Florida homeowners insurance covers damage to your home’s structure and personal property from wind, fire, lightning, hail, theft, and vandalism. It also provides liability protection if someone is injured on your property. Standard policies do not cover flood damage—you need a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.
Does Florida homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage?
Yes, but with important limitations. Most Florida homeowners policies include windstorm coverage, which pays for damage caused by hurricane-force winds—including roof damage, broken windows, siding damage, and structural harm from debris. However, flood damage from storm surge or rising water is not covered under standard homeowners insurance, even during a hurricane.
What is a hurricane deductible in Florida?
A hurricane deductible is a separate, higher deductible in homeowners insurance that applies specifically to wind damage caused by hurricanes. Unlike your standard deductible, which is usually a flat dollar amount, hurricane deductibles in Florida are calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value, typically 2%, 5%, or 10%.
Example: If your home is insured for $400,000 under your homeowners insurance policy and you have a 2% hurricane deductible, you would pay the first $8,000 of covered hurricane damage before insurance coverage applies. With a 5% hurricane deductible on the same policy, you would pay $20,000 out of pocket.
Under Florida law, homeowners insurance companies must offer hurricane deductible options of $500, 2%, 5%, or 10% of your dwelling coverage. The hurricane deductible applies only once per hurricane season, regardless of how many storms impact your area.
When does the hurricane deductible apply?
The hurricane deductible applies only during the official hurricane period defined by the National Hurricane Center. This period begins when a hurricane watch or warning is issued for any part of Florida and ends 72 hours after the last watch or warning expires. Wind damage that occurs outside this window—such as from a summer thunderstorm—is subject to your standard “All Other Perils” (AOP) deductible instead.
What is NOT covered by Florida homeowners insurance?
- Flood damage: Storm surge, rising water, and flooding from heavy rain require separate flood insurance
- Sewer or drain backup: Usually requires an add-on endorsement
- Maintenance issues: Damage from wear and tear, neglect, or lack of upkeep (such as an old, deteriorating roof)
- Mold: Often excluded or limited unless caused by a covered peril and reported promptly
- Earth movement: Sinkholes may require separate coverage in Florida
- Landscaping and fencing: Damage to trees, shrubs, and fences from wind is often excluded or limited
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage in Florida?
It depends on the source of the water. Florida homeowners insurance typically covers:
- Wind-driven rain: Water that enters through an opening created by wind damage (such as a roof hole or broken window) is covered
- Burst pipes: Sudden and accidental plumbing failures are typically covered
- Appliance leaks: Water damage from washing machines, water heaters, or dishwashers is usually covered
Water damage that is not covered includes flooding from outside sources, gradual leaks, and damage from poor maintenance.
Do I need separate flood insurance in Florida?
Yes, if you want protection from flood damage. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding—including damage from hurricane storm surge, which destroys thousands of Florida homes each year. You can purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. Note that NFIP policies typically have a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect, so you cannot purchase flood insurance after a storm is named.
What is Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage?
Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage, also called Loss of Use coverage, pays for temporary housing, food, and other necessary expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss. This might include hotel stays, rental housing, restaurant meals, and laundry costs while your home is being repaired. Not all Florida policies include ALE by default, and coverage limits vary—check your policy to confirm.
What should I do if my hurricane claim is underpaid or denied?
If your homeowners insurance settlement does not cover your actual repair costs, or if your claim has been denied, you still have options.
- Request a detailed explanation: Ask your insurer to cite the specific policy language supporting their decision
- Document everything: Take photos, get contractor estimates, and keep records of all damage
- File a supplemental claim: If you discover additional damage after the initial inspection, you can submit a supplemental claim
- Hire a public adjuster: A licensed public adjuster works for you—not the insurance company—to document damage, prepare estimates, and negotiate a fair settlement
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does my mortgage require flood insurance?
A: If your property is in a FEMA-designated high-risk flood zone (Zone A or V), your mortgage lender will likely require flood insurance. Even if it’s not required, flood insurance is strongly recommended for Florida homeowners—flooding can occur outside designated zones.
Q: Should I file a claim even if damage is less than my deductible?
A: Yes. Filing creates a record of the damage with your insurer. This is important because hidden damage is often discovered during repairs, and you can add a supplemental claim to the original. If you don’t report initial damage promptly, later supplemental claims may be denied.
Q: Can I buy hurricane coverage after a storm is named?
A: No. Florida insurers implement moratoriums (coverage freezes) once a tropical storm or hurricane is named and approaching the state. You cannot purchase new coverage or make changes to existing policies during a moratorium. Review your coverage before hurricane season begins.
Q: How long do I have to file a hurricane claim in Florida?
A: You must notify your insurer within one year of the date of loss for a new claim. Supplemental claims (for additional damage discovered later) generally must be filed within 18 months of the date of loss. Under Florida Statute 627.70131, insurers must acknowledge claims within 14 days and pay or deny within 90 days once all documentation is submitted.
Need help with a property insurance claim in Florida? Contact Claim Defenders for a free claim review. We represent homeowners, not insurance companies.