The Florida Homeowners Insurance Guide:
How to Find the Right Coverage From a Stable Carrier in 2026

Florida's homeowners insurance market is unlike any other in the country. Premiums have nearly doubled in recent years, more than a dozen carriers have gone insolvent or pulled out of the state, and the cheapest quote on the screen often comes from the company least likely to be around - or solvent - when the next hurricane hits.

This guide is built for Florida homeowners who want to make a smart, informed decision about coverage - not just chase the lowest premium. It's the same information I share with my real estate clients when they're buying a home in Florida, because choosing the wrong insurance carrier can cost more than choosing the wrong house.

What's inside:

• What standard homeowners insurance actually covers - and what it doesn't (flood, mold, sinkhole)
• HO-3 vs. HO-6 and which one your home actually needs
• How to evaluate carrier stability using Demotech, AM Best, NAIC, and the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
• Understanding the separate hurricane deductible - and how a "2%" can mean $8,000+ out of pocket
• Wind mitigation credits and the My Safe Florida Home grant program (up to $10,000)
• The 80% rule, inflation guard, and replacement cost vs. actual cash value
• Flood insurance through NFIP vs. private carriers - and why even non-flood-zone homeowners should consider it
• The most common - and costliest - mistakes Florida homeowners make
• A complete checklist of questions to ask your broker before you bind a policy
• Vetted Central Florida insurance broker contacts