Home Insurancedone the right way.

The state doesn't require it, but virtually every mortgage lender does. Even without a mortgage, going uninsured in Florida means shouldering hurricane, fire and liability losses entirely on your own.

Wind damage from a hurricane is typically covered, subject to a separate hurricane deductible (usually 2%–5% of your dwelling limit). Flooding and storm surge are not — those need a flood policy.

There is no single Florida price. Your premium is built from your location and distance to the coast, the replacement cost of the home, roof age and shape, wind mitigation features, construction type, your hurricane and all-other-perils deductibles, claims history and the coverage limits you choose. Two homes on the same street can price very differently. The only reliable number is a quote run against multiple carriers, which we do for free.

A wind mitigation inspection, a newer roof, impact windows, a monitored alarm, a higher deductible and bundling home and auto are the discounts that move the needle most.

Florida homeowners policies carry a separate hurricane deductible that applies only to damage from a named storm. It is expressed as a percentage of your dwelling limit rather than a flat dollar amount, and Florida law requires carriers to offer specific percentage options. A separate, lower all-other-perils deductible applies to non-hurricane claims such as fire or a burst pipe.

Roof condition is the single biggest driver of eligibility in Florida. Many carriers limit or decline coverage on older roofs, or offer only actual cash value (depreciated) roof settlement instead of replacement cost. A recent roof, or a wind mitigation inspection documenting features like a hip shape, secondary water barrier and strong roof-to-wall connections, can materially improve both eligibility and price.

A four-point inspection reviews the roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems. Carriers commonly require one on older homes before issuing a policy. It is not a full home inspection and is used strictly to confirm the major systems are in insurable condition.

Sudden and accidental water damage — a burst supply line or an overflowing appliance — is typically covered. Gradual leaks, seepage, long-term deterioration, mold caused by ongoing moisture, and any water that rises from outside the home (flood or storm surge) are not. Rising water requires a separate flood policy.

Replacement cost. Your dwelling limit should reflect what it costs to rebuild the structure with current labor and materials, which is unrelated to what the home would sell for or what you owe on it. Land value is never insured.

Citizens is Florida's state-created insurer of last resort. It is available only when comparable private-market coverage is not offered, or is offered above a defined premium threshold. We check the private market first and use Citizens when it is the appropriate option, then re-shop at renewal if a private carrier becomes available.