Flood Damage From Port St. Lucie to Melbourne?Flood Claims Have Their Own Rules. We Know Them.
We represent homeowners, condo owners and businesses on flood insurance claims: documenting the damage, preparing the proof of loss and negotiating with the carrier.
Our Fort Pierce team is taking calls now.
For owners with flood insurance (NFIP or private). No flood policy? Some water damage falls under homeowners coverage instead. We'll tell you straight.
Request received.
A member of our Fort Pierce team will contact you. Need help right now? Call (772) 600-4663.
Not sure about flood coverage? Look for a separate flood declarations page, or check your mortgage escrow statement for a flood premium. Have your homeowners policy handy too.
- Licensed Florida Public Adjusters
- Local Fort Pierce Office
- IICRC Certified
- Licensed Florida Building Contractor
- 5-Star Client Reviews
The Clock on a Flood Claim Is Already Running.
Under a federal (NFIP) flood policy, your signed and sworn proof of loss is due within 60 days of the date of loss. For a November 2 loss, that's January 1, 2027, unless FEMA extends it.
FEMA has extended this deadline after some large floods, but it isn't automatic. Private flood policies set their own deadlines, so we check yours.
Two Days. Up to 24 Inches.
A slow-moving low parked bands of heavy rain over the same stretch of coast on November 1 and 2. Here's what the National Weather Service measured.
- 24.10in.
Near Malabar
The highest total reported in the storm, in southern Brevard.
- 20.60in.
Palm Bay
A Flash Flood Emergency was declared for Palm Bay and West Melbourne, with water rescues across the city.
- 19.80in.
Melbourne Beach
Melbourne itself had its wettest day on record, in data going back to 1937.
- 12-16in.
Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie
The heaviest band farther south ran along the I-95 corridor, with closed roads and stranded cars from St. Lucie West to Sebastian.
- 7counties
Under a state of emergency
Executive Order 26-227 covers Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin, plus DeSoto, Hardee and Highlands.
Farther south, historic king tides and coastal flood advisories have pushed saltwater into streets from Palm Beach County to Fort Lauderdale since late October.
Sources: NWS Weather Prediction Center storm summary and NWS Melbourne, November 2 to 3, 2026; State of Florida Executive Order 26-227; local news reports. Totals are preliminary.
Which Policy Pays for What?
Where the water came from decides which policy responds. After a rain event like this one, getting that right is often the biggest part of the claim.
Your NFIP or private flood policy
- Rising water from flooded streets, yards, canals and retention ponds
- Water that came in at ground level, through doors and walls
- The building and, if you carry it, your contents, up to the policy's limits
- Sewer backup, but only when the flooding in the area caused it
Your homeowners, condo or commercial policy
- Rain that came through a storm-damaged roof, window or door
- Sudden plumbing or appliance leaks
- Sewer or drain backup, usually only with a water backup endorsement
- Rising water is excluded, which is why flood is a separate policy
What these policies usually leave out
- Flooded cars, which go to your auto policy's comprehensive coverage
- Landscaping, fences, pools and most decks under a flood policy
- Mold that spreads because drying was put off
The two-property rule, and the sewer line.
Under the NFIP, a flood means water covering two or more acres of normally dry land, or two or more properties, one of them yours. That's why photos of the flooded street and your neighbors' yards matter, not just your living room.
Wastewater backed up into homes in this storm. A flood policy covers sewer backup only when the general flooding caused it; otherwise it depends on your homeowners policy and its endorsements.
- We document cause, not just damage: water lines, entry points, the street and the timeline.
- We handle both policies together when rain came in from above and floodwater from below.
- We push back when damage is assigned to the wrong policy, so every covered dollar is paid under the right one.
Not sure which policy applies to your damage?
Call (772) 600-4663Do These 3 Things First.
Protect your health, your property and your flood claim.
-
Photograph the Water Line
Measure and photograph the high-water mark on inside and outside walls, plus the flooded street and neighboring yards, before cleanup starts.
-
Keep Samples. List What You Toss.
Cut small samples of carpet, pad and drywall. Photograph every damaged item, with model and serial numbers where you can, before it's thrown out.
-
Start Drying. Save Every Receipt.
Wet drywall, insulation and flooring hold water, and mold can start within 24 to 48 hours. Begin drying when it's safe, and keep receipts for fans, dehumidifiers and cleanup.
Safety first. If water reached outlets or the electrical panel, keep the power off until an electrician says it's safe. Treat floodwater and anything it touched as contaminated.
The Flood Adjuster Works for the Carrier.We Work for You.
The difference is who they represent.
Questions About Your Flood Claim?
Talk to a Public AdjusterFrom Floodwater to a Documented Claim
-
WE DOCUMENT THE FLOOD
A licensed Public Adjuster walks the property with you and records the damage before it's torn out or thrown away.
- Water lines and flood depth, inside and out
- Moisture readings to find water behind walls and under floors
- Photos, measurements, drone aerials and a Matterport 3D scan where needed
- Street and neighborhood conditions that show a general flood
-
WE BUILD THE CLAIM
We turn the inspection into a complete flood claim, priced in the same software the carriers use.
- Policy review: building and contents limits, deductibles, and where homeowners coverage overlaps
- A line-item Xactimate estimate of the full repair scope
- A room-by-room inventory of damaged contents
- A proof of loss package ready for your signature before the deadline
-
WE HANDLE THE CARRIER
From then on, the insurance company deals with us. You get updates, not phone tag.
- All carrier communication, requests and deadlines
- We meet their adjuster at the property for re-inspections
- A line-by-line review of the carrier's estimate against ours
- Supplements for missed damage, and appraisal or a FEMA appeal where they apply
Built for Water Losses
- IICRC CertifiedTrained to the restoration industry's standards for water damage.
- Matterport 3DDetailed, measurable documentation of every room.
- Xactimate EstimatingLine-item property damage estimating.
- Licensed ContractorA Florida Certified Building Contractor on the team, for scope and code questions.
Real People. A Local Office.
Meet the VIP Team
No Recovery, No Public Adjuster Fee.
- Free claim review, flood or homeowners
- No upfront Public Adjuster fee
- Fee terms are disclosed in writing before you hire us
Real Results. Real Reviews.
Two water claims we handled in Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce, and what clients say about working with us.
Storm damage opened the roof and let water into the ceilings, walls and finishes below.
+$113,288 above the initial offer
A burst pipe pushed water through the flooring, cabinetry and drywall.
+$47,378 above the initial offer
Every claim is unique. Results vary based on individual policy coverage, damage and circumstances. Past results are not a guarantee of future outcomes.
"VIP Adjusting was incredibly helpful at a time when life was turned upside down after hurricane flooding."
"My home was badly damaged by Hurricane Nicole... The clear documentation... was evident. We were rewarded with a large settlement."
"After our claim was initially denied, the final settlement was six figures."
"We could not possibly recommend VIP Adjusting more... They saved our sanity and guided us through the maze that is the world of insurance claims."
"We were so lucky that a friend recommended VIP to handle our claim... Their communication skills are excellent, they keep you informed at every level."
5-Star Rated on Google, BBB & Facebook
Port St. Lucie to Melbourne
Based in Fort Pierce, in the middle of it.
Our Fort Pierce office sits between Port St. Lucie and the hardest-hit parts of Brevard, so an adjuster can be at your property, not just on the phone.
- Port St. Lucie
- Tradition
- St. Lucie West
- Fort Pierce
- Vero Beach
- Sebastian
- Fellsmere
- Palm Bay
- Malabar
- Grant-Valkaria
- West Melbourne
- Melbourne
- Melbourne Beach
- Stuart & Jensen Beach
- An adjuster at your property, not just on the phone
- The same team from the first call to the final payment
- Answered 24/7 on our main line
Fort Pierce Office
(772) 600-4663- Address
- 1303 White Oak Ln
Fort Pierce, FL 34982 - Main Line
- 833-WITH-VIP
Before You Call
Do I need flood insurance for you to help?
For damage from rising water, yes. Homeowners policies exclude flood, so that part of the loss is paid by a flood policy, NFIP or private, if you carry one. Not sure? Look for a separate flood declarations page, or a flood premium on your mortgage escrow statement.
If water came in another way, through a storm-damaged roof or a backed-up drain, your homeowners policy may respond. We'll review it with you either way, at no cost.
How long do I have to file?
Report the claim to your flood carrier promptly. Under an NFIP policy, the signed and sworn proof of loss is due within 60 days of the date of loss unless FEMA extends it; for a November 2 loss, that's January 1, 2027. Private flood policies have their own deadlines, and we'll check yours.
The adjuster already came out, or I got a payment. Is it too late?
No. We can come on board at any stage. Flood claims can be supplemented when damage was missed, and an NFIP denial can be appealed to FEMA within 60 days of the denial letter.
What does a Public Adjuster cost?
The claim review is free, and there's nothing up front. Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties are under a declared state of emergency, and in that case Florida caps Public Adjuster fees at 10%. That's what we charge on claims from this flood. Our fee comes only out of what's recovered. No recovery, no fee.
Sewage backed up into my home. Is that covered?
It depends on the cause. A flood policy covers sewer backup only when the general flooding in the area caused it. Otherwise it falls to your homeowners policy, which usually requires a water backup endorsement. Either way, treat it as contaminated and keep people out until it's professionally cleaned.
Do you handle condos, HOAs and businesses?
Yes. Condominium associations often carry their own master flood policy, and unit owners may carry one for interiors and contents. We also handle flood claims for commercial buildings and their contents.
The Water Is Going Down. The Claim Is Just Starting.
We'll look at the damage and your policy before you make decisions about the claim.
Main line, 24/7: 833-WITH-VIP