Spring Hill Homeowner Vandalism Claim Denied by Citizens
By Chad T. Wilson Law Firm Staff — based on reporting by JC Hallman and John Dobberstein December 3rd, 2025
Tom Luby, a homeowner in Spring Hill, Florida, was twice denied by Citizens Insurance for his nearly $100,000 vandalism claim on his rental property. The property damage is extensive, with stolen and destroyed appliances, significant debris inside and outside the premises, and damaged floors.
According to WFTS, Citizens Insurance stated the extensive damage was an “incomplete remodel” of the home, and not vandalism caused by the evicted tenants. Unfortunately, Mr. Luby is unable to take the insurance company to court due to Florida’s insurance reform laws, after being denied twice. He is “forced into meditation” with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearing. (WTFS) The insurer’s refusal to pay highlights problems with the insurance dispute process, which critics claim unfairly benefits the state-backed insurance company.
Florida’s Insurance Reform Law
Under recent insurance reform laws, such as House Bill 799 and enacted changes in 2023, policyholders with Citizens must resolve disputes through arbitration before the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) rather than filing a lawsuit in regular court. The impact of these changes “would speed up hearings and save money.” (Yahoo Finance)
Controversies Around the DOAH Process
Luby himself stated that “three different attorneys” declined to represent him because they believed you “can’t win” under the current system. (Yahoo Finance). Also, Luby’s attorney, who represents him in the mediation, “questioned the neutrality of the DOAH judges” as many of the judges are “former defense lawyers that represented insurance companies.” Investigations by ProPublica and reporting from Florida media have revealed that Citizens wins more than 90% of final hearings at the DOAH. In contrast, when cases go through traditional circuit courts, the insurer wins roughly 55% of the time. (Yahoo Finance).
This disparity raises concerns that the forced arbitration process:
- Strongly favors insurers
- Discourages attorneys from taking cases
- Leaves homeowners feeling they have “no chance” of justice
In addition, Citizens CEO Tim Cerio “defended the mediation process”, stating that policyholders go through a “6-step review of the claim” before being required to attend a DOAH hearing. He further noted that “all disputed claims sent to DOAH, 37% are settled before the final hearing.” (Yahoo Finance)
Denied Property Insurance Claim?
If your homeowner’s insurance claim has been denied, delayed, or underpaid, call the property insurance attorneys at the Chad T. Wilson Law Firm at (833) 942-0678. We protect the rights of policyholders around the nation. Reach out to us today for a free consultation.
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