Florida Homeowners Struggle After Recent Hurricanes

In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, homeowners in Florida are grappling with the crucial need for flood insurance, as many find themselves facing significant recovery hurdles. The storms have been classified as separate events by insurers, complicating claims for those unable to document damage from Helene before being hit by Milton. Fewer than 25% of residents in the hardest-hit areas had separate flood insurance prior to the hurricanes, leaving many without coverage for substantial losses. Florida's recent insurance reforms have further limited victims' legal avenues for contesting claims decisions, exacerbating the situation. The economic impact of these hurricanes is profound, with over a million Floridians losing power and the death toll rising. Amidst these challenges, political discourse is muddied by conspiracy theories regarding federal disaster funding and climate change's role in extreme weather events.