Florida Sinkhole Lawyer

Tampa Sinkhole Claims Attorney: Serving all of Pasco, Hernando, Polk, Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties

How will I pay for my legal representation?

We accept sinkhole cases on a contingency fee basis, and if we do not obtain a recovery, settlement or judgment on your behalf, you will not owe us any fees or costs.
For more Information Contact Us.

What if the insurance company asks for a Neutral Evaluation or demands an Examination Under Oath (“EUO”)?

Recent changes in Florida law created what is known as Neutral Evaluation. Either you or the insurance company may request it, at the insurance company’s expense. While purportedly “neutral”, given that the professional that will be retained by the insurance company to conduct the Neutral Evaluation will be paid by them, and usually do most of their expert work for them, a homeowner should be wary of this process. Before requesting a Neutral Evaluation yourself, or in the event that your insurance company demands one, it is usually a good idea to consult with a legal professional about your options. Additionally, your policy likely contains a requirement that you submit to a sworn examination, or Examination Under Oath or “EUO”, where an insurance company representative who is usually a lawyer will ask you questions about your claim before a court reporter who will type every word you say in response to make a permanent record. This can be an intimidating process and you are entitled to have a lawyer present for your EUO if you so choose. Even if the insurance company wants to simply take a recorded statement or look around your property, you are entitled to have an attorney present. We are equipped to provide such representation to you pursuant to the contingency fee agreement, so do not hesitate to contact us for advice and counsel should you receive any request by your insurance company to submit to a Neutral Evaluation, EUO or home inspection, or for consultation regarding any step of the claims process.
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(627.706 f.s.) Abstract: Every insurer authorized to transact property insurance in this state shall provide coverage for a catastrophic ground cover collapse and shall make available, for an appropriate additional premium, coverage for sinkhole losses on any structure, including contents of personal property contained therein, to the extent provided in the form to which the coverage attaches. 30, chapter 2007-1, Laws of Florida, may nonrenew the policies of policyholders maintaining sinkhole coverage in Pasco ...(Read Full)Back To Top

(627.7065 f.s.) Abstract: Database of information relating to sinkholes; the Department of Financial Services and the Department of Environmental Protection. The Legislature further finds that the Florida Geological Survey of the Department of Environmental Protection has created a partial database of some sinkholes identified in Florida, although the database is not reflective of all sinkholes or insurance claims for sinkhole damage. The Department of Environmental Protection shall investigate reports of sinkhole ...(Read Full)Back To Top

(627.7077 f.s.) Abstract: Florida Sinkhole Insurance Facility and other matters related to affordability and availability of sinkhole insurance; feasibility study. The Florida State University College of Business Department of Risk Management and Insurance shall, under the direction of the office, conduct a feasibility and cost-benefit study of a potential Florida Sinkhole Insurance Facility and of other matters related to affordability and availability of sinkhole insurance. Funding options and costs associated with...(Read Full)Back To Top

(627.7063 f.s.) Abstract: As used in this section, the term “sinkhole loss prevention ordinance” means a county ordinance that amends the Florida Building Code and that is intended to reduce the number of sinkhole claims and the severity of sinkhole losses. The grading schedule shall evaluate the effectiveness of each sinkhole loss prevention ordinance in reducing the number of sinkhole claims and severity of sinkhole losses. The rules shall further mandate insurance premium discounts or surcharges on personal ...(Read Full)Back To Top

(627.707 f.s.) Abstract: Following the insurer’s initial inspection, the insurer shall engage a professional engineer or a professional geologist to conduct testing as provided in s. If the insurer determines that there is no sinkhole loss, the insurer may deny the claim. Upon the insurer’s obtaining the written approval of the policyholder and any lienholder, the insurer may make payment directly to the persons selected by the policyholder to perform the land and building stabilization and foundation repairs...(Read Full)Back To Top

(627.7073 f.s.) Abstract: 627.7072, the professional engineer or professional geologist shall issue a report and certification to the insurer and the policyholder as provided in this section. That the cause of the actual physical and structural damage is sinkhole activity within a reasonable professional probability. That the analyses conducted were of sufficient scope to identify sinkhole activity as the cause of damage within a reasonable professional probability...(Read Full) Back To Top

(627.7074 f.s.) Abstract: The department shall prepare a consumer information pamphlet for distribution by insurers to policyholders which clearly describes the neutral evaluation process and includes information and forms necessary for the policyholder to request a neutral evaluation. Upon receipt of a request for neutral evaluation, the department shall provide the parties a list of certified neutral evaluators. Any court proceeding related to the subject matter of the neutral evaluation shall be stayed pending ...(Read Full)Back To Top

(627.7072 f.s.)Abstract: Testing standards for sinkholes. The professional engineer and professional geologist shall perform such tests as sufficient, in their professional opinion, to determine the presence or absence of sinkhole loss or other cause of damage within reasonable professional probability and for the professional engineer to make recommendations regarding necessary building stabilization and foundation repair. 2005-111; s...(Read Full)Back To Top