The Best Home Insurance in Florida 2023

More than 60% of people who live in Florida are from out-of-state. We suspect they came for the warm weather and beautiful beaches, but while the subtropical climate in the Sunshine State is a definite plus, Florida homes are vulnerable to hurricanes and floods. Costing $919.79 per year, on average, for a home with a $250,000 dwelling value, insurance can keep you and your property protected.

Understanding how homeowners insurance works for Florida homeowners will save you money and headaches down the road. Keep reading to find the best homeowners insurance for your needs and budget.

Best Home Insurance Companies in Florida

We've compiled the best homeowners insurance providers who can protect you and your home in Florida. When determining the top companies, we considered customer satisfaction and pricing. The following premiums are based on homes with a dwelling value of $250,000.

Company	Best for	Score*
State Farm	Best all-around policy	835
Allstate	Best for home and auto bundling	829
Nationwide	Best for customer satisfaction	812
Security First	Best for cheap rates	n/a

*Companies were chosen based on reviews and JD Power scores out of 1,000.

While the subtropical climate in the Sunshine State is a definite plus, Florida homes are vulnerable to hurricanes and floods.

Best All-Around Policy: State Farm

We ranked State Farm as the best all-around policy for its brand name recognition, stellar customer satisfaction and coverages. A State Farm homeowners insurance annual premium costs $1,795.21, on average. State Farm was ranked among the top three on a 2021 U.S. home insurance study by JD Power. With 131 State Farm insurance agents across Florida, homeowners can find the personalized service they want when buying home insurance.

• Discounts: Bundle; home security systems; impact-resistant roofing

Best for Home and Auto Bundling: Allstate

Allstate offers a 25% discount if you bundle home and auto — this discount is comparatively higher than other insurance providers that offer only 5% to 20%. Homeowners can expect to spend, on average, $1,318.94 per year. Allstate homeowners insurance policies provide all your basic coverage, including dwelling, personal property, liability and more. Allstate offers multiple discounts beyond bundling, as well.

• Discounts: Bundle; automatic payments; home security systems; early renewal

Best for Customer Satisfaction: Nationwide Company

An annual premium for Nationwide home insurance costs $1,408.36, on average. Nationwide's NAIC profile shows only 12 complaints filed in 2020 (zero from Florida). Nationwide scored a 0.86 on the complaint index, below the national average, a score that suggests that policyholders are pleased with their Nationwide coverage and service. What's also impressive is the national insurance carrier's size and the fact that it has been around since 1926. 

• Discounts: New homeowner; bundle; home security systems; home system renovations; roof rating

Best for Cheap Rates: Security First

With Security First insurance, homeowners can expect to pay just $514.81 per year, on average. This is well below the premiums of the other company on our list, as well as the state average of $919.79. Spending about $42.90 per month, on average, Security First can be an ideal insurance option if cost is your priority.

Since Security First serves only the Sunshine State, the company may have a deeper insight into what Florida homeowners need. Specifically, Security First markets their comprehensive flood coverage at an affordable premium — something homeowners may value if they live in a moderate- to high-risk flood zone.

• Discounts: Age of construction; home security and safety systems; roof rating; 55+ years old

Cost of Homeowners Insurance in Florida

The average cost of homeowners insurance for a $250,000 home is $919.79. The actual cost, however, will vary per policyholder and insurance company. Generally, insurance carriers will consider your coverages, deductible, your home's rebuild costs and location, among other factors.

Cheapest Homeowners Insurance Companies in Florida

We compiled average annual premiums from multiple insurance carriers based on a home with a $250,000 dwelling value. Security First Insurance offered the most affordable policies at just $513.70 — less than half of the second cheapest policy ($1,133.09 per year by Tower Hill Group). Citizen Property Insurance Corporation had the highest average premium at $5,218.86 per year.

Keep in mind that insurance companies will use their own criteria when calculating a home insurance premium based on your personal information and your home's characteristics. Also, while cost is certainly an important factor, don't confuse "cheapest" with the "best." Claims process, customer service and available discounts are additional factors to consider.

Company	Average Annual Premium
Security First Insurance	$514.81
Tower Hill Group	$1,133.09
Farm Bureau Group	$1,200.25
Allstate	$1,318.94
Nationwide	$1,408.36
Universal Insurance Company of North America	$1,519.00
Armed Forces Insurance Exchange	$1,637.32
American Integrity Insurance of FL	$1,669.66
State Farm	$1,795.21
Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company	$2,073.32

Average Cost by Home Value

Insurance companies will adjust home insurance premiums based on your dwelling value. Homeowners insurance policies cost, on average, $618.68 for homes with a $150,000 dwelling value and $1,439.16 for homes with a $450,000 dwelling value. 

Generally, the more expensive your home, the higher your insurance premium. On size alone, more expensive homes tend to be bigger, which would reflect a higher rebuild cost.

Average Cost by County

We surveyed 64 counties and took the average of quotes for homes with a dwelling value of $250,000. Flagler was the most affordable county with premiums costing $568.67 per year, on average. Miami-Dade was the most expensive county with premiums costing $1,405.76 per year, on average.

County	Average Annual Premium
Alachua	$665.11
Baker	$807.0
Bay	$872.62
Bradford	$772.68
Brevard	$793.74
Broward	$1,294.71
Calhoun	$1,016.59
Charlotte	$722.30
Citrus	$690.08
Clay	$772.27
Collier	$798.28
Columbia	$816.22
De Soto	$714.73
Dixie	$692.81
Duval	$815.24
Escambia	$895.88
Flagler	$568.67
Franklin	$843.39
Gadsden	$886.85
Gilchrist	$877.58
Gulf	$778.23
Hamilton	$869.76
Hardee	$606.33
Hendry	$728.73
Hernando	$635.55
Highlands	$716.55
Hillsborough	$965.79
Holmes	$990.03
Indian River	$803.91
Jackson	$987.63
Jefferson	$900.32
Lake	$662.25
Lee	$771.89
Leon	$759.17
Levy	$739.17
Madison	$839.25
Manatee	$571.69
Marion	$619.32
Martin	$855.67
Miami Dade	$1,405.76
Monroe	$792.69
Nassau	$747.83
Okaloosa	$801.68
Okeechobee	$817.28
Orange	$1,081.18
Osceola	$1,049.34
Palm Beach	$1,105.29
Pasco	$710.68
Pinellas	$781.20
Polk	$929.76
Putnam	$722.21
Saint Johns	$658.87
Saint Lucie	$853.18
Santa Rosa	$838.11
Sarasota	$592.05
Seminole	$999.23
Sumter	$592.12
Suwannee	$700.53
Taylor	$630.27
Union	$905.76
Volusia	$648.93
Wakulla	$799.81
Walton	$732.72
Washington	$935.89
Alachua	$665.11
Baker	$807.08
Bay	$872.62
Bradford	$772.68
Brevard	$793.74
Broward	$1,294.71
Calhoun	$1,016.59
Charlotte	$722.30
Citrus	$690.08
Clay	$772.27
Collier	$798.28
Columbia	$816.22
De Soto	$714.73
Dixie	$692.81
Duval	$815.24
Escambia	$895.88
Flagler	$568.67
Franklin	$843.39
Gadsden	$886.85
Gilchrist	$877.58
Gulf	$778.23
Hamilton	$869.76
Hardee	$606.33
Hendry	$728.73
Hernando	$635.55
Highlands	$716.55
Hillsborough	$965.79
Holmes	$990.03
Indian River	$803.91
Jackson	$987.63
Jefferson	$900.32
Lake	$662.25
Lee	$771.89
Leon	$759.17
Levy	$739.17
Madison	$839.25
Manatee	$571.69
Marion	$619.32
Martin	$855.67
Miami Dade	$1,405.76
Monroe	$792.69
Nassau	$747.83
Okaloosa	$801.68
Okeechobee	$817.28
Orange	$1,081.18
Osceola	$1,049.34
Palm Beach	$1,105.29
Pasco	$710.68
Pinellas	$781.20
Polk	$929.76
Putnam	$722.21
Saint Johns	$658.87
Saint Lucie	$853.18
Santa Rosa	$838.11
Sarasota	$592.05
Seminole	$999.23
Sumter	$592.12
Suwannee	$700.53
Taylor	$630.27
Union	$905.76
Volusia	$648.93
Wakulla	$799.81
Walton	$732.72
Washington	$935.89

Homeowners Insurance in Florida

Standard homeowners insurance policies will generally cover Florida residents when their homes and personal belongings are damaged due to certain claims. However, keep in mind that property damage from floods are included in a standard homeowners insurance policy.

Below are the most common home insurance coverages to consider in Florida.

Coverage	Description
Dwelling	This will pay for the rebuild cost if your house is totally destroyed. Standard coverage protects against most perils, including fire, windstorms and falling objects. Floods and earthquakes are not covered.
Additional structures	Covers damages other than your dwelling, such as fences, detached garages and sheds. Typically receives the same coverage as dwelling.
Personal property	Covers your belongings if they are damaged or stolen due to the perils listed in your policy.
Liability	Liability coverage protects you against claims and lawsuits filed against you when somebody suffers injury or property damage while on your property.
Medical payments (optional)	Covers medical expenses of other people (excludes yourself) when they are injured while on your property, even if you are not responsible.
Loss of use	Pays for additional living expenses when you're displaced from your home. Hotel bills, for example, may be covered if your home is undergoing repairs after a hurricane.
Flood (separate policy)	Flood insurance is a separate insurance policy that is not included with standard homeowners insurance. Just one inch of floodwater can cause $25,000 in damage, which can make flood insurance worth considering.
Windstorm (you may have a separate policy or deductible)	Hurricanes are a type of windstorm. In hurricane-prone areas like Florida, you may have to buy a separate policy or you may have a separate deductible.

What Florida Homeowners Need To Know

Since Florida is a coastal state, homeowners are more vulnerable to windstorms. Financial preparation and fortification against major weather events can serve you well.

Prepare for Flooding

Florida is ranked among the top three states at risk for flooding, with 20.5% of the population vulnerable to substantial flooding risk. Florida is at or near sea level and experiences strong thunderstorms, so if drainage systems are unable to handle water levels, your home can suffer extensive damage. 

Buying windstorm and flood insurance (together called "hurricane insurance") is often worth considering and possibly required if your home is located in a high-risk zone. Failure to obtain flood insurance leaves can leave you financially strained after a major weather event because federal disaster relief will be insufficient. The cost of flood insurance depends on multiple factors, including your home's location, structure and elevation level.

Fortify Your Home

Major weather events are inevitable, but that doesn't mean you're powerless. There are a few ways to protect your home and mitigate damages when Mother Nature rolls in:

• Secure your roof with hurricane straps to help prevent it from blowing away during a windstorm.
• Trim your trees to reduce damage from falling branches.
• Leak-proof your windows and doors.
• Upgrade to hurricane-tempered glass windows.

Expect Longer Claim Times

Claim times doubled from five days to 10 days for claims related to high winds or storms, according to a claims satisfaction study by JD Power. Dealing with insurance claims following a natural disaster can be frustrating — just be aware that you may face this added inconvenience.

How To Find Home Insurance in Florida

Homeowners insurance is generally purchased through the private insurance market. National carriers, like State Farm and Allstate, are popular for name-brand recognition. Local insurance carriers, like Security First, are worthy considerations, too, since they are more affordable and likely have a stronger pulse on Florida's specific insurance needs.

Purchasing a separate flood insurance policy is possible through the federal National Flood Insurance Program or through your private insurance carrier. Many policyholders choose to purchase add-on coverage through their primary home insurance provider for convenience.

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation

If homeowners insurance is inaccessible due to financial hardship, then Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens) may be a solution. Citizens is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt government entity established in August 2002 to provide property insurance to eligible homeowners in Florida who are unable to buy insurance through private carriers. 

To qualify for Citizens homeowners insurance, you must satisfy the following criteria:

• You are unable to secure coverage from a Florida-authorized insurance company.
• Offered premiums for coverage from Florida-authorized insurance companies were 20% higher than the premiums offered by Citizens.

To secure a policy with Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, you must buy directly from one of their agents.

Find the Best Home Insurance In Florida

Florida homeowners get to enjoy coastal views and warmer weather, but they also experience a higher risk of hurricanes and floods. If you're purchasing homeowners insurance for the first time or shopping for a different carrier, you'll want to ensure you're getting the right coverage at the right price. With SmartFinancial, Florida homeowners can compare 200+ insurance carriers to find the right coverage with a few button clicks. To get your free quotes, enter your zip code below.