Erosion, sand and site damage around a Pensacola Beach property in Perdido Key

A coastal storm may leave displaced sand, changed grading and damage to a structure at the same address. Keep away from undermined stairs, loose decking and exposed utilities. Take safe overview photos that show the relationship between the house, walkways and altered ground. Preserve older photos, surveys or site plans that help establish pre-loss conditions. Record observations before cleanup changes the site when doing so is safe.

Organize the estimate by feature

Ask qualified professionals to identify damage to the building and attached structures separately from changes to land. For example, an estimate could separate replacing a broken stair assembly from removing deposited sand or stabilizing the ground below it. Have the contractor explain whether access or safety work is required before permanent repairs can begin. Keep permitting correspondence where it affects the scope.

Review the coverage questions separately

Find the wording concerning buildings, other structures, land, water and earth movement in the policy. If you have separate flood and wind policies, ask how each carrier wants the facts reported. A photo of sand deposited next to a house can help show site conditions. A qualified report may be needed to determine how an individual component failed.

Official resource

Florida Department of Financial Services hurricane recovery resources: https://myfloridacfo.com/division/ica/storm

Ask PAJOE about your claim

For a free initial claim review, call PAJOE Public Adjusters at (850) 842-6424.

Florida Public Adjusting Firm License # W894577
Joseph Whitefall | Florida Public Adjuster
Individual License # E166230

Our public adjusting fee is contingent on a recovery. Before you retain PAJOE, we explain the agreed percentage and the payments to which it applies. Fee terms are set out in our signed agreement. Any outside expenses require separate written authorization consistent with applicable Florida law.

PAJOE provides public adjusting services and does not provide legal advice. Coverage and recovery depend on the policy, the facts of the loss, and supporting evidence. No particular decision, payment, additional recovery, or resolution timeframe is guaranteed.