Cheap Home Insurance in Florida 2026: Save $2,200/Year
Lisa Martinez
Florida Home Insurance Expert | 15+ Years Experience
January 23, 2026
Looking for cheap home insurance in Florida? Florida has the HIGHEST home insurance rates in America ($4,200/year avg), but shopping around can save you $1,500-$2,200/year!
$4,200
FL Average Cost
$2,000
Cheapest Rate
+180%
vs US Average
$2,200
Max Savings
🏆 Cheapest Home Insurance Florida 2026
Universal Property & Casualty - Best Value Florida
FL-based insurer
Why #1 Cheapest:
- 💰 Average $2,000-$2,800/year (50% below FL avg)
- 🏆 Florida-based (knows FL market)
- 🌊 Hurricane coverage included
- ⚡ Fast claims processing
- 📍 Covers all FL counties
Best For:
FL homeowners wanting lowest rates with hurricane coverage
📊 Florida Home Insurance Costs by City 2026
Most Expensive Cities
Most Affordable Cities
🌊 Why is Florida Home Insurance So Expensive?
1. Hurricane Risk
Problem: Florida has 8,436 miles of coastline + 100+ hurricanes since 1851
Impact: $100+ billion in hurricane claims (2017-2022)
Solution: Get wind mitigation inspection = save 10-45%
2. Assignment of Benefits (AOB) Fraud
Problem: Contractors inflate claims, sue insurers
Impact: $3 billion in fraudulent claims annually
Solution: 2019 AOB reform reduced fraud 70%
3. Citizens Property Insurance Crisis
Problem: State-run Citizens has 1.2M policies (insurer of last resort)
Impact: Private insurers leaving FL market
Solution: Shop 5+ insurers to find private coverage
💡 7 Ways to Save on Florida Home Insurance
1. Wind Mitigation Inspection
Cost: $75-$150
Savings: 10-45% ($420-$1,890/year)
Inspects roof, windows, doors for hurricane resistance
2. Increase Deductible
Change: $1,000 → $2,500 deductible
Savings: 15-25% ($630-$1,050/year)
Only if you have emergency fund
3. Bundle Home + Auto
Discount: 15-25% off both policies
Savings: $630-$1,050/year (home only)
Most FL insurers offer bundling
4. Shop Every Year
Why: FL rates change 10-30% annually
Savings: $500-$1,500/year
Compare 5+ insurers annually
❓ FAQ: Florida Home Insurance 2026
Why is Florida home insurance 3x more expensive than the US average?
Florida home insurance is expensive because:
- Hurricane risk: 8,436 miles of coastline, 100+ hurricanes
- High claims: $100B+ in hurricane damage (2017-2022)
- AOB fraud: $3B annually in fraudulent claims
- Insurer exodus: 12 insurers left FL market (2022-2024)
- Citizens crisis: 1.2M policies in state-run insurer
Solution: Wind mitigation + shopping = save $1,500-$2,200/year!
Is Citizens Property Insurance a good option?
Citizens is the "insurer of last resort" - use ONLY if you can't find private insurance.
Pros:
- Covers high-risk properties
- State-backed guarantee
Cons:
- Higher rates than private insurers
- Can be "depopulated" (forced to private insurer)
- Special assessments if major hurricane
Always try private insurers first!
What does a wind mitigation inspection check?
A wind mitigation inspection checks:
- Roof shape: Hip roof = best (saves 10%)
- Roof deck attachment: Nails vs screws (saves 5-15%)
- Roof-to-wall connection: Hurricane straps (saves 15-35%)
- Opening protection: Impact windows/shutters (saves 10-45%)
- Secondary water resistance: Sealed roof deck (saves 5%)
Cost: $75-$150 | Total savings: 10-45% ($420-$1,890/year)