Insurance claims hit $8.7 billion in Florida

TALLAHASSEE — With more than 622,000 claims reported, estimated insured losses from Hurricane Ian have increased to $8.7 billion, according to data posted Wednesday by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.

The estimated loss total was up from $8.44 billion a week earlier and is expected to continue to climb. The data showed 622,692 claims had been reported as of Wednesday, up from 607,552 a week earlier.

The vast majority of the claims reported as of Wednesday, 431,255, involved residential property, with other types involving such things as commercial property and auto damage.

The Category 4 storm made landfall Sept. 28 in Southwest Florida before crossing the state.

Lee County had the most claims as of Wednesday, with 223,057.

It was followed by Charlotte County, with 94,440, and Sarasota County, with 63,880, according to the state data.