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Homeowners Insurance

Insurance rates keep rising in Florida. But you can still find affordable coverage to protect your home from disaster. Our local agents find customized policies to fit your home and budget. Cover your home in case of fire, hurricanes, legal action, theft and more.

What Does Homeowners Insurance in Florida Cover?

A lot of different things can happen to your home and Florida faces some unique challenges. Here are some of the most common categories for homeowners coverage in Florida.

Dwelling

If your property structure is damaged or destroyed, dwelling insurance covers your investment.

Personal Property

You might be surprised how much it costs to replace your belongings. Furniture, appliances, clothing, and treasures.

Liability

When someone is injured on your property, you are liable for potential medical bills and legal costs. Liability coverage protects you from these unexpected liabilities. And helps injured parties get the care they need.

Loss of Use

If your home is damaged, you may need to move out during repairs. Moving quickly can be expensive and traumatic for the whole family. Loss of use coverage offsets the financial burden from living away from home during a claim.

Water Damage

Failed plumbing and burst pipes are a common cause of disaster in the home. Water damage coverage insures your home against massive unexpected costs from water damage. Flood insurance is treated differently in Florida due to hurricane risks and heavy rainfall. Ask your GreatFlorida agent about flood insurance requirements and recommendations.

Hurricane & Windstorm

The most feared season among Florida homeowners, hurricane season spans half the year. Hurricane and windstorm coverage gives you peace of mind when summer rolls around.

Loss Assessment

A valuable add-on for homes with an HOA. Loss assessment protects against claims on shared property, covering you against unexpected expenses.

High Value Home insurance

Your beautiful luxury home is special. And it needs high-value homeowners insurance to protect it. Most policy limits do not cover the cost to repair or rebuild a luxury home. High value home insurance ensures you don't lose your precious investment.

A home enduring a hurricane, illustrating hurricane damage coverage.

Is Hurricane Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Hurricane coverage is not a separate insurance policy. But not all homeowners insurance policies cover it. In hurricane heavy Florida, hurricane insurance is a crucial part of protecting your home. Talk to your GreatFlorida agent about hurricane coverage to feel peace of mind when storm season rolls in.

Is Hurricane Damage is Covered By My Homeowners Policy?

Wind

Wind is generally covered under homeowners insurance policies. But you must check with your agents if your home is protected during hurricanes and named storms.

Flooding

Homeowners insurance generally does not cover flood insurance caused by hurricanes. Ask your agents about Florida's flood insurance requirements and recommendations to keep your home protected.

Water leaking from pipes, representing sewage backup coverage.

Water backup

Not included in many homeowners insurance policies, water backup provides protection against damage caused by water backing up into the home through sewers, drains, and/or sump pumps.

A hurricane map, illustrating how hurricane deductibles work.

How Do Hurricane Deductibles Work?

If your homeowners insurance includes coverage for hurricane or named-storm damage, a separate deductible may apply. This deductible is often higher than the one that applies to all other perils, so it’s important to understand how it works ahead of time. In many cases, the hurricane deductible is calculated as a percentage of your dwelling coverage limit. Be sure to speak with an agent to find a cost-effective policy that offers the right protection for your home during storm season.

Factors That Affect Home Insurance Premiums

Your premium will reflect the risk your house carries of suffering a disaster. The following factors can affect the rates you are offered:

Age of the house

An older house may have deteriorating plumbing and structural issues. This can increase the price of your homeowners insurance.

Type of structure

The cost to insure your home varies depending on the materials it is made from. A larger or more expensive structure will cost more to rebuild.

WIRING AND PLUMBING

Older wiring and plumbing pose a greater risk for fire or water damage.

LOCATION

If your neighborhood has a high crime rate or is prone to natural disasters, you can expect to pay higher rates

FIRE SAFETY

Poor fire safety increases the risk of disaster. But living near to a hydrant or fire house can actually decrease your premiums.

A home office, representing purpose (home business) as a factor.

Occupancy

Running a business, having tenants or roommates, or using the home seasonally can lead to higher premiums due to increased risk of theft, liability, or damage claims.

PERSONAL FACTORS

Smoking or owning a dog can increase your insurance rates as your risk level increases. Your marital status can also affect your premium. Married couples enjoy the lowest rates.

DEDUCTIBLE

The higher the deductible you choose for your policy, the lower your premium will be. Ask your GreatFlorida agent about balancing premium affordability with your ability to pay a highder deductible.

CLAIMS HISTORY

If you have a history of making claims, your rates will be higher. Insurers view homeowners with previous claims as higher risk.

CREDIT HISTORY

A higher credit score can help reduce your homeowners insurance rates in Florida. Some risk factors are out of your control, but improving your credit score is an easy way to save money on premiums.

Different types of home insurance coverage icons and a house.

Types of Home Insurance Coverage in Florida

Your insurance policy should cover 100% of the cost to rebuild your home. Not carrying enough insurance can leave you at risk of financial ruin.

Speak to your insurance agent to determine the type of coverage your home needs. They can determine the correct coverage for:

Actual Cash Value

Replacement Cost

Extended Value

Hero image of a welcoming home, symbolizing personalized home insurance.

Build Your Own Personalized Home Insurance Policy in Florida

Get Prepared. Get GreatFlorida. Building a policy just for your needs can be easy. Our agents keep you protected with cost-effective rates to fit your budget. Keep your home, belongings, and liability protected with custom coverage from our experienced partners.

Talk to a Greatflorida Agent

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does homeowners insurance cover in Tampa?

A standard Florida homeowners policy covers four areas: the dwelling, other structures, personal property, and liability — plus loss of use if your home becomes uninhabitable. Flood damage is excluded and requires a separate flood policy. In coastal Tampa, FL, expect a separate windstorm or hurricane deductible.

Is homeowners insurance mandatory in Tampa?

Florida law does not require homeowners insurance, but mortgage lenders do — every lender mandates coverage at least equal to the loan balance. Even owners without a mortgage should carry it, because hurricane, fire, and theft losses in Tampa are not recoverable without a policy.

How are homeowners insurance rates determined in Tampa?

Florida homeowners insurance rates in Tampa are based on six factors: location, construction type, roof age, prior claims history, coverage limits, and deductibles. In coastal Tampa, wind mitigation features such as hurricane shutters, impact windows, and roof tie-downs can reduce premiums by 10–45%.

Does a GreatFlorida® homeowners policy include flood coverage?

No — flood damage is never covered by a standard homeowners policy. You need a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood carrier to cover rising water, storm surge, and inland flooding.

How can I lower my homeowners insurance premium with a GreatFlorida® Agent?

The five most effective ways to lower a Florida homeowners premium in Tampa are: bundle home and auto, complete a wind mitigation inspection, raise your deductible, maintain a strong credit score, and compare quotes from multiple carriers. Ask your local Tampa agent about roof age credits and monitored security system discounts that can further reduce your rate.

What is a wind mitigation inspection and how does it lower my homeowners premium in Tampa?

A wind mitigation inspection — required by Florida statute 627.0629 to be honored by carriers — documents how your roof, openings, and bracing resist hurricane-force winds. Tampa, FL homeowners typically save 30–60% on the wind portion of their premium when the inspection shows hip roof shape, secondary water resistance, and impact-rated openings. The certificate is valid for five years, and your local GreatFlorida® agent will submit it to your carrier for the credit.

How old can my roof be for homeowners insurance in Tampa?

Most Florida carriers will not write a new homeowners policy if the roof is older than 15 years, and many require a 4-point or roof-condition inspection at 10 years. Under Florida’s 2022 SB 4-D reforms, insurers must offer renewal if a roof has at least five years of useful life remaining, even past the 15-year mark. Tampa homeowners with older roofs should ask their GreatFlorida® agent to compare carriers — underwriting cutoffs vary widely between Citizens, Florida Peninsula, Tower Hill, and the surplus-lines markets.

Insurance in Tampa

About GreatFlorida Insurance

GreatFlorida Insurance is a network of independent, franchised insurance agents located throughout Florida. With 148 locations state-wide, it is easy to find a GreatFlorida Insurance agency near you.

We provide 24-hour service, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, through our partnered insurance companies.

Our Independent, GreatFlorida Insurance Agents will help you find affordable Insurance in Florida for you and your family.

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location_on412 E. MADISON STREET, SUITE 1104 TAMPA FL. 33602

Florida's Homeowner's Insurance Agency