Insurance FAQs

Home insurance prices in South Florida are trending downward for the first time in years. Citizens Property Insurance filed for an average rate cut of 8.7% in early 2026, and multiple private carriers have done the same. Florida still ranks as the most expensive state for homeowners coverage, with averages topping $7,100 per...

Admitted insurance carriers in South Florida must pay hurricane claims within 90 days under state law. The track record varies by carrier, but Florida's regulations are among the toughest in the country. The Florida Insurance Guaranty Association (FIGA) backs every admitted policy. If your carrier goes belly up, FIGA covers your claim up to $300,000 for structures and...

Homeowners insurance does not transfer to a new buyer in Florida. The carrier treats every sale as a clean slate, requiring fresh inspections, new underwriting, and a brand-new policy priced at today's rates. Flood insurance is the one exception. An NFIP flood policy can be assumed by the buyer, preserving grandfathered rates that often save thousands per year. This single...

Standard condo insurance covers no assessment for maintenance, reserves, or capital work. Loss assessment coverage, part of your HO-6, pays only when the assessment stems from a covered loss such as hurricane damage to common areas. Most policies default to just $1,000 or $2,000. Florida owners should carry $25,000 to $50,000, which often costs under $50...

Look for an independent agent who represents at least 20 Florida homeowners carriers. They should pick up the phone on evenings and weekends. They should also re-shop your policy every renewal cycle automatically. Two agents quoting the same carrier will always give you the same price because that is regulated. So the real value of a great agent comes down to carrier access,...

Flood insurance in Florida is a separate policy from your homeowners coverage. It pays for damage caused by storm surge, rising water, and rain accumulation. Your homeowners policy covers none of it. Average costs range from $500 to $2,000 or more per year depending on your flood zone and proximity to the...

Start by calling a local Florida insurance agent and sharing the property address. If the home is less than 20 years old, your agent can run quotes immediately. If the home is older, you will need two inspection reports first: a four-point and a wind mitigation. These two documents control both your eligibility and your...

A non-renewal rarely derails a closing. Florida mandates roughly 100 days of written notice, and most transactions finish inside that window with coverage still active. Sellers holding a mortgage can assemble general liability and hazard policies separately. Watch the buyer's side more closely, since a home you already insure may not qualify for a brand-new...

Metal roofing offers the best combination of durability and long-term value for South Florida homeowners. A properly installed metal roof can last 50 to 80 years, withstand hurricane-force winds above 150 mph, and reduce cooling costs by 15% to 25% compared to asphalt shingles. However, the upfront investment runs $14,000 to $28,000 on a 2,000-square-foot home. For buyers who...

Two inspection reports control your insurance fate in Florida: the four-point inspection and the wind mitigation report. The four-point determines whether a carrier will insure your home at all. The wind mitigation determines how much you pay. Together, they evaluate your roof, electrical system, plumbing, HVAC, hurricane protection, and how the structure holds together in high...

Every property in South Florida sits inside a FEMA-designated flood zone. That designation directly affects your insurance costs, your mortgage requirements, and your total monthly payment. Homes in high-risk zones like AE or VE require mandatory flood coverage if you are financing. Properties in Zone X carry lower risk and optional coverage. Recent FEMA map updates reclassified...