Homeowners insurance in Florida can feel expensive—and confusing—especially with rising construction costs, storm risk, and frequent market changes. While homeowners can’t control the overall market, many don’t realize there are legitimate, strategic ways to lower premiums by reviewing how their policy is structured and ensuring all available discounts are applied.
The goal isn’t cutting corners—it’s making sure your coverage reflects your home and lifestyle today.
Coverages to Review or Alter During Renewal that Can Save you Money
1. Review Other Structures Coverage (Coverage B)
Other Structures coverage—which applies to items like fences, sheds, and detached garages—is typically automatically set at 10% of the dwelling amount.
If you don’t have detached structures or they hold minimal value, this coverage may be higher than necessary. Reducing or removing unnecessary Coverage B can help lower your premium without impacting protection for your main home.
2. Review Personal Property Coverage (Coverage C)
Many Florida homeowners don’t realize that Personal Property coverage (Coverage C) is usually automatically set at 50% of the dwelling amount.
For example, a home insured for $400,000 may automatically include $200,000 in personal property coverage—regardless of whether that amount accurately reflects what you own.
If you’ve downsized, don’t own high-value contents, or simply don’t need the default percentage, adjusting Coverage C to better match your belongings can meaningfully reduce your premium while maintaining appropriate protection.
3. Increase Deductibles Strategically
Raising deductibles is one of the quickest ways to reduce premium—but it should be done thoughtfully.
Options include:
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Increasing the All Other Perils deductible
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Selecting a higher hurricane deductible (commonly 2%, 5%, or 10%)
Higher deductibles lower premiums but increase out-of-pocket costs after a claim. The right choice depends on your financial comfort level and risk tolerance.
Apply all Available Discounts to Lower your Premium
4. Wind Mitigation Discounts: One of the Biggest Savings Opportunities
Wind mitigation credits are among the most impactful discounts available on Florida homeowners insurance.
Homes may qualify for discounts if they have:
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Hurricane-rated impact windows or shutters
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Hurricane clips or straps
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A reinforced roof-to-wall connection
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A roof installed under newer Florida Building Code standards
A current wind mitigation inspection can unlock substantial savings—often hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year, depending on the carrier.
5. Roof Updates and Documentation Matter
Roof age is one of the most critical underwriting factors in Florida.
Ways roof updates can help reduce premiums include:
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Installing a newer roof that meets current building codes
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Using approved roofing materials
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Providing accurate documentation confirming roof age and installation details
Even when a roof isn’t brand new, proper documentation alone can improve eligibility and pricing.
6. Update Plumbing and Water Heaters
Water damage claims remain a major concern for insurers.
Confirming or updating the age of:
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Water heaters
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Plumbing systems
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Supply lines
can improve rates and carrier eligibility. Many insurers offer better pricing for newer systems because they reduce the likelihood of costly water losses.
Having an experienced insurance agent can save you money
7. Shop Coverage Regularly—Florida’s Market Changes Every Year
One of the most overlooked ways to save is shopping your homeowners insurance regularly.
Florida’s insurance market changes constantly, and new carriers enter the state every year with different underwriting guidelines, credits, and pricing strategies. A policy that wasn’t competitive last year may be much more affordable today—or vice versa.
Staying with the same carrier for years without review can often mean missing out on better options.
8. Understanding Citizens Insurance: Lower Cost, Different Trade-Offs
Citizens Property Insurance can sometimes offer lower initial premiums, but it often comes with important limitations.
Homeowners should understand:
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Coverage options may be more restricted
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Endorsements and flexibility can be limited
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Citizens is intended as a temporary market solution
In many cases, Citizens will depopulate policies, meaning your coverage may be transferred to a private carrier the following year—sometimes with different coverage terms and higher premiums.
For some homeowners, Citizens is necessary—but it’s important to enter into it with clear expectations.
9. Work With an Agent Who Actively Reviews Your Policy
The most meaningful savings usually come from ongoing review, not one-time changes.
Working with an agency that:
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Tracks Florida insurance market trends
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Shops carriers proactively
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Reviews coverage annually
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Understands Florida-specific underwriting
can make a real difference over time.
Final Thoughts
Lowering homeowners insurance in Florida isn’t about sacrificing protection—it’s about making informed, strategic adjustments.
From reviewing personal property limits and other structures coverage to applying wind mitigation credits, adjusting deductibles, and shopping the market regularly, small changes can add up to meaningful savings.
If your policy hasn’t been reviewed recently, it may no longer reflect your home—or the current Florida insurance market. A proactive review can help ensure you’re paying for the right coverage at the best possible rate.