Florida Court Upholds Verdict Against Citizens Property Insurance
In a significant decision for Florida homeowners, the Florida Third District Court of Appeal has upheld a lower court’s ruling in favor of Mayra Avila in a case against Citizens Property insurance Corporation. The appellate court’s decision, issued on February 26, 2025, reinforces the importance of substantial evidence in jury verdicts and the need for insurance companies to honor policyholder claims.
Case Background
The case began with a property damage claim filed by homeowner Mayra Avila with Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, the state-backed insurer of last resort. Avila asserted that her property had sustained significant damage covered by her policy, however, Citizens either denied the claim or undervalued the damages. At trial, Avila successfully argued that Citizens had not met its obligations under the insurance policy. The jury agreed, and awarded Avila damages to cover the cost of the necessary repairs.
Citizens’ Appeal and Legal Arguments
Following the trial, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation attempted to overturn the jury’s verdict, arguing that the evidence presented did not support the decision. The insurer contended that a directed verdict—where a judge rules in favor of one party without jury deliberation—should have been issued due to insufficient evidence to support Avila’s claim.
However, the appellate court disagreed with Citizens’ arguments. The court reiterated the legal standard that directs a directed verdict only when “no view of the evidence, or inferences made therefrom, could support a verdict for the non-moving party.” Since Avila provided substantial evidence to support her claim, the jury’s decision was upheld.
Court’s Ruling and Significance
The Florida Third District Court of Appeal’s decision against Citizens affirms the jury’s verdict. The court emphasized that appellate judges must defer to jury findings when competent and substantial evidence supports the verdict. This ruling underscores the importance of holding insurance companies accountable for honoring policyholder claims and represents a victory for homeowners seeking fair treatment from insurers.
This ruling is particularly significant given the frequent litigation involving Citizens Property Insurance over denied or underpaid claims. It establishes a precedent that insurers must provide sufficient justification when contesting claims, rather than relying on procedural technicalities to avoid payment.
Implications for Policyholders
For Florida homeowners insured by Citizens, the ruling underscores the importance of thoroughly documenting damages and pursuing legal action if they believe their claims have been unjustly denied. The case also reinforces the legal protections available to policyholders, serving as a warning to insurers that courts will uphold policyholder rights if claims are unfairly contested.
As Florida grapples with ongoing property insurance challenges including rising premiums and insurer insolvencies, the case serves as a reminder that insurance companies must act in good faith when handling claims. Policyholders should remain vigilant and informed about their rights when dealing with insurers.
