Florida homeowners insurance is the single most common financial surprise for buyers relocating from the Northeast or Midwest. A buyer who paid $1,400/yr in New Jersey discovers their comparable Florida home will cost $3,800/yr — or $5,500/yr if they chose a coastal community. Getting an insurance quote before you finalize a community choice is not optional. It should happen during or before your scouting trip.
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Talk to a Specialist →Why Location Drives Cost More Than Anything Else
Florida's insurance market prices almost entirely on wind exposure — how close the home is to a coast and how vulnerable the home is to hurricane wind damage. The difference between an inland community (Marion County, Hillsborough inland, Polk County) and a coastal community (Volusia beachside, Pinellas Gulf coast) is often $2,000–$4,000/yr on the same size home. This is not negotiable — it's determined by the wind zone the home sits in.
Estimated Insurance Rates by Community (2026)
| Community | County | Est. Annual Premium | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trilogy at Ocala Preserve | Marion County | ~$1,200–$2,000 | Lowest |
| Sun City Center | Hillsborough — inland | ~$1,800–$2,800 | Low |
| Solivita | Osceola/Polk — inland | ~$1,500–$2,500 | Low |
| Del Webb Bexley | Pasco — inland | ~$1,800–$2,800 | Low |
| Kings Point | Hillsborough — inland | ~$1,500–$2,500 (condo varies) | Low–Moderate |
| Latitude Margaritaville Daytona | Volusia — Atlantic coast | ~$3,500–$5,500+ | High |
Estimates for a single-family home, ~$400K replacement value. Actual premiums vary by home age, construction type, roof age, and deductible. Get your own quotes before making a purchase decision.
The Wind Mitigation Inspection — Get One
A wind mitigation inspection (approximately $100–$150) documents the wind-resistant features of your home: roof shape, roof covering, roof deck attachment, opening protection (impact windows or shutters), and more. If the home has favorable features — hip roof, impact windows, reinforced roof deck — your insurer must apply discounts that can reduce your premium by 15–40%.
The inspection is separate from the general home inspection. Get both. The wind mitigation report is valid for 5 years and travels with the home — if the seller has one, request it. But if it's more than 2 years old or the seller doesn't have one, order a fresh one during your inspection period.
For condo buyers at Kings Point: Your individual unit may be covered under the master HOA's condo policy for the structure. You still need HO-6 (condo interior) coverage for your personal property, interior finishes, and personal liability. The HOA's master policy does NOT cover your belongings or interior improvements. Confirm the master policy's coverage before assuming your insurance cost is covered by the HOA fee.
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Citizens Insurance — The Insurer of Last Resort
Citizens Property Insurance is Florida's state-backed insurer of last resort. It's available when private market coverage is unavailable or prohibitively expensive. Citizens has been working to depopulate its policies by requiring policyholders to accept private market offers within a certain premium range. If your only quote is Citizens, factor in the possibility of being "assumed" by a private carrier within 1–2 years — which may change your premium. Work with a local independent insurance broker who can quote multiple carriers.