Florida’s Property Insurance Shake-Up: What Homeowners Need to Know

Florida's Property Insurance

State-Backed Citizens Insurance Plans to Raise Rates Residents across Florida are bracing for another surge in property insurance costs as Citizens Property Insurance, the state’s insurer of last resort, inches closer to finalizing a 14% rate increase for 2025. This proposal, already approved by Citizens’ board, seeks to align rates with the private market while continuing efforts to reduce the insurer’s policyholder count. But as Floridians juggle rising premiums and limited options, the bigger question remains—what’s the way forward? Why Are Florida Insurance Rates Rising? Florida’s property insurance market faces…

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Mangrove Property Insurance Takes Root in Florida’s Growing Market

Florida Property Insurance

New Regulatory Changes Pave the Way for Florida’s Newest Insurer Florida’s tumultuous property insurance market welcomes a new player as Mangrove Property Insurance officially enters the scene. This new Florida-domiciled insurance carrier, spearheaded by Stephen Weinstein, aims to provide stability and comprehensive solutions for homeowners navigating one of the nation’s most challenging insurance landscapes. With its approval secured in mid-January 2025 from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR), Mangrove has ambitious plans to assume about 81,000 policies from Citizens Property Insurance Corp. by mid-April. The launch of Mangrove comes…

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Major Decision by Florida Court of Appeals Shakes Up Insurance Landscape

Florida court of appeals

Florida Court Ruling Redefines Assignment of Benefits (AOB) and Its Impact on Homeowners Insurance A recent ruling by a Florida court of appeals has established that a “direction to pay” (DTP) by a policyholder does not equate to an “assignment of benefits” (AOB). This decision serves as a significant milestone reinforcing the legislative reform introduced through Senate Bill 2-A in 2023. The reform prohibits insurance policy benefits issued after January 1, 2023, from being assigned to third parties. The objective of Senate Bill 2-A is to curb the extensive litigation…

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Florida Cracks Down on Insurers, Returns $6 Million to Consumers

Florida Cracks Down on Insurers

Florida Insurance Commissioner Returns Nearly $6 Million to Consumers Following Insurance Investigations This Year The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FLOIR), under the leadership of the state’s insurance commissioner, has taken significant action against insurers failing to meet administrative and consumer protection standards. Throughout 2024, these efforts have culminated in nearly $6 million being returned to consumers. This regulatory crackdown highlights the state’s commitment to holding insurance companies accountable and ensuring Florida residents receive fair treatment in handling claims and other insurance-related processes. Details of Fines and Investigations FLOIR’s efforts…

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Hurricane Milton – A Category 3 Storm Unmasks Florida’s Insurance Fears

Hurricane Milton in Florida

Hurricane Milton: A New Threat to Florida’s Insurance Market Hurricane Milton has emerged as a significant challenge for Florida, impacting both the state’s infrastructure and the property insurance market. Making landfall as a Category 3 storm, it has brought to light vulnerabilities in the region’s insurance sector, already strained from previous storms. This article explores the widespread damage caused by Milton, its influence on Florida’s insurance industry, and comparisons to its predecessor, Hurricane Helene. Florida Reels as Storm Tears Through Power Lines, Homes, and Tropicana Field Milton struck Florida’s Gulf…

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Allstate and Other Insurers Seek Approval for Huge Premium Hikes in Florida

florida home insurance rates

Allstate, the second-largest home insurance provider in the United States according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), is known for its comprehensive coverage for homeowners across the country since 1931. However, two insurance companies, including one owned by Allstate, are currently seeking approval for significant premium increases exceeding 50% for homeowners in Florida. Castle Key Indemnity Company Proposes a 53.5% Rate Increase Castle Key Indemnity Company, an Allstate subsidiary that provides insurance for condominium owners, has proposed a substantial rate hike of 53.5%. An Allstate spokesperson confirmed to WESH 2…

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State Farm Boldly Upholds Commitment to Florida’s Home Insurance Landscape

Home insurance - Safe in Florida

Even as Farmers and AAA reduce their business in the state, the insurer says it’s not leaving. State Farm has announced that it has no plans to leave Florida’s home insurance market like other insurers have done, and even as that insurer did that exact thing this year in California. Florida’s market has been riding the line on the edge of a crisis, but State Farm isn’t leaving. According to State Farm, it continues to see an opportunity in Florida’s home insurance market, particularly due to recent reforms for the…

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