"TALLAHASSEE — In a case that may reduce payouts to hundreds of 2004 hurricane victims, the Florida Supreme Court ruled Thursday that insurers must only pay for damage specifically covered by their policies.

The 7-0 decision affects many homeowners who have not settled with their insurance companies over whether damage caused by Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, or Jeanne came from wind or flood waters, for which many homeowners are not insured.

The opinion will not affect residents who have already settled with their insurance companies, attorneys familiar with the case said Thursday."