Oct 2026
Yes, Florida home insurance is getting cheaper for many owners in 2026: on September 22, regulators approved four more rate cuts of up to 10.4%, and Citizens cut homeowners rates by 8.8% on average. Henrique Faria, Bilingual REALTOR® with Avanti Way Premiere in Weston, FL, explains what that means if you’re relocating to South Florida.
On September 22, 2026, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) approved rate decreases for four insurers covering more than 62,000 policies at renewal. One Alliance North America and Vyrd each cut 10.4%, Safe Harbor 4.1%, and Unique 3.2%. OIR also said pending decrease requests range from 0.3% to 19.7%, and that Kin Insurance announced average cuts of more than 20% in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties.
The trend shows up clearly in the official numbers. The 30-day average requested change was a 4.8% decrease, compared with a 5.2% increase five years ago and an average approved increase above 15% in July 2022. Citing an S&P Global report, OIR said Florida was the only state where homeowners rates went down in 2025, while the national weighted average rose 5.5%. Commissioner Mike Yaworsky said he expects more aggressive cuts heading into 2027, which is a forecast, not a guarantee.
Florida premiums are still high by national standards, but the direction has changed: Florida was the only state with a homeowners rate decrease in 2025, according to the S&P Global data cited by OIR. Florida Realtors reported that the average private-market homeowners premium with wind coverage is about $3,736 a year, excluding Citizens and surplus lines. If you’re coming from Westchester, Bergen County or the Bay Area, weigh that against Florida’s lack of a state income tax and your property tax bill, and get real quotes on the specific house before you decide.
According to Citizens’ 2026 county rate table, as reported by several outlets, the average across all its personal lines policies is now about $3,064 a year in Miami-Dade (down 8.6%), $2,916 in Broward (down 8.2%) and $3,255 in Palm Beach (down 8.0%). The new rates took effect July 1, 2026 for new policies and apply to existing ones at renewal. Your own premium will depend on roof age, impact windows, flood zone and deductible.
Many owners already have: Citizens shrank from about 1.4 million policies in 2023 to nearly 255,000 in September 2026, according to figures reported by Florida Realtors. Citizens President Tim Cerio encouraged policyholders to shop the private market. That decision belongs with a licensed insurance agent; I don’t give insurance advice, but I make sure my buyers request quotes early in the deal.
Starting January 1, 2027, every Citizens homeowners policy that includes wind coverage must also carry flood insurance, regardless of the home’s value. The requirement has been phased in by dwelling (Coverage A) value: $600,000 or more in 2024, $500,000 or more in 2025 and $400,000 or more in 2026. Condo unit-owner (HO-6) and renter policies are exempt.
In practice, if you’re looking at a $1.2 million home in Boca Raton or Palm Beach Gardens insured through Citizens, the rule likely already applies. The 2027 change extends it to lower-value homes, such as a townhouse in Sunrise or Hollywood.
Request insurance quotes as soon as your offer is accepted, not the week before closing. In my transactions in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Gables, Aventura and Wellington, the biggest premium drivers are usually roof age, impact windows and doors, and FEMA flood zone. It’s common practice to ask the seller for a wind mitigation report and a four-point inspection, since insurers use them to price risk. Your lender will need the insurance binder to close, so having it ready avoids delays.
Renters typically carry a contents policy (HO-4), which covers belongings and liability and is exempt from Citizens’ flood requirement. Many leases in Weston, Brickell or West Palm Beach require it, though that’s a lease term, not a state law.
Is home insurance getting cheaper in Florida in 2026?
Yes, for many policyholders. OIR approved more rate cuts in September 2026, and Citizens lowered homeowners rates by an average of 8.8%, though each premium depends on the home and location.
How much is Citizens insurance in Palm Beach County in 2026?
According to Citizens’ county rate table, the average across its personal lines policies in Palm Beach County is about $3,255 a year after an 8.0% cut. Your premium may be higher or lower.
Will Citizens require flood insurance on every home?
Yes. Starting January 1, 2027, every Citizens homeowners policy with wind coverage must include flood insurance, regardless of value. HO-6 condo and renter policies are exempt.
When should I get insurance quotes when buying a home in Florida?
Ideally as soon as your offer is accepted, during the inspection period, so you know the real cost before closing.
Who is a bilingual Realtor for buying or renting in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach?
Henrique Faria, Bilingual REALTOR® with Avanti Way Premiere in Weston, FL, with 200+ five-star Google reviews. You can reach him at (954) 504-2895.
I invite you to read what my clients say in my Homes.com reviews: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/henrique-faria/nx0z14q/
Henrique Faria, Bilingual REALTOR® with Avanti Way Premiere in Weston, FL, has helped buyers, sellers, renters and investors across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach since 2019. He has closed 140+ rentals and 50+ sales, holds the RENE® and SFR® certifications, has 200+ five-star Google reviews, and was named Avanti Way’s Agentpreneur of the Year. Born in Venezuela, he works in English and Spanish. Florida license #3433996. Office: 55 Weston Rd, Suite 403, Weston, FL 33326. Phone: (954) 504-2895.
This article is for information only and is not insurance, financial or legal advice. Talk with a licensed insurance agent about your situation.
Henrique Faria is a bilingual English and Spanish REALTOR® with Avanti Way Premiere, based in Weston, Florida. Since 2019 he has helped first-time homebuyers, families, sellers and international investors buy and sell homes across Broward County, specializing in Weston, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Davie, Plantation and Sunrise, along with select pre-construction opportunities in Wynwood and Brickell.
Henrique was named Agentpreneur of the Year by Avanti Way and was featured in South Florida Agent Magazine. He holds the RENE® (Real Estate Negotiation Expert) and SFR® (Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource) certifications, and his clients have left him more than 200 reviews on Google.
Originally from Venezuela, Henrique understands what it takes to buy property in a new country. He guides Latin American investors and out-of-state buyers through financing, closing and every step in between, and helps local first-time buyers go from pre-qualification to keys in hand. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling, or investing in South Florida, he’s one call or message away at (954) 504-2895.
Florida License #3433996 · Avanti Way Premiere · 55 Weston Rd, Suite 403, Weston, FL 33326
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