Residents are blaming antiquated infrastructure in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, compounded by rising sea levels, king tide, and stormwater flooding.

"We went in and did this form of alternative dispute resolution, ... and they said, 'We're not paying. We want to present our defenses,'" plaintiff counsel said about Heritage Property and Casualty Co.

The case involves an engineer's report that was the focus of the breach-of-contract action.

Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis said the state is broadening its investigation into alleged insurance fraud.

The insurer refused the claim because it determined that the hurricane caused only minor damage to the property, and that the cost of any repairs was less than the insurance policy's deductible.

The suit alleges that State Farm refuses to pay the full hourly rate charged by mechanics certified to repair luxury autos.

"Every case that seems to come to a different conclusion than the preceding case law muddies the waters," said Margaret Garner, appellant counsel.

The plaintiff received 12 times the policy limit of the defendant's insurance coverage.