterfront homes usually have both. We document each.
- Historic homes
- Apalachicola’s older homes need materials and methods that match. Florida’s matching law and ordinance-or-law coverage can matter more here than anywhere.
- Docks, seawalls and boathouses
- These are often excluded or limited, but damage they cause to covered structures may not be. We separate the two.
- Rental income
- St. George Island and Carrabelle rental owners should claim lost rents along with the building damage.
How we resolve Apalachicola claims
Every claim starts with a complete, documented estimate of the damage. From there, we use whichever path gets the claim paid in full.
- Negotiated settlement
- We present the evidence, submit supplements for missed damage and negotiate directly with the carrier. Many claims are resolved here with a signed settlement and release.
- Appraisal
- When the dispute is over the amount of the loss and your policy includes an appraisal clause, each side names an appraiser and an umpire decides any disagreement. Jose Villacis is a WIND- and IAUA-certified appraiser and umpire.
- Mediation
- We prepare the claim and represent you at mediation, where a neutral mediator helps both sides reach a settlement. Mediation is one of the most common ways our claims are resolved.
- Litigation support
- If a carrier still won’t pay what the policy owes, we prepare the complete claim file, including documentation, estimates and claim history, so it’s ready for your attorney before a lawsuit is filed. Attorneys also hire us as insurance loss consultants to prepare estimates and document damages for their cases.
Every claim is different, and the right path depends on your policy and the dispute.
Claims we handle in Apalachicola
- Hurricane and windstorm
- Flood and storm surge
- Roof leaks and roof damage
- Pipe bursts and water damage
- Mold from a covered peril
- Fire and smoke
- Fallen trees
- Lightning
- Power surges
Areas we serve around Apalachicola
Apalachicola, Eastpoint, St. George Island, Carrabelle, Lanark Village, Alligator Point, Dog Island and the rest of Franklin County. We also handle claims in Gulf and Wakulla counties, across the Panhandle and all of Florida.
Why Apalachicola property owners choose Aviva
- On site when it counts. we inspect your property in person, then handle follow-up by phone, email and video so your claim keeps moving.
- Licensed. Florida Public Adjusting Firm License #W869253. Jose Villacis, President and Principal Adjuster, holds Florida Public Adjuster License #P110421.
- Appraisal and umpire experience. Jose is a WIND- and IAUA-certified appraiser and umpire, which matters when a claim goes to appraisal.
- 18+ years of Florida property claims experience.
- Bilingual. English and Spanish, from the first call to the final settlement.
- No upfront cost. We only get paid if your claim pays, and our fee never exceeds Florida’s legal caps.
Apalachicola public adjuster FAQ
Hurricane Isaias damaged my home in October 2026. How long do I have to file?
Under Florida law, notice of a new or reopened property claim must be given within 1 year of the date of loss, and a supplemental claim within 18 months. For Isaias, which made landfall on October 9, 2026, that means notice of a new claim by October 9, 2027. Don’t wait for the deadline: damage is easier to prove while it’s fresh.
My historic home needs special materials. Will the insurer pay for them?
The policy should pay to repair with like kind and quality. When code or historic rules require more, ordinance or law coverage, often a percentage of your dwelling limit, can help pay the difference. We document the requirements.
My home has both surge and wind damage. Which policy pays?
Usually both, for different parts. Flood insurance covers rising water and surge, and the homeowners policy covers wind and wind-driven rain. We document each type of damage separately.
Talk to a Apalachicola public adjuster today
Free claim review, no upfront cost. Se habla español.
Aviva Insurance Adjusters, Corp., 7416 Community Ct., Hudson, FL 34667Storm and local facts: The Weather Channel on Hurricane Michael’s Apalachicola surge; Tallahassee Democrat; National Weather Service Tallahassee Hurricane Isaias impact summary. Aviva Insurance Adjusters, Corp. is an independent Florida public adjusting firm and is not affiliated with Aviva plc, Aviva Canada or any insurance carrier. FL Public Adjusting Firm Lic.# W869253.