Florida Homeowners Insurance 2026: Complete Guide for Homeowners
Great News for 2026! Rates Are Finally Dropping
After years of constant increases, Florida’s home insurance market is finally showing signs of stabilization. Governor Ron DeSantis announced in January 2026 that Citizens Property Insurance policyholders will see average reductions of 8.7% statewide, with some South Florida areas seeing discounts up to 14%.
These reductions are due to 2022-2023 legislative reforms that eliminated lawsuit abuse and fraud. For the first time in years, 17 new insurance companies have entered the Florida market, increasing competition and options for homeowners.
However, Florida still has the most expensive home insurance in the country. The average cost is approximately $3,800 to $5,000 per year, and coastal properties or homes with older roofs pay significantly more.
What is Homeowners Insurance?
Homeowners insurance protects your biggest investment: your home. If you have a mortgage, your lender requires it. But even if you own your home outright, it’s essential to protect yourself from devastating financial losses.
What Does Florida Homeowners Insurance Cover?
Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A)
Pays to repair or rebuild your home if damaged by covered events such as:
- Hurricanes and windstorms
- Fire and smoke
- Lightning
- Hail
- Vandalism
- Theft
Important: This coverage should be enough to rebuild your home at current construction costs—not market value or purchase price.
Other Structures (Coverage B)
Covers structures separate from your main home:
- Fences
- Sheds
- Detached garages
- Pool houses
- Guest houses
Personal Property (Coverage C)
Protects your belongings if stolen or damaged:
- Furniture and décor
- Electronics and appliances
- Clothing and accessories
- Jewelry (with limits, may require additional coverage)
- Sports equipment
Tip: Create an inventory of your belongings with photos or video. It will help immensely if you need to file a claim.
Liability Coverage (Coverage E)
Protects you if someone is injured on your property or if you cause damage to others’ property:
- Injured visitor’s medical expenses
- Legal costs if you’re sued
- Damages you must pay from a court judgment
Additional Living Expenses (Coverage D)
If your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event, this coverage pays for:
- Hotel or temporary housing
- Meals (above your normal food costs)
- Other necessary expenses while your home is repaired
Medical Payments (Coverage F)
Covers minor medical expenses for visitors injured on your property, regardless of who was at fault. Typically $1,000-$5,000.
⚠️ What Homeowners Insurance Does NOT Cover
This is critical to understand:
❌ Floods
Homeowners insurance NEVER covers flood damage, including flooding caused by hurricanes. You need a separate flood insurance policy through:
- NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program)
- Private flood insurers
In Florida, this isn’t optional. Even if you don’t live in a high-risk zone, 20%+ of flood claims come from “low-risk” areas.
❌ Earthquakes
Requires separate coverage (rarely needed in Florida).
❌ Maintenance and Wear & Tear
Damage from lack of maintenance, preventable mold, termites, and normal wear and tear are not covered.
❌ Sewer Backup
May require an additional endorsement.
❌ Sinkhole Damage
Florida has sinkhole risk. May require additional coverage.
The Hurricane Deductible: What You Need to Know
In Florida, your policy has TWO different deductibles:
Regular Deductible (AOP – All Other Perils)
For non-hurricane events. Typically $1,000-$2,500.
Hurricane Deductible
This is a percentage of your home’s value, not a flat amount. Options in Florida are:
| Deductible | $300,000 Home | $500,000 Home |
|---|---|---|
| 2% | $6,000 | $10,000 |
| 5% | $15,000 | $25,000 |
| 10% | $30,000 | $50,000 |
Real Example: Your home has $400,000 coverage and a 5% hurricane deductible. A hurricane causes $80,000 in damage.
- Your deductible: 5% × $400,000 = $20,000
- Insurance pays: $80,000 – $20,000 = $60,000
- You pay: $20,000 out of pocket
Tip: Higher deductible = lower premium, but make sure you can afford that deductible if a hurricane hits.
🏠 Roof Requirements in Florida
Your roof is the #1 factor affecting your insurance in Florida.
Important Rules:
- Roofs 15+ years old may require inspection to prove 5+ years of remaining useful life
- Roofs 20+ years old may be difficult or impossible to insure with some companies
- New roofs (post-2002) receive automatic credits for meeting modern building codes
Roofing Materials:
| Material | Typical Lifespan | Wind Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | 15-25 years | Good |
| Concrete/clay tiles | 30-50 years | Excellent |
| Metal | 40-70 years | Excellent |
| Membrane | 15-25 years | Good |
Recommended Action: If your roof is over 15 years old, schedule an inspection BEFORE your policy renewal. If it needs replacement, do it before hurricane season (June-November).
Wind Mitigation Discounts
Florida law requires insurers to offer discounts for features that protect your home against hurricanes. These discounts can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.
What is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A certified inspector evaluates these features of your home:
1. Roof Covering
Does your roof meet Florida codes to resist 110+ MPH winds?
2. Roof Deck Attachment
How is the roof deck (plywood) attached to the structure? Longer nails closer together = better discount.
3. Roof to Wall Connection
| Type | Discount |
|---|---|
| Toe-nailed | None |
| Metal clips | Moderate |
| Single wrap straps | High |
| Double wrap straps | Maximum |
4. Roof Geometry
Hip roofs (four-sided) resist wind better and qualify for discounts. Gable roofs (two-sided) don’t qualify.
5. Secondary Water Resistance (SWR)
An additional barrier under the roof that prevents leaks if shingles are torn off.
6. Opening Protection
- Hurricane shutters
- Impact-resistant windows
- Reinforced garage doors
Cost and Benefit:
| Inspection | Cost | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Mitigation | $75-$200 | $300-$1,500+/year |
The inspection is valid for 5 years and usually pays for itself in the first year.
My Safe Florida Home Program
The state of Florida offers:
- FREE wind mitigation inspections
- Grants up to $10,000 (state matches $2 for every $1 you invest)
- For improvements like roofs, shutters, and garage doors
Visit: mysafeflhome.com to see if you qualify.
How Much Does Florida Home Insurance Cost?
Average Costs 2026:
| Category | Average Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| State average | $3,815 |
| Coastal properties | $6,000 – $14,000+ |
| Homes with new roof | 10-20% less |
| Homes with wind mitigation | 20-45% less |
Factors That Affect Your Premium:
- Location – Coast vs. inland
- Roof age – Factor #1
- Year built – Post-2002 = automatic discounts
- Rebuild value – Don’t confuse with market value
- Deductible chosen – Higher deductible = lower premium
- Claims history – Each claim raises your premium
- Wind mitigation – Significant discounts available
How to Save on Your Home Insurance
1. Get a Wind Mitigation Inspection
Potential savings: $300-$1,500+/year
2. Raise Your Deductible
Going from $1,000 to $2,500 can significantly reduce your premium.
3. Bundle Policies
Homeowners + Auto with the same company = 5-15% discount
4. Upgrade Your Roof
A new roof can reduce your premium 10-20% and make you eligible for more carriers.
5. Install Security Systems
- Burglar alarm: 2-5% discount
- Monitored fire alarm: 2-5% discount
- Sprinkler system: up to 10% discount
6. Maintain a Clean History
No claims in 5 years = better rates
7. Compare Quotes Annually
The market changes. Compare at least 3 quotes every year.
8. Review Your Coverage
Don’t pay for coverage you don’t need, but don’t be underinsured.
Protect Your Home with the Right Coverage
Your home is probably the biggest investment of your life. In Florida, where hurricanes are part of reality, having the right insurance isn’t optional it’s essential.
💡 Not sure if you have the right coverage?
At Bet On You, our bilingual agents help you:
- Review your current policy and find coverage gaps
- Compare quotes from multiple insurers
- Maximize your wind mitigation discounts
- Find the right balance between coverage and cost
📞 Call us today for a FREE policy review.