Contractor Talk with Richie Kidwell

The Restoration Industry's Battle with Big Insurance in Florida

How prepared are Florida homeowners for this year’s storm season? In this episode of Contractor Talk, Richie Kidwell and co-host property damage attorney Hans Kennon discuss the realities of navigating insurance claims before and after major storms. Joined by special guest John Richardson of Kennon Law, the conversation explores how El Niño and La Niña weather patterns may impact hurricane activity, why documenting damage early is critical, and the strict deadlines Florida homeowners face when filing or supplementing claims. The episode also takes a deeper look at how insurance companies evaluate claims, including the use of engineers, ladder-assist vendors, satellite imagery, and wear-and-tear arguments that can lead to denials. Richie, Hans, and John break down common policy pitfalls such as right-to-repair clauses, roof payment schedules, and takeout policies, and discuss reports of increased denials following Hurricane Milton. If you’re a Florida homeowner, contractor, or property owner trying to better understand storm damage claims and insurance coverage, this episode offers valuable insight into the current landscape.

Understanding Roofing Repairs: Ensuring Peace of Mind for Homeowners

Richie Kidwell and co-host, property damage attorney Hans Kennon, return with Contractor Talk to discuss Florida’s changing property insurance landscape and why the correct “date of loss” can make or break a roofing claim, especially when damage is discovered months later. They break down shrinking coverage, rising premiums, claim handling tactics, and ongoing legal battles impacting homeowners across Florida. Special guests Jenson Pedraza and Pedro from Midas Roofing share how their company is raising the standard for roofing craftsmanship through free inspections, detailed photo reports, instant roof estimate tools, and financing options that help homeowners move forward with repairs during insurance disputes. If you are dealing with roof damage, insurance claims, or preparing your home for storm season, this episode offers valuable insights for Florida homeowners and contractors alike.

Navigating Legal Challenges in Florida’s Insurance Industry

In this episode of Contractor Talk with Richie Kidwell, Richie sits down with Bobby Vickery of Boltz Legal to discuss the current state of Florida’s insurance landscape and what recent legislative changes mean for homeowners, contractors, and public adjusters. They break down how changes in attorney fee laws are affecting access to legal representation and why many homeowners may now face greater challenges when pursuing property damage claims. The conversation also explores insurance company tactics, including the use of subsidiaries, rate increases, and evolving policy structures that can limit coverage. Bobby shares firsthand insight from his experience during Hurricane Ian, including dealing with insurer insolvency, delays due to FIGA, and the financial strain many policyholders faced. They also highlight the importance of pre-storm documentation, policy reviews, and understanding coverage before disaster strikes. Throughout the episode, Richie and Bobby discuss the broader implications of regulatory decisions, the role of advocacy groups such as the Restoration Association of Florida, and steps homeowners can take to better protect themselves in an increasingly complex insurance environment.

The Art of Home Inspections: Safeguarding Your Biggest Investment

Richie Kidwell and co-host, property-damage attorney Hans Kennon, return with Contractor Talk for an Earth Day episode focused on property-damage claims, hurricane preparedness, and real estate strategy. 🌎 Special guest Mike Hayman of Liberty Property Inspections breaks down the rising demand for inspections, the benefits of pre-listing inspections, and why proper permits for major work, such as repipes and roofs, are critical to avoid red tags and future sale issues. They also cover updates to Florida wind mitigation and four-point inspection forms effective March and April 2025, how inspections can lower insurance premiums, and why documenting your home before storm season matters. If you are buying, selling, or protecting your home, this episode delivers practical insights you can use.

Homeowner Rights and the Big Insurance Dilemma

What’s really going on with Florida’s property insurance system? In this episode, Richie Kidwell and co-host property damage attorney Hans Kennon break down the latest challenges homeowners and contractors are facing across the state. They dive into recent legislative changes impacting attorney fees, how insurers (including Citizens) are handling claims, and why many policyholders are struggling to get fair payouts. From delays and denials to restrictive policy endorsements, this conversation sheds light on what’s happening behind the scenes, especially following major storms like Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Special guest Bernie Stepien of HRC Construction joins the show to talk about remodeling, home additions, and how insurance shifts are affecting contractors. He also shares insight into financing options and how homeowners can move forward with repairs or upgrades.