What Is Coverage B in Home Insurance? (Florida Other Structures Guide)
Updated October 2026
Coverage B — also known as Other Structures Coverage — generally provides insurance for qualifying structures on your property that are separated from the dwelling. In Florida, this coverage deserves attention because fences, sheds, detached garages, and other outdoor structures can be damaged during hurricanes and windstorms. However, certain structures, particularly screened enclosures, may have special coverage restrictions or exclusions.
Here’s what Coverage B may include, how limits work, and what Florida homeowners should know.
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What Does Coverage B Cover?
Coverage B may insure eligible structures separated from the dwelling, subject to policy definitions, exclusions, limits, and conditions. Depending on the policy and the structure involved, examples may include:
- Fences
- Sheds
- Detached garages
- Pergolas
- Gazebos
- Detached pool decks or related structures, when eligible
- Screen enclosures, when covered under the policy or an applicable endorsement
- Detached guest houses, subject to occupancy and rental restrictions
Some structures connected to the dwelling may fall under Coverage A rather than Coverage B, depending on how the policy defines the insured dwelling and other structures. If a covered event damages an eligible structure, Coverage B may help pay for the resulting loss, subject to the applicable deductible, settlement provisions, and policy terms. Wind, fire, and falling trees are not covered in every circumstance or under every policy form.
How Much Coverage B Do You Get?
Coverage B limits depend on the policy form and insurer. Under many standard homeowners policies, the other structures limit is initially calculated as 10% of Coverage A, although some Florida policies use different percentages, limits, or coverage arrangements.
Check the actual limit and applicable restrictions shown in your policy documents.
Example:
If your home (Coverage A) is insured for $400,000 and your policy includes a 5% Coverage B limit:
$400,000 × 5% = $20,000
That provides a $20,000 Coverage B limit for qualifying covered losses to eligible other structures. It does not guarantee that every detached structure is insured or that every loss will be paid up to the full limit.
Why Coverage B Matters in Florida
Florida homes often have outdoor features that require careful review, such as:
- Screened lanais, depending on whether they are attached and how the policy treats them
- Pool cages and screen enclosures that may be excluded or subject to special limits
- Fences exposed to storm damage
- Detached storage sheds
These structures may be vulnerable to hurricane winds, but the existence of a Coverage B limit does not automatically establish wind coverage for every outdoor feature. Homeowners should review any restrictions involving screen enclosures, fences, and other structures before assuming they are protected.
This is especially important for buyers researching Florida Coverage B home insurance requirements for first-time homebuyers. Mortgage lenders generally focus on required property insurance for the dwelling and their collateral, although additional requirements may apply depending on the loan, property, and lender. Buyers with valuable detached structures should separately confirm that their insurance coverage is appropriate.
What Coverage B Does NOT Include
Coverage B may exclude or restrict coverage for certain structures or uses, including:
- Structures used for certain business purposes, depending on the policy and available exceptions
- Detached guest houses rented to others, unless coverage is permitted or arranged under an appropriate policy or endorsement
- Docks, seawalls, and other waterfront structures, which may have exclusions or special limitations
- Pool screens and screen enclosures, particularly for windstorm or hurricane damage, unless the policy provides applicable coverage
These restrictions are not identical across all Florida insurers. Some policies provide limited protection for particular structures, while others require additional coverage or exclude certain losses altogether. Review the policy language and any available endorsements to determine what is actually insured.
Do You Need More Coverage B?
You may need to review or increase Coverage B if you have:
- A large screened enclosure, if the structure is eligible for coverage
- A detached garage or workshop
- A high-value shed or outbuilding
- Multiple structures on your property
Some insurers allow homeowners to increase the other structures limit for an additional premium, subject to availability and underwriting guidelines. However, increasing the limit does not automatically remove exclusions, expand coverage for screen enclosures, or insure structures that are otherwise ineligible.
How to Check Your Coverage B Amount
You can generally find your Coverage B limit in your:
- Declarations page
- Quote summary, when provided
- Policy renewal documents
If you’re unsure whether your detached structures are properly insured, review both the coverage limit and the policy’s definitions, exclusions, and endorsements. For a deeper look at roof characteristics and wind mitigation, see: Roof Geometry and Roof Covering.
Need Help Choosing the Right Coverage?
If you’re not sure whether your Coverage B limit is enough — or want to compare available options — I can help you review your policy and understand how different Florida insurers address detached structures, screen enclosures, and other property features.
