Why Is Homeowners Insurance So Expensive in Florida?
Florida premiums are among the highest in the country. Here is what drives the price, and what you can actually do about it.
What drives Florida premiums
- Hurricane and wind risk. Insurers price for the chance of large storm losses, especially near the coast.
- Reinsurance costs. Insurers buy their own insurance to cover catastrophic years, and those costs get passed to policyholders.
- Claims and litigation costs. Florida's claims environment has historically added cost to the system.
- The home itself. Roof age, year built, construction type, distance from the coast, and past claims all matter.
Understand what you are buying
- Coverage A is the dwelling. It should reflect the cost to rebuild, not the market price.
- Coverage B, C, D cover other structures, belongings, and additional living expenses if you must move out.
- Ordinance or law coverage helps pay for code upgrades when rebuilding. Ask what your policy includes.
- Flood is not covered by a standard homeowners policy. Flood insurance is separate, and policies through the National Flood Insurance Program generally have a waiting period before they take effect.
Eight ways to lower your premium
- Get a wind mitigation inspection. It documents roof shape, roof-to-wall connections, opening protection, and more. Credits can be significant.
- Have a four-point inspection ready if your home is older. Insurers often ask for it.
- Shop with an independent agent who can quote several insurers.
- Raise your deductibles if you can afford them. Use our hurricane deductible calculator.
- Upgrade protection: impact windows or doors, shutters, reinforced roof connections.
- Replace an aging roof before it causes coverage trouble or higher rates.
- Bundle policies where it truly saves money, and ask about discounts.
- Review annually. The market changes, and your best option last year may not be this year.
What about Citizens?
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is Florida's state-backed insurer of last resort. Eligibility generally depends on whether comparable private coverage is available at a price within 20 percent of the Citizens premium, so ask your agent whether you qualify and whether private options exist.
If you have a problem
The Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Consumer Services helps with insurance complaints and questions at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236).
General information, not insurance advice. Premiums and rules change frequently; confirm details with a licensed Florida agent.
Keep reading
- Florida Hurricane Deductible ExplainedHow percentage deductibles work, with dollar examples.
- Florida Flood Insurance BasicsWhat it covers, the waiting period, and why homeowners insurance does not.
- Wind Mitigation & Four-Point InspectionsTwo inspections that can lower your premium or help you get covered.
- How Citizens Property Insurance WorksFlorida's insurer of last resort: who qualifies and what to know.