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Whether you own a home in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Naples, Panama City, or Pensacola, choosing the right Florida hurricane insurance policy can be the difference between financial security and devastating loss.
At The Morgan Law Group, we see too many homeowners who thought they were covered, until a storm struck. That’s why we’ve written this guide: to help you navigate the nuances of Florida hurricane insurance coverage so that, if the worst happens, you don’t get left holding the bag.
1. Understand What Florida Hurricane Insurance Actually Covers
Before purchasing a policy, it’s critical to know what hurricane insurance coverage actually means. Many homeowners assume their standard insurance policy covers all types of storm damage. That’s not always true.
In Florida, most standard homeowners insurance policies do cover wind-related damage from hurricanes, but they exclude flood damage, which is one of the biggest threats during a major storm.
To be fully protected, homeowners need both:
- Windstorm or hurricane coverage (often included in HO-3 policies)
- Flood insurance (from the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers)
To better understand the distinction, this guide on hurricane insurance coverage in Florida outlines the differences in detail.
If you only carry windstorm insurance, you may be left paying out of pocket for flooding, even if the damage is directly tied to the hurricane.
2. Compare Deductibles: Hurricane vs. All Other Perils
Florida is one of the few states that allows a separate hurricane deductible. This is different from your standard deductible for things like fire or theft (called the “All Other Perils” or AOP deductible). Hurricane deductibles are usually 2% to 10% of your home’s insured value, and they only apply when the National Hurricane Center officially names a storm.
For example, if your home is insured for $400,000 and you have a 5% hurricane deductible, you’ll need to pay $20,000 out of pocket before your insurer contributes a dime toward repairs.
Ask your insurance agent:
- What is my hurricane deductible in dollars?
- Does this deductible apply once per season or per storm?
- Is it capped if multiple hurricanes hit in one year?
Understanding these costs upfront can save you from financial surprises when it matters most.
3. Ask About Roof Coverage and Limitations
In recent years, some Florida insurers have added roof payment schedules or actual cash value (ACV) provisions that significantly reduce what you’ll receive for a damaged roof, especially if it’s more than 15 years old.
Make sure to ask if your policy covers replacement cost (RCV) or depreciates your roof’s value based on age. And double-check for any exclusions or separate roof deductibles that might limit your payout after a storm.
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense in a hurricane. Don’t assume it’s fully covered; verify.
4. Don’t Forget Ordinance or Law Coverage
Florida building codes frequently change after major storms. If your home was built under older codes and is significantly damaged, you may be legally required to upgrade it to current standards during repairs. That’s where Ordinance or Law coverage comes in.
This coverage pays for:
- Demolition of undamaged parts
- Rebuilding to current code
- Upgrading electrical, roofing, or structural components
Without it, you could be stuck paying for costly upgrades out of pocket.
5. Ensure You Have Loss of Use Coverage
When a hurricane makes your home uninhabitable, where will you live?
Policies with Loss of Use (also called Additional Living Expenses or ALE) pay for temporary housing, meals, and other costs. If your home takes over a year to repair, limited ALE can leave you stranded. Make sure you understand the terms and raise the limits if needed.
6. Check Flood Insurance Options
Again, homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. If you live in a coastal, low-lying, or flood-prone area, flood insurance is a must.
You have two options:
- National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) – maxes out at $250,000 for structure and $100,000 for contents
- Private flood insurance – often offers higher limits and shorter waiting periods
In recent years, Citizens Property Insurance (Florida’s insurer of last resort) has started requiring flood insurance for many policyholders.
7. Submit a Wind Mitigation Report for Discounts
Florida law rewards homeowners who harden their homes against wind damage. If you’ve added hurricane shutters, impact windows, roof straps, or secondary water barriers, submit a Uniform Wind Mitigation Inspection Report to your insurer.
Doing so could lower your premium significantly. You may also be eligible for state grant programs like My Safe Florida Home, which helps homeowners upgrade their homes to meet current hurricane standards.
8. Look for Common Policy Exclusions
Many Florida insurance policies contain exclusions that limit your protection during hurricanes.
- Pool enclosures and screened lanais – often excluded unless separately endorsed
- Detached structures or sheds
- Roof surface exclusions for wind damage
- ACV-only coverage on personal property
Always ask your insurance agent to explain any exclusions or limitations that apply specifically to hurricane damage.
9. Be Wary of Problematic Insurers
Not all insurers are created equal. Some companies have a history of delaying, underpaying, or denying valid hurricane claims. Do your homework before selecting a carrier.
You can learn more about the insurance companies that deny most claims and how to avoid them. It’s better to pay a bit more in premiums than to fight for your payout after a storm.
10. Shop with the Right Questions in Mind
When choosing your Florida hurricane insurance policy, be ready to ask:
- Is my roof covered at RCV or ACV?
- What is my hurricane deductible?
- Do I have ordinance/law coverage?
- Is flood insurance included or required separately?
- Are there caps on ALE or loss of use?
- Does this insurer have a strong financial rating and claims reputation?
An informed homeowner is a protected homeowner. If you’re not confident in your policy or suspect bad faith from your insurer, a hurricane damage claim attorney in Florida can help you understand your rights.
11. Don’t Ignore Florida’s Insurance Crisis
Florida is facing ongoing volatility in its property insurance market. Premiums are rising, policies are being canceled, and fewer insurers are willing to write new business. Understanding the problem in the insurance industry in Florida is key to making informed choices.
You may also be affected by:
- Reduced roof replacement benefits
- Shrinking ALE limits
- Narrower coverage terms overall
Given this environment, it’s more important than ever to scrutinize your hurricane insurance coverage.
Ensure You Have the Right Hurricane Insurance Coverage
Choosing the right Florida hurricane insurance isn’t just about reading policy documents; it’s about preparing for real risks that threaten your home, finances, and peace of mind. From deductible decisions to flood protection and roof exclusions, every choice you make before hurricane season can impact how well you recover afterward.
If a hurricane hits and your insurer delays, underpays, or denies your valid claim, a hurricane damage attorney in Florida can review your policy, explain your rights, and hold your insurance company accountable.
The Morgan Law Group has helped thousands of Floridians resolve their insurance disputes after hurricanes. Our team understands the tactics insurers use and how to fight for what you’re owed. Whether you’re reviewing your coverage or battling a denied claim, we’re here to help.
Call us today at (305) 614-5235 or contact us using our online form for a free consultation in one of our Florida offices near you.
