Santa Rosa County flood repairs after a substantial-damage determination in Molino
November 5, 2026 · PAJOE Public Adjusters
After a flood, the local building or floodplain office may evaluate whether the building was substantially damaged and what rules apply before reconstruction. Identify the correct permitting jurisdiction for the address and ask for its determination in writing. Request the repair-cost estimate and pre-loss building value the office used. Keep that packet with the permits, photographs and insurance file.
Give the two decisions separate folders
The local determination concerns rebuilding requirements. Increased Cost of Compliance, or ICC, is a separate claim question under an eligible National Flood Insurance Program policy. Ask the flood carrier what documents it needs, whether the work under consideration qualifies and what conditions apply. An elevation, relocation, demolition or floodproofing proposal can have a different scope from the repairs in the ordinary building claim.
Organize the proposed work before signing
If an estimate lists both replacing damaged walls and raising the building, ask the contractor to break out the costs and explain which work the local office requires. Keep bids, written approval, permit documents and final invoices together. A letter from the local office does not determine how much insurance will pay. Confirm the carrier’s review and the permit conditions separately.
Official resource
NFIP Increased Cost of Compliance: https://agents.floodsmart.gov/topics/handling-claims/increased-cost-of-compliance
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For a free initial claim review, call PAJOE Public Adjusters at (850) 842-6424.
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Joseph Whitefall | Florida Public Adjuster
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