Homeowners Insurance Rates Drop in Florida: A Welcome Relief for Floridians
A Brighter Future for Florida Homeowners?
As of early 2025, Florida is experiencing a significant shift in its homeowners insurance landscape, with rates beginning to drop for many residents. This change is a welcome relief for homeowners and a sign that legislative reforms and market improvements are starting to take effect.
On February 5, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state’s largest property insurer, would be instituting premium decreases for a significant portion of its policyholders. Specifically, 73% of Citizens customers in Miami-Dade County will see reductions in their homeowners insurance premiums. Statewide, the average decrease is projected to be 5.6%. This announcement marks a pivotal moment for Florida’s insurance market, which has been under strain for years due to hurricanes, litigation abuse, and rising reinsurance costs.
Florida now boasting the lowest average premium rate increase in the nation for 2024—just 1%—and actual rate decreases for 2025.
Why Are Rates Dropping Now? Several factors are contributing to this positive shift in Florida’s homeowners insurance market:
Legislative Reforms: Recent laws have cracked down on assignment of benefits (AOB) fraud and excessive litigation, which were significant drivers of high insurance costs. By addressing these “man-made” factors, the state has created a more stable environment for insurers.
Market Stabilization: The number of policies held by Citizens Property Insurance has dropped below 1 million as of late 2024, thanks to successful depopulation efforts. Private insurers are taking on more policies, increasing competition and helping to stabilize rates.
New Insurers Entering the Market: According to industry experts, 11 new insurance companies have entered Florida’s market in recent years, attracted by the improved regulatory environment. This influx of competition is helping to drive down rates.
