A storm just hit and you’re looking at roof damage. The next 48–72 hours are critical — for your safety, your property, and your insurance claim. Here is exactly what to do, in the right order.
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If your roof is actively leaking or structurally compromised — call Salt Light Roofing immediately at 727-415-8485. We offer emergency tarping and storm response across Tampa Bay.
After a hurricane or major storm passes through Tampa Bay, the urge to immediately go outside and assess the damage is understandable. But the first thing you need to do is stay safe. Downed power lines, debris on rooftops, and structurally compromised areas are real hazards that send people to the hospital every storm season.
Here is a prioritized list of actions for the first 24 hours after storm damage:
Do not go on your roof under any circumstances until conditions are completely safe and dry. Check your home's interior for immediate hazards — water intrusion, structural damage to ceilings, or electrical concerns. If in doubt, call 911 first and a contractor second.
Walk around your property and document what you can see from ground level. Missing shingles, visible decking, displaced tile, damaged gutters, and tree impact points are all things you can photograph without climbing on the roof. Take as many photos and videos as possible — your insurance adjuster will want them.
If water is actively entering your home, temporary tarping is essential to prevent secondary damage to your ceilings, walls, insulation, and personal belongings. Secondary water damage is often more expensive than the original roof damage. Call a licensed contractor for emergency tarping — do not attempt to tarp a damaged roof yourself in unsafe conditions.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage and open a claim. Ask specifically about their timeline for sending an adjuster and what documentation they will require. Get a claim number and the adjuster's direct contact information.
Call a local, licensed roofing contractor — not a storm chaser from out of state — to conduct a professional damage assessment. A reputable contractor will document everything professionally, provide a written scope of damage, and can work directly with your adjuster.
The quality of your documentation directly affects your insurance payout. Adjusters see hundreds of claims after a major storm — the homeowners with thorough documentation consistently receive better settlements than those who rely on memory and verbal descriptions.
Before a storm hits each season, take baseline photos of your entire roof in good condition. This gives your insurance company clear “before” documentation and eliminates disputes about whether damage was pre-existing.
Florida’s homeowners insurance claim process has unique characteristics that differ from other states — primarily because insurers here deal with storm damage at massive scale. Understanding how the process works helps you navigate it more effectively.
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage. This adjuster works for the insurance company — their job is to assess what the policy covers, not to maximize your payout. Having your licensed contractor present during the adjuster's inspection is one of the most valuable things you can do. Your contractor can point out damage the adjuster might miss and ensure the scope of damage is fully documented from a professional perspective.
Most Florida homeowners insurance policies have a separate wind or hurricane deductible that is higher than the standard deductible — often 2–5% of your insured home value. On a home insured for $300,000, a 2% hurricane deductible means you pay the first $6,000 out of pocket. Know this number before you agree to any contractor scope of work.
Be very cautious about signing an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) document that transfers your insurance rights to a contractor. Florida has had serious issues with AOB fraud that have driven insurance rates up significantly. Work with a trusted, licensed contractor who provides transparent pricing and let you remain in control of your own claim.
After every major storm in Florida, unlicensed contractors (“storm chasers”) flood the affected area offering quick, cheap repairs. Many are from out of state, carry no Florida license, and disappear after collecting payment. Always verify a contractor’s Florida license at myfloridalicense.com before signing anything.
Florida insurance law requires homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage after a covered loss. This means making temporary repairs — tarping, boarding, etc. — is not just allowed, it’s expected. Keep all receipts for emergency tarping or temporary repair materials, as these costs are typically reimbursable under your policy.
However, do not make permanent repairs before your adjuster has inspected the damage. Permanent repairs made before the adjuster’s visit can complicate your claim and potentially reduce your settlement by making it impossible to fully assess the original damage.
Choosing a contractor for storm repairs is more important than choosing one for routine replacement — the stakes are higher, the timeline is compressed, and there are more bad actors in the market after major weather events.