Truscott Insurance SolutionsTruscott Insurance Solutions
FeaturesHow It WorksBlog
Truscott Insurance SolutionsTruscott Insurance Solutions

Your insurance ally. We simplify policies, coach you on claims, and monitor for gotchas, so you're never caught off guard.

Tools

  • Policy Simplified
  • Claims Coach
  • Blog

Products

  • Auto Insurance
  • Home Insurance
  • Business Insurance
  • Cyber Insurance

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Terms of Service
  • Licenses

© 2026 Truscott Inc. All rights reserved.

Truscott provides insurance information tools. AI-generated analyses are for informational purposes only and do not constitute insurance advice, legal advice, or coverage guarantees.

Back to Blog
Homeowners Insurance

What questions should Florida homeowners ask before buying a policy?

Truscott Team
May 3, 2026
5 min read

Florida's insurance market has unique risks and regulations that make it different from almost every other state. Before you sign a policy, asking the right questions can protect you from coverage gaps, surprise deductibles, and claims headaches. Here are the questions every Florida homeowner should ask.

About coverage and deductibles

  • What is my hurricane deductible, and how is it calculated? Florida policies typically carry a separate hurricane deductible expressed as a percentage—often 2 to 5 percent of your dwelling limit. On a $500,000 home, that is $10,000 to $25,000 out of pocket.
  • Does this policy cover water damage from wind-driven rain? Some policies exclude interior water damage unless an opening was created by wind. Understand where the line is drawn.
  • Is flood damage included? It is not. Standard homeowners policies in Florida do not cover flood. You need a separate flood policy.
  • What is the roof coverage—replacement cost or actual cash value? Some Florida carriers have shifted to ACV for roofs over a certain age, which can drastically reduce your payout.

About the carrier

  • Is this company financially stable? Check the carrier's AM Best rating. Several Florida-only insurers have gone insolvent in recent years.
  • Is this a Citizens policy? Citizens Property Insurance is Florida's insurer of last resort. It provides coverage when private carriers will not, but it comes with assessments that can be levied on all Florida policyholders after major storms.
  • What happens if the carrier drops my policy or leaves the state? Ask how much notice you will receive and what transition options exist.

About discounts and mitigation

  • Have I received all available wind-mitigation discounts? A wind-mitigation inspection documents features like roof shape, attachment type, and opening protection. The resulting discounts can be substantial.
  • Does my roof age qualify me for full replacement cost coverage? Some carriers require a roof inspection for homes with roofs over 15 years old before offering replacement cost coverage.

What Truscott recommends

Florida homeowners cannot afford to skip these questions. A Truscott policy checkup puts every one of them on the table, compares your answers across available carriers, and makes sure you are not overpaying or underprotected. Request a coverage review before your next purchase or renewal—your future self will thank you.

Free tools from Truscott

  • Renewal increase review
  • Roof age insurance help
  • Florida home insurance quote

More from the blog

Homeowners Insurance

What does condo insurance cover and why do you still need it if your HOA has a policy?

Your HOA's master policy covers the building, but it likely stops at your unit's walls. Here is what an HO-6 condo policy covers, where the HOA policy ends, and why condo owners still need their own coverage.

Homeowners Insurance

What does your homeowners insurance declarations page actually tell you?

Your declarations page is the single most important document in your homeowners policy, yet most homeowners never read it closely. Here is what every line means and what to check before a claim.