Buying a new home in Florida? Then it’s time to get smart about insurance. Here’s your quick guide to navigating the process with confidence—plus a few important questions to ask along the way.

1. What’s Covered—and What’s Not?

Homeowners insurance typically covers:

Structure (but not the land beneath it)
Personal belongings (usually 50% of your structure’s insured value)
Liability and medical payments
Loss of use (if you need temporary housing)

Helpful Tip: Personal property coverage is typically set at 50% of the value of your home. For example, if your home is valued at $400,000, your personal property coverage might be $200,000. If you don’t own $200,000 worth of clothing, appliances, and furniture, ask your insurance agent if your personal property coverage can be adjusted. You might save money.

2. What’s the Age of the Roof?

This is one of the biggest deal-breakers for insurance companies. Most won’t insure homes with roofs over 15 years old. That’s a major advantage of buying new construction—you’ll start fresh with a brand-new roof that meets or exceeds today’s hurricane standards.

3. Are There Separate Deductibles?

Yes—especially for wind damage.

In Florida, it’s common to have two deductibles:

One for general claims (like fire or theft)
Another for wind or hurricane-related events

Ask your agent: What are the amounts for each? Can I adjust them to better fit my budget?

4. How Close Is the Property to the Coast?

It’s true: proximity to the ocean can influence your premium. But location isn’t everything. The quality of construction and storm-resistant features can help balance the equation.

5. Should I Shop Around?

Always. Some agents represent a single insurer, while others can offer multiple quotes. A good agent will shop the market for you and explain your options clearly.

Alternatively, FLOIR offers tools and resources to help you navigate the market, one of which is the CHOICES Rate Comparison Tool.

The ICI Homes Difference

We know Florida. With over four decades of experience, we’ve helped thousands of families build strong, beautiful homes across the state—homes that meet or exceed building codes and align with the realities of Florida living.

When you build with ICI Homes, you’re choosing a team that’s committed to helping you protect your investment—not just through construction, but through education and support at every step of the journey.

Ready to talk to ICI Homes? Contact us here.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or insurance advice. Homeowners in Florida should consult with a licensed insurance professional or legal advisor for personalized guidance and to ensure compliance with current state laws and regulations. The author and ICI Homes are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information presented in this blog. You should be aware that insurance policies, coverage, and laws may change, and the information provided here may contain errors and omission or may not reflect the latest updates.