Tampa Drainage & Flooding Claims Attorneys 

Helping Residents in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco & Sarasota Counties 

Flooding in Tampa is a reality that many homeowners face year after year. With an average annual rainfall of over 40 inches and intense storm surges during hurricane season, flooding has become a persistent concern. 

Aging, overwhelmed drainage systems make flooding damage an even more pervasive threat to residential and commercial properties. Areas like South Tampa and neighborhoods near the coast are particularly vulnerable, with drainage systems struggling to cope with heavy day-to-day rainfall and extreme storm events. 

For residents, the effects are more than just waterlogged yards; they represent costly damage to homes, belongings, and sometimes livelihoods. Amidst the struggle of putting your life back together after a flood, filing an insurance claim can feel like another uphill battle.

At Burnett Law, we can guide you through the claim process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us now at (813) 491-8272 or reach out online for a free consultation.

What Does My Drainage & Flooding Insurance Cover?

One of the biggest challenges after a flood is understanding your insurance coverage. Standard homeowners’ policies typically exclude flood damage, often requiring separate flood insurance plans. Here’s a breakdown of what might be covered under various policies:

• Flood insurance policies cover damages caused by rising floodwater, such as storm surges, overflowing rivers, and heavy tropical rainfall. Coverage often includes structural repairs, furniture, electrical systems, and personal property up to your policy’s limits. 
• Homeowners’ insurance may cover water damage if it's sudden and accidental, such as from wind-driven rain or roof leaks. However, it typically excludes damage directly caused by flooding. Coverage might extend to issues like poor drainage from gutters if these are not directly linked to a flood event. 
• Sewer backup coverage is an optional endorsement that can cover damages from clogged drainage systems or sewer overflows. It protects against water damage caused by water pushed up through pipes or sewer systems. This coverage is not automatically included in standard homeowners' policies and usually needs to be added separately.

Understanding how your policies overlap—and navigating exclusions—can be challenging, but getting the right guidance early on can save you time and frustration later. That’s where we come in. Our dedicated attorneys know the fine details of flood and drainage insurance policies and can help you untangle overlapping coverage and avoid costly setbacks. 

What To Do After Experiencing Drainage & Flooding Damage 

The immediate aftermath of a flood can be disorienting. However, taking the right steps early is key to filing a credible and successful insurance claim. Here’s what you should do following flooding or drainage damage:

• Document the Damage Thoroughly. Take photos and videos of all affected areas, including property, furniture, and personal belongings. Be sure to capture both interior and exterior damage, and don’t forget areas that may look fine at first but could have unseen structural issues. 
• Stop Further Damage. While you shouldn’t conduct permanent repairs until an adjuster inspects the property, take temporary measures to prevent further harm. For instance, use tarps to cover broken roofs or block water seepage from surrounding areas. Keep receipts for any emergency purchases. 
• Notify Your Insurance Company Right Away. Report the damage to your insurer promptly to begin the claims process. Missing deadlines or waiting too long could give them grounds to delay or deny your claim. Flood policies typically require filing a "proof of loss" within 60 days of the event, so acting quickly is critical.
• Gather Pre-Flood Documentation. If available, collect any pre-loss photos or records of your property’s condition. This will provide a comparison for insurers, making it easier to prove the full extent of the damage.