Water damage like over-watering a potted plant can cause that.

I personally love animals, but am hesitant to allow them in my future rentals because of damages, liability, noise, etc...  

Also, I have no idea how much damage pet can do as I have no pets myself, so are these pet rates enough?

I don't really have any evidence that they new about the leaks accept that I noticed the leaks for the first time after there was heavy rain within 2 months of buying the house, but now 11 months have passed since I purchased the house.If I was going to go forward with this I would just get a quote from a contractor on how much it would cost to fix it and bring that to court as the amount that I want to collect in damages.

Every block is different .

Property is Located in North Miami almost NMB just two blocks from the city line. 

I've seen nice houses over there but across the street or down the block houses looks like they are straight out of the Adams Family. 

I got Rem Relief from bankruptcy court and waiting for a trial date in state court.They are anxious to settle now and the offer they have is to vacate the property and leave if I withdraw the case from state court.Questions:Is there any legal protection for the damages to the property?

File a complaint and ask for damages.

The tree company dropped a large piece on the front porch doing quite a bit of damage.