Florida homeowners insurance guide

Short answer: Florida homeowners insurance centers on hurricane wind, which policies cover subject to a separate hurricane deductible, while flood needs its own policy. Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is the state's insurer of last resort, and by law a renewing Citizens primary-home policyholder generally becomes ineligible if a private insurer offers comparable coverage at a premium no more than 20% above Citizens'. Insurers must give 120 days' notice of non-renewal, and you must report a new claim within 1 year of the date of loss.

This guide is general information for Florida homeowners. It isn't legal advice. Your policy wording controls.

The risks that shape Florida coverage

Florida's insurance law treats windstorm as the central risk: the statute that creates Citizens (Fla. Stat. §627.351) exists largely to provide wind and residential property coverage when the private market won't. Two gaps follow:

• Hurricane deductible. Florida policies apply a separate hurricane deductible, often a percentage of dwelling coverage. See hurricane deductibles explained.
• Flood. Flood isn't covered by homeowners insurance. Quote a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer, and buy early because NFIP policies generally have a waiting period.

Step 1: Check your roof before you shop

Roof age and condition drive eligibility and price in Florida. Read Florida roof age insurance rules before you request quotes, and keep permits and inspection reports handy.

Step 2: Know how Citizens eligibility works

Under §627.351, a property is eligible for Citizens only if an offer of coverage can't be obtained from an admitted insurer at approved rates. At renewal, for policies renewing on or after April 1, 2023, a primary-residence risk is not eligible to stay with Citizens if an authorized insurer offers comparable coverage for no more than 20% above the Citizens renewal premium. If you get such an offer, compare coverage line by line, including deductibles, before you decide. See also FAIR Plan vs. surplus lines home insurance.

Step 3: Watch for the 120-day notice

Under Fla. Stat. §627.4133, insurers must give 120 days' written notice of non-renewal, cancellation or termination of residential property policies, including the reason. Details: Florida homeowners non-renewal rules.

Step 4: Report claims within 1 year

Fla. Stat. §627.70132 bars a new or reopened property claim unless notice is given under the policy terms within 1 year after the date of loss, and a supplemental claim within 18 months. The deadlines are tolled for a servicemember deployed to a combat zone. Report damage right away and photograph everything.

Step 5: Hold the insurer to its clock

Under Fla. Stat. §627.70131, an insurer must acknowledge a residential property claim within 7 calendar days and pay or deny, in whole or in part, within 60 days after notice, with interest on late payments. More: Florida insurance claim deadlines.

See our tables: non-renewal notice rules by state, insurance claim deadlines by state and home insurance claim and lawsuit deadlines by state.

Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See Florida insurance claim deadlines.

Frequently asked questions

Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.