A non-renewal letter can feel like a gut punch, especially if you’ve been with the same insurance company for years. It happens to a lot of Florida homeowners, often for reasons that have nothing to do with anything they did. The good news is that you usually have time to find a new policy, if you start right away.
The short answer
In most cases, Florida insurers must give you at least 120 days’ notice before they non-renew a homeowners policy. Use that time. Send the notice to an independent agent, gather your inspection reports and roof information, and compare other carriers before your current policy ends. If no private carrier will write the home, Citizens Property Insurance may be an option.
Why insurers non-renew homes
- Roof age or condition. The most common reason we see.
- Home age or systems. Older electrical panels, plumbing or water heaters flagged on a 4-point inspection.
- Claims history. One or more recent claims.
- The carrier’s own business decisions. Reducing policies in an area or leaving the state altogether.
The notice should state a reason. Read it carefully. It tells you what the next carrier is likely to ask about.
What to do, step by step
- Don’t wait. The more time before your policy ends, the more carriers we can check.
- Gather your documents: your declarations page, the non-renewal notice, any 4-point and wind mitigation reports, and roof permits or receipts.
- Talk to an independent agent. One call can check several carriers at once.
- Consider fixes. If the roof or a system is the problem, a repair or a roof inspection showing remaining life can open up options.
- Look at Citizens if needed. Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is the state-created insurer for homes the private market won’t take. It has eligibility rules and now requires most policyholders to carry flood insurance.
- Never let coverage lapse. If you have a mortgage, your lender can buy force-placed insurance on your behalf, which usually costs much more and protects only the lender.
How we help
Non-renewals are a big part of what our team handles, in English and Spanish. Send us your notice and we’ll tell you honestly what your options are and how long they’ll take. Start with our homeowners insurance page, request a quote, or call (407) 898-1116.