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The Best Home Insurance in Florida for 2023
Florida home insurance is getting more expensive and harder to find. Here are a few companies to consider.
Sarah Schlichter Lead Writer | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Sarah Schlichter is a NerdWallet authority on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. Prior to joining NerdWallet, she spent more than 15 years in digital media as a writer, editor and spokesperson. Sarah enjoys delving into complicated topics and helping readers understand the ins and outs of their insurance coverage. She lives in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Caitlin Constantine Assigning Editor | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Caitlin Constantine is an assigning editor at NerdWallet, focusing on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. She has more than 15 years of experience in digital media, including as the deputy managing editor at The Penny Hoarder and as a digital producer for a 24/7 news station based in the Tampa Bay area. Caitlin enjoys exploring the ways technology can help people become better informed about the world. She currently lives outside Asheville, North Carolina.
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
Although Florida can be appealing to those who enjoy warm weather, living in the Sunshine State has its hazards, too. The average cost of homeowners insurance in Florida is $2,385 a year, or about $199 a month, according to a NerdWallet rate analysis. And that number is on the rise.
Florida home insurance rates have shot up in recent years due to frequent natural disasters and litigation expenses that insurers pass on to consumers. In the face of heavy losses, many insurers have raised rates, stopped selling policies in Florida or simply gone out of business. Massive claim losses from Hurricane Ian have added even more stress to an already struggling market.
Residents of Florida still have options when it comes to getting homeowners insurance. Here are a few companies to consider.
Note: Due to underwriting practices and market volatility, some companies in this article may not write new policies in your area.
Why you can trust NerdWallet
Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our writing and data analyses. You can trust the prices we show you because our data analysts take rigorous measures to eliminate inaccuracies in pricing data and may update rates for accuracy as new information becomes available.
We include rates from every locale in the country where coverage is offered and data is available. When comparing rates for different coverage amounts and backgrounds, we change only one variable at a time, so you can easily see how each factor affects pricing.
Our sample homeowner had good credit, $300,000 of dwelling coverage, $300,000 of liability coverage and a $1,000 deductible.
The best homeowners insurance in Florida
If you’re looking to buy homeowners insurance from a well-rated national brand, consider one of these insurers from NerdWallet’s list of the Best Homeowners Insurance Companies. Click on each company’s name to read our review.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
Not available
*USAA homeowners insurance is available only to active military, veterans and their families.
More about the best home insurance companies in Florida
See more details about each company to help you decide which one is best for you.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Perks and high coverage limits for affluent homeowners.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Significantly fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Standard coverage includes features that many companies only offer as extras.
Large number of discounts.
Cons
Most consumers aren't able to get a quote online and will instead need to contact a local agent.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Perks and high coverage limits for affluent homeowners.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Significantly fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Standard coverage includes features that many companies only offer as extras.
Large number of discounts.
Cons
Most consumers aren't able to get a quote online and will instead need to contact a local agent.
Chubb serves mostly affluent policyholders with high-value homes, offering lofty coverage limits and lots of perks. For example, the company covers water damage from backed-up sewers and drains, and pays to bring your home up to the latest building codes during reconstruction after a claim. (Many insurers charge more for these types of coverage.)
If you insure a secondary or seasonal home in Florida with Chubb, you can sign up for the company’s Property Manager service at no charge. With this service, a Chubb representative will inspect your home after a hurricane, report its condition to you, submit a claim on your behalf and help prevent further damage.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Well-established insurer with a lengthy list of coverage options.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
User-friendly website.
Agents offer personalized service.
Policies generally include extra coverage for your home’s structure.
Cons
Fewer discounts than some other insurers.
Includes more generous dwelling coverage in standard policies than many other insurers do.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Well-established insurer with a lengthy list of coverage options.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
User-friendly website.
Agents offer personalized service.
Policies generally include extra coverage for your home’s structure.
Cons
Fewer discounts than some other insurers.
Includes more generous dwelling coverage in standard policies than many other insurers do.
As America’s largest insurer, State Farm stands out for its long list of coverage options. Its policies generally include extra dwelling coverage in case it costs more than expected to rebuild your home after a covered disaster. You may also be able to add coverage for things like utility lines, damage from backed-up drains and the breakdown of major appliances.
State Farm offers a free Ting device as a perk for home insurance policyholders. Ting is a smart plug that monitors your home’s electrical network to help prevent fires.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Farmers policies may come with valuable extras.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Several standard features can help save money.
Less common coverage options are available.
Discounts for nonsmokers and members of certain professions.
Cons
Ranked near the bottom for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Home Insurance Study.
Farmers’ three tiers of home insurance coverage make its policies suitable for a variety of homeowners.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Farmers policies may come with valuable extras.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Several standard features can help save money.
Less common coverage options are available.
Discounts for nonsmokers and members of certain professions.
Cons
Ranked near the bottom for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Home Insurance Study.
Farmers’ three tiers of home insurance coverage make its policies suitable for a variety of homeowners.
Homeowners policies from Farmers may include two valuable types of insurance: extended dwelling and replacement cost coverage. Extended dwelling coverage gives you extra insurance for the structure of your house, while replacement cost coverage offers higher reimbursement for stolen or destroyed belongings.
You may be eligible for a discount if you go without filing a claim for at least five years.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
For shoppers seeking a broad range of coverage options, Nationwide may fit the bill.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Close to expected
Pros
Offers some coverage standard that other companies charge extra for.
Lots of discounts available.
Website offers lots of useful features and information.
Cons
Doesn't insure mobile or manufactured homes.
Nationwide's policies are widely available across the country and offer a variety of useful coverage choices. The company also has a robust list of discounts to help you save on your policy.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
For shoppers seeking a broad range of coverage options, Nationwide may fit the bill.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Close to expected
Pros
Offers some coverage standard that other companies charge extra for.
Lots of discounts available.
Website offers lots of useful features and information.
Cons
Doesn't insure mobile or manufactured homes.
Nationwide's policies are widely available across the country and offer a variety of useful coverage choices. The company also has a robust list of discounts to help you save on your policy.
Nationwide offers a variety of ways to customize your policy. For example, you can add coverage for things like identity theft, high-value items and backed-up sewers and drains. Another option worth considering is dwelling replacement cost, which can pay up to double your policy limit in case it costs more than expected to rebuild your home after a disaster.
Because Nationwide sells homeowners policies through independent agents in Florida, you can’t get an online quote.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Well-established insurer known for great customer service.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
High customer satisfaction ratings and low consumer complaints.
Home Check app can help with home maintenance.
Simple online claims filing and tracking.
Cons
You can start a quote online but have to finish the buying process by phone.
Has an approved contractor program to help with claims and an app with home maintenance tips.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Well-established insurer known for great customer service.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
High customer satisfaction ratings and low consumer complaints.
Home Check app can help with home maintenance.
Simple online claims filing and tracking.
Cons
You can start a quote online but have to finish the buying process by phone.
Has an approved contractor program to help with claims and an app with home maintenance tips.
Rhode Island-based Amica stands out for its customer service and broad range of coverage options. The company has drawn significantly fewer consumer complaints to state regulators than expected for an insurer of its size, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, or NAIC.
You may be able to customize your policy with extra coverage above your dwelling limit, in case your house costs more to rebuild than expected. You may also want to add coverage for damage from water backups or recovery from identity theft.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Sells homeowners policies through local independent agents.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Many coverage options.
Far fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Has special coverage packages for higher-value homes.
Cons
No online quotes.
Offers customizable homeowners insurance with special options for higher-value homes.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Sells homeowners policies through local independent agents.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Many coverage options.
Far fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Has special coverage packages for higher-value homes.
Cons
No online quotes.
Offers customizable homeowners insurance with special options for higher-value homes.
Cincinnati Insurance sells homeowners policies through independent agents, with various options for standard and high-value homes. You may be able to add coverage for things like identity theft, personal cyber attacks or certain types of water damage.
Cincinnati may offer you a discount for bundling home and auto insurance, having a newer home, installing a centrally monitored alarm system or going a certain amount of time without filing a claim.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Homeowners insurance in high-risk states with lots of extras available.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Offers deductible discount if you use one of its recommended contractors after a claim.
Easy online quotes.
Lots of useful insurance information on its website.
Cons
Pet liability coverage costs extra.
No bundling discount.
Uses technology to offer reasonably priced insurance in states at risk of climate change.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Homeowners insurance in high-risk states with lots of extras available.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Offers deductible discount if you use one of its recommended contractors after a claim.
Easy online quotes.
Lots of useful insurance information on its website.
Cons
Pet liability coverage costs extra.
No bundling discount.
Uses technology to offer reasonably priced insurance in states at risk of climate change.
Founded in 2016, Kin is an insurance startup that sells policies directly to consumers. Its policies generally include replacement cost coverage for your personal belongings. That means if a covered disaster destroys your stuff, your policy will pay enough for you to buy brand-new replacements. (Some companies pay less due to depreciation of older items.)
Kin offers discounts for things like windproofing your home, living in a gated community and having water detection devices.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Offers perks for the military community.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Below average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Policies include standard coverage that often costs extra elsewhere.
Far fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
Cons
Available only to active military members, veterans and their families.
With generous coverage at rates below the national average, USAA offers good value for homeowners.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Offers perks for the military community.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Below average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Policies include standard coverage that often costs extra elsewhere.
Far fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
Cons
Available only to active military members, veterans and their families.
With generous coverage at rates below the national average, USAA offers good value for homeowners.
USAA serves the military community, including active members, veterans and their families. If you fall into one of these categories, you may want to give USAA home insurance policies a look.
Standard USAA homeowners policies include replacement cost coverage for your personal belongings. That means if your stuff is stolen or destroyed, the company will pay enough for you to buy brand-new replacements. (Many companies pay less for older, less valuable items.) USAA also covers military uniforms with no deductible for active or deployed members.
Having trouble finding an affordable rate or getting coverage from one of the best Florida home insurers above? Here are a few other companies you can try.
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
People's Trust
Not rated
$1,300
Tower Hill
3.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
$1,835
Universal Property
Not rated
$2,680
American Integrity
Not rated
$2,965
Florida Peninsula
Not rated
$3,030
Heritage
Not rated
$3,380
Homeowners Choice
Not rated
$3,555
The insurer of last resort: Citizens Property Insurance Corporation
Although NerdWallet doesn’t have access to average homeowners insurance rates from Citizens, we include it here because many Florida homeowners find themselves with nowhere else to turn for coverage.
Citizens is a government entity created in 2002 by the Florida Legislature to serve as an "insurer of last resort" for eligible homeowners who can't get coverage on the private market. You may qualify for insurance from Citizens if:
You can’t find a standard insurer willing to sell you a policy.
The premiums offered by other insurers are more than 20% higher than the rates offered by Citizens.
Because Citizens pays claims entirely using the money it collects in premiums, a severe storm can be very costly for policyholders. If Citizens finds itself in a situation where it cannot pay out all claims, it’s legally required to charge an assessment of up to 45% of your annual premium to make up for that shortfall.
How much does homeowners insurance cost in Florida?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Florida is $2,385 per year, or about $199 per month. That’s 31% more than the national average of $1,820.
In most U.S. states, including Florida, many insurers use your credit-based insurance score to help set rates. Your insurance score is similar but not identical to your traditional credit score.
In Florida, those with poor credit pay an average of $3,295 per year, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. That’s 38% more than Floridians with good credit.
Average cost of homeowners insurance in Florida by city
You may pay more or less than the state average for your homeowners insurance, depending on where in Florida you live. For example, the average cost of homeowners insurance in Miami is $4,740 per year, while homeowners in Orlando pay about $2,320 per year, on average.
City
Average annual rate
Average monthly rate
Boca Raton
$2,945
$245
Bradenton
$1,850
$154
Cape Coral
$2,175
$181
Fort Lauderdale
$3,985
$332
Fort Myers
$2,100
$175
Gainesville
$1,625
$135
Hialeah
$5,090
$424
Hollywood
$4,015
$335
Homestead
$4,790
$399
Jacksonville
$1,935
$161
Kissimmee
$2,435
$203
Lake Worth
$2,955
$246
Lakeland
$2,335
$195
Miami
$4,740
$395
Naples
$2,465
$205
Ocala
$1,720
$143
Orlando
$2,320
$193
Pensacola
$2,270
$189
Pompano Beach
$3,925
$327
Port St. Lucie
$2,800
$233
Sarasota
$1,940
$162
St. Petersburg
$1,915
$160
Tallahassee
$1,675
$140
Tampa
$2,235
$186
West Palm Beach
$2,900
$242
Why is homeowners insurance so expensive in Florida?
The cost of homeowners insurance in Florida is skyrocketing for several reasons. First, the state sees a lot of expensive natural disasters, such as hurricanes. The higher the risk of damage, the more insurance companies charge — and rates are continuing to go up in the wake of Hurricane Ian.
Second, homeowners insurance rates are rising across the country due to inflation and supply chain issues that make it more expensive to rebuild or repair damaged homes.
But most importantly, insurers in Florida face more lawsuits than in any other state, and the cost of all this litigation trickles down to consumers. Florida has 9% of the country’s homeowners insurance claims but 79% of lawsuits against insurance companies, according to data analysis by the Insurance Information Institute
In 2022, Florida’s legislature passed three bills designed to discourage lawsuits and stabilize the insurance market, with the hope of reducing prices for homeowners in the long term. In the meantime, however, home insurance costs will likely rise again this year.
What to know about Florida homeowners insurance
Floridians should make sure their homes are covered for some of the state’s most common natural disasters.
Hurricanes and tropical storms
Florida sees the most hurricane landfalls of any U.S. state. Hurricanes and other tropical storms typically cause two types of damage — wind and water — and a standard homeowners insurance policy may not fully cover them.
Just about every home insurance policy excludes coverage for flood damage. If you’re at risk, consider buying flood insurance through the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program or a private provider. To check your flood risk, put your address into the Federal Emergency Management Agency's flood maps or visit RiskFactor.com, a website from the nonprofit First Street Foundation.
If you have a homeowners insurance policy from Citizens, you’ll be required to buy flood insurance, thanks to a 2022 law.
Homeowners insurance usually covers wind damage, but those in high-risk coastal locations may have to purchase this coverage separately.
Note that if your homeowners insurance policy does include wind coverage, there may be a separate deductible for claims stemming from a named hurricane. For example, you may have chosen a $1,000 deductible for your policy, but the hurricane deductible may be a higher amount, such as 2% of your dwelling coverage. On a house with $300,000 in dwelling coverage, you’d be responsible for the first $6,000 of any hurricane-related repairs.
By law, Florida insurance companies must offer homeowners insurance discounts to policyholders whose homes are less likely to suffer wind damage. For example, you can save money by adding storm shutters or upgrading how your roof is attached to the rest of your house.
Florida also ranks No. 1 in the nation for sinkholes. By law, homeowners insurers in Florida must offer coverage for “catastrophic ground cover collapse,” a specific type of sinkhole damage.
In order for this coverage to apply, the incident must meet all of the following conditions:
The ground cover must suddenly collapse.
The depression in the ground cover must be visible to the naked eye.
There must be structural damage to the building’s foundation.
A government agency must order the building condemned and vacated.
Because some sinkhole damage may not meet all these conditions, you may want to add specific sinkhole coverage to your policy.
Florida department of insurance
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation oversees the state’s insurance industry. You can use the agency’s website to file a complaint against your insurance company, ask questions and get information about different types of insurance. The agency’s toll-free helpline is 877-693-5236.
Do you have to have homeowners insurance in Florida?
Homeowners insurance isn’t required by law in Florida. However, if you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to buy a policy.
Who provides homeowners insurance in Florida?
Some of the biggest homeowners insurance providers in the state by market share include Universal Property, State Farm, Tower Hill, Progressive and USAA, according to 2021 data from the NAIC (the most recent data available). Citizens Insurance, the state’s insurer of last resort, is writing an ever-growing number of policies as other companies go out of business or reduce coverage.
Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage in Florida?
Most homeowners policies cover damage from wind but not flooding, meaning you could have a major coverage gap if a hurricane strikes. Flood insurance may be a smart buy. Note that if you live in a high-risk coastal area, your home insurance may not cover wind either. Read your policy or check with your agent to make sure you have the right coverage.
Do you have to have homeowners insurance in Florida?
Homeowners insurance isn’t required by law in Florida. However, if you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to buy a policy.
Who provides homeowners insurance in Florida?
Some of the biggest homeowners insurance providers in the state by market share include Universal Property, State Farm, Tower Hill, Progressive and USAA, according to 2021 data from the NAIC (the most recent data available). Citizens Insurance, the state’s insurer of last resort, is writing an ever-growing number of policies as other companies go out of business or reduce coverage.
Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage in Florida?
Most homeowners policies cover damage from wind but not flooding, meaning you could have a major coverage gap if a hurricane strikes.
may be a smart buy. Note that if you live in a high-risk coastal area, your home insurance may not cover wind either. Read your policy or check with your agent to make sure you have the right coverage.
Methodology
NerdWallet averaged rates for 40-year-old homeowners from various insurance companies in every ZIP code across the state. All rates are rounded to the nearest $5.
Sample homeowners were nonsmokers with good credit living in a single-family, two-story home built in 1984. They had a $1,000 deductible and the following coverage limits:
$300,000 in dwelling coverage.
$30,000 in other structures coverage.
$150,000 in personal property coverage.
$60,000 in loss of use coverage.
$300,000 in liability coverage.
$1,000 in medical payments coverage.
We made minor changes to the sample policy in cases where rates for the above coverage limits or deductibles weren’t available.
We changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor,” as reported to the insurer, to see rates for homeowners with poor credit.
These are sample rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.
Star rating methodology
NerdWallet’s homeowners insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints, coverages, discounts and online experience. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our full homeowners insurance rating methodology.
Complaint methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2019-2021. To assess how insurers compare to one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.