How to Sell a Hurricane-Damaged House in Florida (2026 Guide)
Last updated: February 2026
Your house took a hit from a storm. Here's how to navigate the insurance claim, decide whether to repair or sell, and get cash in hand fast.
Written by Max Cohen
Licensed General Contractor #CGC1534000 · Florida real estate since 2014
Quick Answer
Can you sell a hurricane-damaged house in Florida? Yes—you just have to disclose the damage. You can sell before, during, or after an insurance claim. Cash buyers regularly purchase storm-damaged homes as-is, handle their own repairs, and can close in 7-30 days. As a licensed general contractor, I can assess damage better than most buyers and make fair offers that reflect real repair costs, not inflated estimates.
Table of Contents
Types of Hurricane Damage & Their Impact on Value
| Damage Type | Repair Cost | Value Impact | Insurance? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof damage (partial) | $5,000-$15,000 | -10-15% | Usually covered |
| Full roof replacement | $15,000-$35,000 | -15-25% | Usually covered |
| Water intrusion / mold | $10,000-$50,000+ | -20-35% | Partial/contested |
| Window / door damage | $3,000-$15,000 | -5-10% | Usually covered |
| Flooding (no flood insurance) | $20,000-$80,000+ | -25-40% | Not covered |
| Structural damage | $30,000-$150,000+ | -30-50% | Case by case |
Insurance Claim: Do This First
Even if you plan to sell as-is, always file your insurance claim. Here's why:
- You have a deadline. Florida requires you to file a claim within 2 years of the loss (reduced from 3 years under SB 2-A). Miss it and you lose coverage.
- Claims can be assigned. In many cases, you can assign the insurance claim to the buyer at closing. The buyer gets the insurance payout and handles repairs.
- It establishes the damage record. A filed claim documents the extent of damage, which helps you set a fair sale price and satisfies disclosure requirements.
- Even partial payouts help. If the insurer pays out 60% of what you expected, that's still money you can pocket or use to offset the as-is sale price.
Pro tip from Max: "Document everything before you touch anything. Walk the property with your phone, video every room, every surface. Adjusters rely on documentation, and I've seen $10,000 differences in payouts based solely on the quality of the homeowner's photos."
Repair vs. Sell: The Math
Here's the real calculation most people skip:
| Scenario | Repair & List | Sell As-Is |
|---|---|---|
| Home value (pre-storm) | $350,000 | $350,000 |
| Repair costs | -$45,000 | $0 |
| Insurance payout | +$30,000 | Assigned to buyer |
| Agent commission (6%) | -$21,000 | $0 |
| Holding costs (6 months) | -$12,000 | $0 |
| Net sale price | $350,000 | $245,000-$280,000 |
| Net to seller | $302,000 | $245,000-$280,000 |
| Time to close | 6-9 months | 7-30 days |
| Risk level | High (contractor delays, cost overruns, buyer financing) | None (guaranteed close) |
The repair route can net more on paper—but only if everything goes perfectly. In reality, storm repairs in Florida are plagued by contractor shortages, material delays, and insurance disputes that can add months and tens of thousands to the timeline. For many homeowners, the certainty and speed of a cash sale is worth the difference.
Florida Disclosure Requirements
Florida Statute §689.25 requires sellers to disclose all known material defects. For hurricane damage, this includes:
- All storm damage, even if repaired
- Insurance claims filed (and outcomes)
- Flood history (including FEMA zone designation)
- Mold presence or remediation
- Foundation or structural concerns
- Open permits for storm-related repairs
Not disclosing known damage is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Florida courts have consistently ruled against sellers who concealed hurricane damage. Full disclosure protects you legally and builds trust with cash buyers who understand they're buying a damaged property.
Your Selling Options After a Hurricane
1. Repair & List
Fix everything, then list at full market value.
Best for: Minor damage, insurance covers most costs, you have time.
Risk: 6-12 months, contractor delays, cost overruns.
2. List As-Is (on MLS)
List without repairs, targeting investors or cash buyers through an agent.
Best for: Moderate damage, want maximum exposure.
Risk: 90-120+ days, most financed buyers can't close on damaged homes.
💰 Ready to Sell?
Sell Your Storm-Damaged House → Get a Cash Offer3. Sell to Cash Buyer
Sell directly with no repairs, no commission, no waiting.
Best for: Significant damage, open claims, you need to move on.
Advantage: 7-30 days, guaranteed close, zero costs to you.
The Contractor-Buyer Advantage
Here's something unique about FL Home Buyers: Max Cohen is a licensed general contractor (CGC #1534000). When we evaluate a hurricane-damaged home, we're not guessing on repair costs—we know exactly what it takes to fix because we do this work ourselves.
This means:
- More accurate offers. We don't pad repair estimates with a "just in case" markup like most investors. Our repair costs are real, which means higher offers for you.
- We see value others miss. A roof that looks totaled might only need partial replacement. Fire damage or water damage that scares most buyers is routine for us.
- No subcontractor markups. We handle major repairs in-house, keeping our costs low and our offers competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sell a house with hurricane damage?
Yes. Full disclosure is required. You can sell before, during, or after an insurance claim. Cash buyers regularly purchase storm-damaged homes.
Do I have to disclose the damage?
Yes. Florida §689.25 requires disclosure of all known material defects, including past hurricane damage, even if it was repaired.
Can I sell with an open insurance claim?
Yes. The claim can be assigned to the buyer, settled before closing, or factored into the sale price.
Should I repair or sell as-is?
Depends on damage severity. Minor damage: repair. Major damage ($30K+): selling as-is often nets more when you factor in repair costs, holding costs, and risk.
How much does hurricane damage reduce value?
Typically 15-40% depending on severity. Cash buyers with contractor expertise (like FL Home Buyers) often offer more because their repair costs are lower.
Hurricane-Damaged Home?
We buy storm-damaged properties as-is. Licensed contractor on staff. Fair offers based on real repair costs, not inflated estimates.
Learn About Our Storm Damage Process
Max Cohen
Licensed General Contractor • Buying Florida homes since 2014