Florida Businesses Still Heavily Impacted By Hurricane Irma, Months Later
Even three months later, Hurricane Irma and corresponding hurricane insurance claim denials here in Florida are affecting businesses and negatively impacting tourism. While the Florida Keys in particular typically attract more than three million visitors a year—especially right around after Christmas is over—many of the big resorts remain closed after Hurricane Irma. And when hotels are closed, subsequent businesses—such as restaurants—also suffer. Irma was Florida’s first major hurricane since 2004-2005, and left millions of Floridians without electricity; causing widespread damage; especially in the agricultural industry. Hurricane Irma’s Cost to Florida Hurricane Irma left its financial mark on the state of Florida: The category four hurricane caused more than $500 million in damages and destroyed more than 1,100 homes. Many of the properties that were damaged but not entirely destroyed are projected to remain closed until at least next fall, and many business owners have projected that it could take a full year or more to recover their losses. According to some reports, the public and private costs are staggering, and include an estimated: $2.5 billion hit to crops and facilities; $6.55 billion in property damage claims; $1 billion or more to utility customers to cover the costs of getting power restored; and $2.5 billion from federal agencies to cover other hurricane-related losses. Hurricane Maria has now also left its mark, as evacuees from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico make their way to Florida. Lawmakers Look For Better Solutions during Next Storm Florida lawmakers have put forth a variety of proposals to try and speed evacuations when storms hit the state, such as using cruise ships or passenger trains to get people out, or even extending the Suncoast Parkway toll road North of Tampa Bay. Other recommendations include placing utility lines underground and strategically locating petroleum distribution centers, as well as investing in highway-railroad crossings so that they are better able to get much-needed supplies—such as fuel—out to areas following a hurricane event. Many are especially concerned about Florida’s most vulnerable elderly populations—i.e. those in nursing homes and similar facilities—many of which not only lost power, but lives as a result. Governor Rick Scott has pushed forward with requirements that these facilities have generators on hand in order to keep the temperature safe, while others have suggested that the state explore options when it comes to providing on-site care for dialysis patients during these disasters. Florida Hurricane Insurance Claim Denial Lawyers If your business suffered from any type of damage during Hurricane Irma, you need to file an insurance claim as soon as possible with the help of a Florida hurricane insurance lawyer. The same applies to any claims that were unfairly denied. At HD Law Partners, we serve to assist with hurricane insurance claims throughout Tampa, Sarasota, Orlando, and Fort Myers. We’ve been successfully helping businesses with legal concerns for years in Florida communities. Contact us today to find out more. Resources: cbsnews.com/news/florida-keys-hurricane-irma-impact-hotels-remain-closed/ tampabay.com/florida-politics/buzz/2017/12/26/irma-looms-large-as-florida-lawmakers-prepare-to-meet/ Tags: Florida Hurricane Claim Attorney, Florida Hurricane Claim Attorneys, Hurricane Irma Posted in FEMA Insurance Payments, Hurricane Claims | No Comments » Connect with us Archives May 2026 April 2026 March 2026 February 2026 January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 September 2025 July 2025 June 2025 January 2025 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 November 13 Categories Alimony Appellate Arbitration Auto Accidents Auto Insurance Business Corporate Business Insurance Law Child Custody Child Support Criminal Law Divorce Family Law FEMA Insurance Payments Florida’s Mandatory 2‑Hour Legal Professionalism CLE: Foreclosure Defense Fort Myers Hurricane Insurance Attorney General Guardianship HD Law Partners Service HOA/Property Management Homeowners Association Homeowners Insurance Hurricane Claims Hurricane Insurance Insurance Bad Faith Insurance Claims Insurance Defense Insurance Litigation Landlord Tenant Law Enforcement Liability Loan Modifications Mold Water Damage Parental Rights Paternity Personal Injury Premises Liability Law Prenuptial Agreements Private Security Property Distribution Property Owner Law Sarasota Insurance Litigation Attorney Slip Fall Tampa Business and Corporate Attorneys tampa family attorney Tampa Insurance Attorneys Timeshare Timesharing Uncategorized HD Law Partners is proud to be your trusted full-service law firm Quick Links Property & Casualty Business & Corporate Litigation Family Law Contact Us Careers Get In Touch 2002 North Lois Avenue Suite 510 Tampa, FL 33607 813-253-5333 Contact Us