Florida windstorm insurance: Your #1 Smart Shield

Why Florida Windstorm Insurance is Critical for Every Homeowner

Florida windstorm insurance protects your home from damage caused by hurricanes, tropical storms, and severe thunderstorms. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Facts About Florida Windstorm Insurance:

• Required by Law: Florida homeowners insurance policies must include windstorm coverage by law
• Separate Deductibles: Wind damage often has higher deductibles (2%, 5%, or 10% of your home’s value)
• Average Cost: Between $1,000-$2,000 annually for windstorm coverage
• Not the Same as Flood: Windstorm insurance does not cover flood damage – that requires separate flood insurance
• Wind Mitigation Saves Money: Installing storm shutters and reinforcing your roof can lower premiums

Florida has experienced 120 hurricanes from 1851 to 2022 – more than any other state. Between 1980 and 2024, Florida faced 90 billion-dollar weather events, with 33 being severe storms and 32 being tropical cyclones.

Windstorm insurance covers all high-wind events, while hurricane insurance applies specifically when a hurricane is declared by the National Weather Service. Insurers often use these terms interchangeably.

Why This Matters Now

With nearly 1 in 4 Floridians feeling unprepared for extreme weather costs and over 20% of the state’s roofs in poor condition, understanding your windstorm coverage is critical.

I’m Michael J. Alvarez, CPRM, CPIA, a Property & Casualty risk executive with specialized expertise in Florida’s insurance marketplace, including comprehensive knowledge of Florida windstorm insurance regulations. Through my experience, I’ll guide you through protecting your home and finances from the state’s unique weather risks.

Understanding Windstorm Coverage in Your Florida Homeowners Policy

While your standard Florida homeowners policy includes Florida windstorm insurance by law, the details are more complex than many realize. The 2023 Florida Statutes set clear guidelines requiring this coverage.

The biggest surprise for many is the separate windstorm deductible. Instead of a flat amount for claims like fire or theft, it’s often a percentage (2%, 5%, or 10%) of your home’s insured value. For a $300,000 home, a 5% deductible means you pay the first $15,000 out of pocket.

Crucially, windstorm insurance covers wind damage, not flood damage. If wind damages your roof, you’re covered. If storm surge floods your home, you need a separate flood insurance policy. For a complete breakdown, check our guide on Home Insurance Coverage Options.

What Is Windstorm Insurance vs. Hurricane Insurance?

Windstorm and hurricane insurance are nearly identical. The main difference is when the specific deductible applies. Windstorm insurance covers damage from any high-wind event, like severe thunderstorms or tornadoes. Hurricane insurance is the same coverage, but the term often refers to when a higher, percentage-based deductible kicks in after the National Weather Service officially declares a hurricane.

Some policies have a standard windstorm deductible for everyday storms, then switch to a higher hurricane deductible for named storms. The National Weather Service, not your insurer, makes that official declaration.

Is Windstorm Coverage Required and What Does It Include?

If you have a mortgage, your lender will require you to have adequate Florida windstorm insurance. While you could technically waive it if you own your home outright, it’s a major financial risk in a hurricane-prone state.

Windstorm coverage typically protects four main areas: Dwelling coverage for your home’s structure, other structures coverage for detached buildings like garages, personal property coverage for your belongings, and loss of use coverage for living expenses if your home is unlivable during repairs.

Our Florida Homeowners Insurance page has more details.

Does Windstorm Insurance Cover Flood Damage?

To be crystal clear: Florida windstorm insurance does NOT cover flood damage. This is the most common point of confusion for homeowners. Your policy covers damage directly from wind, but if water enters your home from storm surge or heavy rainfall, that’s a flood. You need separate flood insurance, available through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers, to be protected.

At NUsure, we understand this can be confusing. We help you secure comprehensive protection that includes both Florida windstorm insurance and flood coverage, ensuring you’re fully protected.

Decoding the Cost: Premiums and Florida’s Unique Deductible System

Understanding the cost of Florida windstorm insurance involves looking at both your annual premium and your potential out-of-pocket costs from deductibles. While annual premiums for windstorm coverage typically range from $1,000 to $2,000, the unique hurricane deductible system can lead to significant expenses when a storm hits.

For example, on a home with $350,000 in dwelling coverage, the difference in out-of-pocket costs is stark:

A 5% hurricane deductible means paying $17,500 before your insurance pays, a major difference from a standard $1,000 deductible.

What Factors Influence Your Insurance Premium?

Insurers use several key factors to set your Florida windstorm insurance premium:

• Location: Coastal homes pay more than inland properties due to higher risk.
• Home’s Age: Homes built before Florida’s stricter 2002 building codes often have higher premiums.
• Construction: Concrete block homes and hip roofs are typically cheaper to insure than wood-frame houses or gable roofs.
• Roof: A newer, impact-resistant roof can lead to savings, while an older roof increases costs.
• Claims History: Previous windstorm claims can increase your rates.
• Coverage & Deductible: Higher coverage limits increase premiums, while a higher deductible can lower them.

Our Home Insurance Premium Calculator can give you a personalized estimate.

Understanding Windstorm and Hurricane Deductibles

Florida’s deductible system has two parts. A standard deductible is a fixed dollar amount (e.g., $500 or $1,000) for non-hurricane claims. A hurricane deductible is a percentage of your dwelling coverage ($500, 2%, 5%, or 10%) that applies only when a hurricane watch or warning is issued by the National Weather Service. This is explained in detail by the Florida Department of Financial Services.

For example, with a 2% hurricane deductible on a home with $250,000 of dwelling coverage, you would pay the first $5,000 of damage from a named storm. The good news is that the hurricane deductible is applied only once per calendar year, regardless of how many named storms cause damage. Subsequent hurricane damage in that year would fall under your standard deductible.

How to Lower Your Florida Windstorm Insurance Costs

Florida windstorm insurance can be costly, but you can lower your premiums by making your home safer and more wind-resistant. The same improvements that protect your home from hurricane damage are rewarded by insurance companies with lower premiums. By taking a proactive approach, you can protect your family and your investment while saving money. If you want to Find Affordable Home Insurance, wind mitigation is the best place to start.

The Power of Wind Mitigation for Florida Windstorm Insurance

Wind mitigation involves upgrading your home to better withstand high winds. Florida law requires insurers to provide discounts for these improvements, which are verified through a wind mitigation inspection. The more wind-resistant features you have, the more you’ll save on your Florida windstorm insurance.

Key features that earn credits include:

• Roof Shape: A hip roof (sloping on all four sides) is more aerodynamic and earns a larger credit than a gable roof.
• Roof-to-Wall Attachments: Metal clips or hurricane straps that secure your roof to the walls can prevent catastrophic failure and lead to significant discounts.
• Impact-Resistant Openings: Protecting windows and doors with impact-resistant glass or storm shutters prevents pressure changes that can lift a roof.
• Secondary Water Resistance: An extra water-resistant barrier under your roof provides protection if shingles are blown off.

State Programs and Home Protection Tips

State programs like the My Safe Florida Home Program offer matching grants to help homeowners afford wind mitigation upgrades. You can learn more at The Florida Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program website. These programs recognize that strengthening private properties benefits the entire state.

Beyond formal programs, simple maintenance and preparation can make a big difference:

• Trim trees and shrubs to remove potential projectiles.
• Secure all outdoor items, including furniture and planters.
• Reinforce your garage door, often the weakest structural point.
• Keep gutters and downspouts clear to ensure proper water drainage.

Where to Find Coverage in Florida’s Challenging Insurance Market

Finding Florida windstorm insurance can be challenging as some insurers have left the state or become more selective. However, coverage is available, and an insurance marketplace can simplify the search. At NUsure, we partner with over 50 top-rated carriers to help you find personalized coverage at a competitive price, with no hidden fees. We focus on finding solutions that fit your needs and budget. When you’re ready, our Home Insurance Quotes tool can get you started.

Finding Florida Windstorm Insurance

Most homeowners find coverage through private market insurers. However, those in high-risk coastal areas may face more selectivity. Shopping around is essential, as quotes can vary by thousands of dollars for the same coverage. Don’t accept the first quote you receive.

When comparing policies, look beyond the premium. Analyze your deductibles (both standard and hurricane), ensure your dwelling coverage is sufficient to rebuild, review exclusions, and check the insurer’s claims reputation. Our Home Insurance Policy Comparison tools help you compare these factors side-by-side.

Assistance Programs for Florida Windstorm Insurance

If you struggle to find coverage in the private market, Florida offers assistance programs.

The Florida Market Assistance Program (FMAP) is a free referral service that connects homeowners with agents and companies willing to provide coverage in their area. It’s a matchmaking service that can be a lifesaver if you’ve been turned down elsewhere.

For those who truly can’t find coverage, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is the state-backed “insurer of last resort.” It provides essential coverage when no one else will, though often at higher premiums and with stricter requirements. It’s a safety net, not a first choice, but it ensures no homeowner is left unprotected.

At NUsure, we explore every avenue for our clients, from our network of private insurers to state programs, to find the Florida windstorm insurance solution that works for you.

Custom Windstorm Protection for Every Florida Property Owner

Your Florida windstorm insurance needs to match your specific property type, as a condo, rental property, and manufactured home face different risks. Florida’s insurance market offers specialized coverage options designed for each, ensuring you get the right protection.

Condo Owners and HOAs

For condo owners, protection is a two-part system. The HOA’s master policy covers the building’s exterior, roof, and common areas. Your personal HO-6 policy covers your belongings, interior walls, and any fixtures or improvements not covered by the master policy. It’s crucial to review both policies annually to avoid coverage gaps after a storm. For more guidance, see our resources on Florida Condo Homeowners Insurance.

Landlords and Rental Properties

For landlords, a landlord policy (DP-3) covers the physical structure from wind damage. A critical addition is loss of rental income coverage, which reimburses you for lost rent if the property becomes uninhabitable during repairs. This can be a financial lifesaver. This policy does not cover your tenants’ belongings; they need their own renters insurance. For those with larger portfolios, our guide on Insurance for Apartment Building Owners offers valuable insights.

Mobile and Manufactured Homes

Mobile and manufactured homes require a specialized insurance policy due to their unique vulnerability to wind. Proper anchoring and tie-down systems are critical for safety and are required by insurers. These measures can also lead to wind mitigation discounts. Homes built to modern HUD code standards for hurricane zones are more resilient and easier to insure. Age is a significant factor, with older units potentially facing higher premiums or limited coverage options.

After the Storm: A Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Your Claim

After a storm, the damage can be overwhelming. But having Florida windstorm insurance means you have a path to recovery. Follow a clear plan to make the claims process manageable, always prioritizing safety.

Immediate Steps to Take

The moments after a storm are critical for your safety and your claim. Here’s what to do:

• Safety First: Check for downed power lines, gas leaks, or structural instability before entering your home. If it’s unsafe, get out and call for professional help.
• Contact Your Insurer: Report the claim as soon as possible. Have your policy number handy.
• Document Everything: Use photos and videos to capture all damage from multiple angles. Get wide shots and close-ups.
• Prevent Further Damage: Make temporary repairs, like tarping the roof or boarding windows, to prevent the situation from worsening. Your policy likely covers these costs, so keep all receipts.
• Keep Records: Log all communication with your insurance company, including dates, names, and what was discussed.

Navigating the Claims Process

Once you’ve filed, the claims process begins. Be present for the adjuster’s inspection and walk them through the damage you’ve documented. They see storm damage daily, but you know your home best.

When you receive a settlement offer, review it carefully. Ensure all damage is accounted for and that repair estimates are fair for your area. While Florida law gives you one year from a hurricane’s landfall to file a claim, it’s best to act quickly.

If you disagree with the settlement, you are not powerless. You can request a re-inspection, provide new estimates from contractors, or consider hiring a public adjuster who works for you. With thorough documentation and persistence, you can steer the process and get your life back to normal.

Conclusion

Living in Florida means preparing for powerful storms. Florida windstorm insurance is your financial lifeline when they strike. Florida’s history of 120 hurricanes and 90 billion-dollar weather events since 1980 underscores the risk.

Key Takeaways:

• Your policy includes wind coverage, but be aware of high, percentage-based deductibles.
• Wind and flood damage require separate insurance policies.
• You can lower your premiums significantly through wind mitigation. Upgrades like storm shutters and reinforced roofing make your home safer and are rewarded with discounts. State programs like My Safe Florida Home can even help you pay for them.

At NUsure, our mission is to simplify this process. We provide quotes from over 50 top-rated carriers to find you the right coverage at a competitive price, and we monitor your policy year-round to ensure you’re always protected. While the market is challenging, coverage is available, and we can help you find it.

Another storm is inevitable. The question is whether you’ll be prepared. Don’t wait until a hurricane is on the forecast.

Take control by understanding your policy and exploring wind mitigation. Get your instant insurance coverage quote today and let us help you achieve the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings to the Sunshine State.