How much notice does a Florida home insurer have to give before non-renewing?

Generally at least 120 days' written notice before the policy ends, and the notice must include the reason (Fla. Stat. 627.4133). A few situations, such as a Citizens takeout, have shorter notice periods.

Can my insurer non-renew me after a hurricane claim?

Not right away. After a hurricane or wind loss under a declared emergency, an insurer generally can't cancel or non-renew until 90 days after the repairs are done, with some exceptions (Fla. Stat. 627.4133).

Does a non-renewal mean I can only get Citizens?

No. Many non-renewed homes find coverage with another private insurer. Citizens is there if no private insurer will offer comparable coverage within the limits the law sets.

Who can I call if I think the non-renewal is wrong?

Your insurer first, then the Florida Department of Financial Services Insurance Consumer Helpline, 1-877-693-5236.

What to do if your home insurer non-renews you — From Elona’s desk

If your Florida home insurer decides not to renew you, it generally has to send written notice at least 120 days before your policy ends, and the notice has to say why (Fla. Stat. 627.4133). That’s about four months to find new coverage. Use them.

A non-renewal letter feels personal. Often it isn’t. Insurers drop whole groups of homes, whole ZIP codes, or a whole line of business. Here’s how to handle it calmly.

First, read the letter for three things

The date your coverage ends. Put it on your calendar. Your policy stays in force until then.
The reason. Florida requires it. “Roof age,” “condition of property,” “underwriting guidelines” or “company no longer writing in your area” each lead to a different next step.
Is it a non-renewal or a cancellation? A cancellation ends coverage mid-term and has its own rules and timelines. If it says cancellation, call me right away.

What the reason tells you

Your roof. Florida law says an insurer can’t refuse to renew solely because a roof is under 15 years old, and must allow an inspection before demanding replacement on an older one. (Roof age in Florida, explained.) If your roof is younger than that and age is the only reason given, ask the insurer about it in writing.
Condition of the home. Something in an inspection worried them. Find out what. A fix and a fresh 4-point inspection can open doors elsewhere.
The company is pulling back. Nothing about your house. You just need a new home for the policy.
Claims. Some insurers non-renew after claims, though Florida law limits using storm (“act of God”) claims, or a single water damage claim, as the reason (Fla. Stat. 627.4133). Claims can limit your options, but they don’t end them.

If you’ve had hurricane damage

Florida adds protection here. After a hurricane or wind loss covered by a declared state of emergency, an insurer generally can’t cancel or non-renew your policy until 90 days after the home has been repaired (Fla. Stat. 627.4133). There are exceptions, such as non-payment, fraud, unreasonable delays in repairs, or policy limits already paid out.

And if a non-renewal would take effect during a hurricane, as Florida law defines it (from a hurricane warning anywhere in the state until 72 hours after the last watch or warning ends), the effective date is pushed back to the end of that period, unless you already have replacement coverage in force.

Then shop, early

Don’t wait until the last few weeks. Insurers want documents, inspections take time, and hurricane season can freeze new business when a storm is on the map.

Here’s what makes shopping fast:

Your current declarations page, so we compare like for like. You can upload it at /quote/.
A recent wind mitigation form, if you have one.
A 4-point inspection if the home is older.
Roof, electrical, plumbing and water heater dates, with any permits or receipts.
Your claims history for the past several years.

As an independent agent, I can take one set of documents to several insurers at once, which is the biggest advantage you have when you’re on a deadline.

Where Citizens fits

Citizens Property Insurance is Florida’s state-created insurer for homes that can’t find coverage in the private market. A non-renewal doesn’t send you straight there. If a private insurer offers comparable coverage, the law limits when you can choose Citizens instead (Fla. Stat. 627.351). Here’s how Citizens works.

Good to know

Keep paying your current policy. It’s still your coverage until the end date.
Tell your mortgage company. If you have a mortgage, your lender will want proof of the new coverage before the old one ends.
Never let it lapse. Even a day without coverage can cause problems with your lender and make the next insurer more cautious.
If something seems wrong, the Florida Department of Financial Services runs an Insurance Consumer Helpline at 1-877-693-5236.

Want help finding the next policy?

Send me the non-renewal letter and upload your declarations page at /quote/. I’ll read the reason with you, tell you what will help, and start shopping it while you still have plenty of time.

Talk to Elona