🌀 A Quick, No-Fluff Guide for Homeowners

When hurricanes hit, insurance in Florida gets tricky. If you’ve ever been dropped by your private insurer or quoted sky-high premiums—you’re not alone.

That’s where Citizens Insurance steps in. Let’s break it down in plain English 👇

🛟 What Is Citizens Insurance?

It’s the “last resort” insurance backed by the state of Florida.

• ✅ Nonprofit & government-backed

• 🏠 Covers homes when private insurers won’t

• ⚖️ Required to stay financially stable & charge fair rates

• 🚫 Not allowed to compete directly with private companies

Think of it as a safety net — not your first pick, but there when you need it.

✅ Who Qualifies for Citizens?

You can only get Citizens if you can't find similar private coverage. Here’s how it works:

• 📉 No private insurance? You might qualify

• 💸 Private quote 20%+ more than Citizens? You’re eligible

• 📄 You’ll need proof (denial letters, premium quotes, etc.)

🏖️ Both residents and seasonal homeowners can apply, but vacation rentals have extra rules.

🏡 What Does It Cover?

Citizens offers different policies depending on your property type:

⚠️ No flood insurance included — get that separately (think: NFIP or private insurer).

📸 How to File a Claim

Damage? Here's the drill:

1. 🧾 Report ASAP — ideally within 72 hours

2. 📷 Take photos & keep receipts

3. 🕵️‍♂️ An adjuster will inspect

4. 💬 Citizens gives an offer or denial

5. 💵 Accept offer = get paid quickly

Disagree with the payout? You can challenge it (see below).

⚖️ How to Handle Claim Disputes

Not satisfied? You’ve got options:

• 🔁 Request a supplemental review

• 🧘‍♂️ Go through state-run mediation

• 🧾 Use an appraisal process

• ⚖️ As a last resort: take legal action (with limits)

Citizens has some legal shields private insurers don’t—talk to a lawyer first if you go this route.

💰 How Are Rates Set?

Citizens can’t just make up numbers. Rates must be:

• 📊 Actuarially sound (aka: backed by data)

• 👂 Reviewed in public hearings

• 📈 Increased gradually (thanks to Florida’s “glide path”)

🚨 New customers may face higher premiums upfront.

🔁 Can You Lose Your Policy?

Yes. Here’s how:

• 🚫 Canceled for: nonpayment, false info, bad property conditions

• ❌ Nonrenewed if:

  • A private insurer offers similar coverage (within 20%)

  • Your property fails new guidelines (old roof, etc.)

  • Citizens is reducing policy count (aka “depopulation”)

📆 Plan ahead! Don’t let a surprise cancellation leave you without coverage.

💸 What If There's a Huge Storm?

If Citizens runs out of money after a big hurricane season:

• 💥 It can charge assessments to all Florida insurance holders, not just Citizens customers.

Yup — even if you don’t use Citizens, you could end up footing the bill.

📌 Bottom Line

Citizens Insurance = backup insurance for Florida homeowners.
You can’t just choose it — you have to need it.

🧠 Know your eligibility
💼 Understand what it covers
📈 Expect rate changes
📅 Always have a backup plan