After Hurricane Ian tore through southwest Florida in October 2022, Susan Reed and Kent Lonngren reported extensive structural and water damage to their Lee County home. Citizens Property Insurance Corp. accepted the claim, disbursing an initial $11,101.19 and, after a protracted appraisal, a final award of $157,727.00 to cover repairs.
Reed and Lonngren sued Citizens for breach of contract, arguing the insurer failed to conclude the appraisal within the statutory 90‑day window. Citizens requested the circuit court pause the lawsuit, insisting that the parties resolve the umpire selection dispute before proceeding.
On Oct. 16, the Sixth District Court of Appeal, with Judge Meredith L. Stargel presiding, upheld the lower court’s decision. The panel rejected the homeowners’ assertion that Citizens’ payment amounted to a confession of judgment, noting that the insurer had acted in good faith and followed the policy’s claims process.
The homeowners now face the reality that the $157,727 award will be the sole financial remedy for their damaged property. The court’s denial of attorney‑fee recovery underscores the limits of Florida law when an insurer complies fully with policy terms.
Citizens will continue honoring the policy’s payment schedule, and the homeowners have no further appeal options pending. The case is now closed, with no additional legal recourse for Reed and Lonngren.