How Citizens Property Insurance Works

By the Florida Homeowner Toolkit editorial team · Updated 2026-10-27

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is Florida's state-created insurer of last resort. Here is what it is, who can use it, and what to weigh before choosing it.

What Citizens is

Citizens was created to provide coverage to Florida property owners who cannot find it in the private market. It is not meant to compete with private insurers, and it is supported by assessments on policyholders if it faces large losses.

Who qualifies

Under Florida law, you generally cannot buy a new Citizens policy if a private insurer offers comparable coverage at a premium that does not exceed the Citizens premium by 20 percent or more. For renewals, a similar test applies: if a private insurer offers comparable coverage at no more than 20 percent above your Citizens renewal premium, you may not be able to renew. Your agent can run the comparison.

Things to know

Policies are often moved to private insurers through take-out programs, so a Citizens policy may not last forever. You can generally decline a takeout offer and stay with Citizens if you still qualify.
Possible assessments. If Citizens has a major deficit, policyholders can be charged an assessment, and in some cases other Florida insurance policyholders can too.
Coverage terms differ from private policies. Read what is included, especially for personal belongings and water damage.
Annual review. Check yearly whether a private policy would now be cheaper.

Questions for your agent

Am I eligible, or is there a private option within the price range?
How does this policy compare on deductibles and coverages?
What happens at renewal?

General information. Verify current eligibility rules directly with Citizens or a licensed agent.

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