Florida home insurance is getting more expensive and harder to find. Here are a few companies to consider.
Updated Jun 3, 2024 · 7 min read Written by Sarah Schlichter Lead Writer 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.
Assistant Assigning Editor Caitlin Constantine
Assistant 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.
Fact CheckedMany, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. 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.
Nerdy takeawaysAlthough 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 $2,625 a year, or about $219 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.
Residents of Florida still have options when it comes to getting homeowners insurance. NerdWallet analyzed data from several insurance companies selling policies in Florida to help you find the best home insurance in the state in the following categories:
Best for affordability: Nationwide . Best for coverage: State Farm . Best for having few consumer complaints: Chubb .Note: Some insurance companies included in this article may have made changes in their underwriting practices and no longer issue new policies in your state. Even if an insurer serves your state, it may not write policies for all homes in all areas.
Why you can trust NerdWalletOur 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.
Get home insurance quotes in minutes Answer a few questions to see custom quotes and find the right policy for you. Get StartedNerdWallet'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. Compare My Rates pros & cons why we picked itRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About averageRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discountsRatings 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 expectedNerdWallet'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. pros & cons why we picked itRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About averageRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discountsRatings 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 expectedWith an average annual rate of $2,480 per year, Nationwide charges less than the state average for homeowners insurance. The company 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 coverage, 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 with a lengthy list of coverage options. Compare My Rates pros & cons why we picked itRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than averageRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discountsRatings 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 expectedNerdWallet'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. pros & cons why we picked itRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than averageRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discountsRatings 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 expectedAs 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.
Perks and high coverage limits for affluent homeowners. Compare My Rates pros & cons why we picked itRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than averageRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discountsRatings 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 expectedNerdWallet'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. pros & cons why we picked itRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than averageRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discountsRatings 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 expectedAmong the insurers we evaluated in Florida, Chubb drew the fewest complaints to state regulators for a company of its size, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
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.
To learn more, read NerdWallet’s Chubb home insurance review .
NerdWallet analyzed insurance companies across the state to find the best home insurance in Florida. Here are all of the insurers that received a NerdWallet star rating of 4.5 or higher:
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
*USAA homeowners insurance is available only to active military, veterans and their families.
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.
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
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. Read our Citizens home insurance review for further details.
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Florida is $2,625 per year, or about $219 per month. That’s 37% more than the national average of $1,915.
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 $3,685 per year, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. That’s 40% more than Floridians with good credit.
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 $5,315 per year, while homeowners in Orlando pay about $2,760 per year, on average.
Average annual rate
Average monthly rate
West Palm Beach
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.
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 [0]
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 have continued to rise.
One way to bring down your home insurance cost in Florida is to lower your risk of hurricane damage. The Florida legislature recently approved more funding for the “My Safe Florida Home” program, which provides grants to help homeowners strengthen their homes against hurricanes. But the waiting list for grants can be long.
What's new in Florida?
The state legislature recently passed a law requiring sellers to tell home buyers whether they've ever filed a flood insurance claim or received federal assistance for flood damage to their property. This could help buyers better understand the risks of owning that home.
Floridians should make sure their homes are covered for some of the state’s most common natural disasters.
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.
Did you know.If you have a homeowners insurance policy from Citizens, you’ll be required to buy flood insurance, thanks to a 2022 law. Learn more about flood insurance in Florida .
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.
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.
Get home insurance quotes in minutes Answer a few questions to see custom quotes and find the right policy for you. Get StartedThe 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.
Looking for more insurance in Florida? Find home insurance in other states Frequently asked questions Is homeowners insurance legally required 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. For more information, read Is Homeowners Insurance Required?
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, Florida Peninsula and Tower Hill, according to 2022 data from the NAIC (the most recent data available). Citizens Property Insurance, the state’s insurer of last resort, is also a major provider.
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.
Is homeowners insurance legally required 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. For more information, read
Is Homeowners Insurance Required?
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, Florida Peninsula and Tower Hill, according to 2022 data from the NAIC (the most recent data available). Citizens Property Insurance, the state’s insurer of last resort, is also a major provider.
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.
About the authorYou’re following Sarah Schlichter
Visit your My NerdWallet Settings page to see all the writers you're following.
Sarah is a NerdWallet authority on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. Her work has appeared in numerous outlets, including The Associated Press, MarketWatch and The Washington Post. See full bio.
MethodologyNerdWallet calculated median 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 .
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2020-2022. To assess how insurers compare with 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.
On a similar note.
Compare top home insurance companies.
Get started
Download the app
Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific product’s site. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institution’s Terms and Conditions. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion® directly.
NerdUp by NerdWallet credit card: NerdWallet is not a bank. Bank services provided by Evolve Bank & Trust, member FDIC. The NerdUp by NerdWallet Credit Card is issued by Evolve Bank & Trust pursuant to a license from MasterCard International Inc.
Impact on your credit may vary, as credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.
NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539
California: California Finance Lender loans arranged pursuant to Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Finance Lenders License #60DBO-74812
Insurance Services offered through NerdWallet Insurance Services, Inc. (CA resident license no.OK92033) Insurance Licenses
NerdWallet™ | 55 Hawthorne St. - 10th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105
