The Florida District Court of Appeal recently affirmed a ruling involving Restoration Doctor and Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. This decision impacts how insurance claims are handled in the state, particularly for those who rely on restoration services after property damage.
The case, known as Restoration Doctor, Zaldivar v. Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, was filed on June 19, 2026, under docket number 2D2025-1935. The court's ruling is significant for policyholders and restoration service providers alike, as it clarifies the responsibilities and rights of both parties in insurance claims.
Background
Restoration Doctor, a company that provides restoration services, filed the appeal as an assignee of Robert Zaldivar. Zaldivar had a property insurance policy with Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, which is a major insurer in Florida. The dispute arose after Zaldivar filed a claim for damages to his property, which he believed should be covered under his policy.
The disagreement centered on whether the insurance company was obligated to pay for the restoration services provided by Restoration Doctor. After the initial ruling in the County Court for Hillsborough County, the case was brought to the District Court of Appeal for further review. The appeal process allowed the higher court to evaluate the previous decision and determine if it was correct.
The Ruling
The District Court of Appeal, in a per curiam opinion, affirmed the lower court's ruling without providing a detailed explanation. The judges involved in the decision were Silberman, Kelly, and Rothstein-Youakim, who concurred with the ruling. The court stated, "Affirmed," indicating that they found no error in the lower court's judgment.
Details regarding the specific arguments presented by both parties were not available in the court filing. However, the affirmation suggests that the appellate court found the lower court's decision to be sound and justified.
Impact
This ruling has important implications for both Restoration Doctor and Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. For Restoration Doctor, the decision may limit their ability to recover costs for restoration services if similar cases arise in the future. It underscores the challenges that service providers face when dealing with insurance claims.
For Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, the ruling reinforces their position in handling claims. It may serve as a precedent for future cases involving restoration services and insurance coverage, potentially influencing how claims are processed and evaluated in Florida.
What's Next
Details were not available in the court filing regarding the possibility of an appeal. However, parties involved in such disputes often consider their options after a ruling. It remains to be seen if Restoration Doctor will pursue further legal action or if there are related cases pending that could influence future outcomes.