I need Florida home insurance — Where do I start?

As a veteran, if you’re thinking, “Where do I start to find Florida home insurance,” we’re here to help. Here’s what to consider as you seek the best homeowner insurance when you are located in Florida.

As a veteran or active service member, you’ve served your country, and now you deserve to protect your home with the best insurance possible. Living in Florida comes with its unique challenges, particularly when it comes to securing homeowner insurance. The state’s susceptibility to hurricanes, flooding and other natural disasters makes finding the right policy both crucial and complex.

Understanding the basics

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand the basics of homeowner insurance. A standard policy typically covers the structure of your home, your personal belongings, liability protection and additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event. However, in Florida, there are additional factors to consider, given the state's unique risk profile.

When first researching homeowner insurance in Florida, it can be overwhelming to see the number of options and the complexity of policies. Florida's insurance market is unique due to its high risk of natural disasters, which means that policies in the sunshine state often come with higher premiums and more exclusions than in other states.

“Comparing quotes is only one part of finding the correct insurance policy—it’s also about understanding coverage details, exclusions and additional endorsements that might be necessary.”

One of the first things to consider is the need for windstorm insurance. Standard homeowner policies in Florida may not cover damage from hurricanes, which is why windstorm insurance is essential. This coverage specifically protects your home from damage caused by high winds, which are common in Florida’s hurricane-prone areas.

Additionally, flood insurance is another critical consideration. Many homeowners mistakenly believe their standard insurance policy covers flood damage, but this is usually not the case. In Florida, where heavy rains and rising sea levels are common, flood insurance is almost a necessity. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides this coverage, but it’s important to note that it comes with a separate premium and deductible.

Additional considerations for Florida home insurance

Another challenge unique to Florida is the state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, often referred to as the insurer of last resort. This state-run entity was created to provide insurance to homeowners who are unable to obtain coverage from private insurers. While it’s an option, it's often more expensive and offers fewer coverage options compared to private insurance. As a result, many homeowners seek private insurance first and only turn to Citizens if they can’t find coverage elsewhere.

The condition and age of the roof also plays an important factor in your homeowner insurance policy. Insurers in Florida are increasingly reluctant to provide coverage for homes with older roofs, especially those that are over 15 years old. If your roof is approaching this age, you may need to replace it to qualify for a new policy or to keep your premiums manageable.

Comparing quotes is only one part of finding the correct insurance policy—it’s also about understanding coverage details, exclusions and additional endorsements that might be necessary. For instance, you may want to consider a policy that covers the extra cost of rebuilding your home to current building codes after a loss. This can be particularly important in Florida, where building codes are constantly being updated to reflect the latest in hurricane safety standards.

With these challenges in mind, it’s critical to choose an insurer that understands the Florida market. Working with an insurance company that specializes in high-risk areas like Florida can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that they’re familiar with the specific risks and regulations that affect your home.

Ready to find the right policy for your home?

Finding the right homeowner insurance in Florida can be daunting but, with the right information and support, you can secure the coverage you need. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of windstorm and flood insurance, understanding roof requirements or choosing the right insurer, it’s important to take your time and do your research. And if you’re a veteran or active service member, consider working with an insurer like Armed Forces Insurance, who understands your unique needs and is committed to serving you.

Veterans and active-duty service members face unique challenges, and at Armed Forces Insurance, we understand those challenges. Whether you’re stationed in Florida or have retired there, our mission is to ensure you have the best coverage for your needs. We offer a variety of insurance products tailored to the needs of military families, and we have homeowner insurance options in Florida. Explore your options and make an informed decision, ensuring your home and family are protected no matter what challenges Florida weather might bring.

Armed Forces Insurance: Your Florida home insurance trusted advisor

At AFI, our commitment goes beyond just providing insurance. We’re dedicated to serving those who serve our country, offering personalized service and ensuring that our members feel supported and secure in their homes.

Armed Forces Insurance has been a trusted advisor to American armed forces service members and veterans for more than 135 years. We’re not a giant corporate skyscraper full of slick insurance executives. We’re a small company headquartered just down the road from Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. We know each other, and our customers know us. If you’re looking for someone you can trust to shoot you straight and help you protect your home and property, check out our homeowner insurance page.

Learn more:

VA Homeowner Benefits

Veterans home insurance: straight talk

Do I need flood insurance?

Homeowners Insurance Basics (Insurance Information Institute)