Flood Insurance Claim Struggles: Essential Information for Central Florida Families

PORT ORANGE, Fla. – In recent years, flooding has occurred in areas in Central Florida that have never flooded in the past.

The concerning development has led an increasing number of individuals to opt for flood insurance, yet there are significant disparities between private insurance and government-backed insurance.

In 2017, Hurricane Irma brought 13 inches of rain to Port Orange within 24 hours.

Camille and Jarrod Mazal’s home was among those that flooded, resulting in the loss of everything they owned.

“We grew up in Florida…we’ve dealt with a lot of hurricanes,” Camille Mazal said.

Five years later, Hurricane Ian struck, flooding their home again and leaving them with nothing.

“I lived through Hurricane Andrew. I was down in South Florida where I grew up. Never been flooded not once until now,” Camille Mazal said.

The flooding was heartbreaking, but the couple says dealing with their insurer was a challenge of its own.

“It’s been hard. It’s been really hard,” Camille said.

For over two and a half years, they have been residing in an RV on her parents-in-law’s land with their two small children, anticipating a resolution to their insurance claim.

Across the street, their home has been demolished, leaving only the pool behind.

The Mazals’ flood insurance is through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is backed by the federal government.

“This insurance commissioner has openly expressed concerns regarding the NFIP’s claim handling processes,” stated Lisa Miller, an ex-Florida insurance commissioner and the CEO of Lisa Miller & Associates.

“It’s the federal government. They do the best they can, but there are these cases that are just heart wrenching,” Miller said.

NFIP has no claims resolution process like the state requires of private insurers, according to Miller.

“I highly recommend if you have an NFIP policy, ask your agent about going with a private flood insurance company,” Miller said. “The coverage is better, the claims handling is better, and of course it’s regulated by the insurance commissioner,” she said.

The Mazals received a contractor’s quote of $218,000 to replace their three-bedroom, three-bath house.

They eventually reached a settlement with their insurer for $142,000, leaving them to cover the remaining costs themselves.

Additionally, the city is now requiring them to raise the house 12 feet off the ground.

After two and a half years, the Mazals still have a long way to go.

The family is still waiting for estimates on the pilings needed to raise their home before they can begin the rebuilding process.

“I mean luckily my husband and I are a great team. I don’t think most marriages would survive this,” Camille Mazal said.