Burglary vs. Theft in Florida Homeowners Insurance

In Florida homeowners insurance (HO‑3, HO‑6, DP‑3), Burglary and Theft are two different causes of loss, and the distinction matters for coverage, documentation, and claim handling.

Burglary involves forced entry. Theft does not require forced entry. Both are covered perils in standard homeowners policies, but the investigation and proof requirements differ.

Burglary (Forced Entry)

Burglary means someone illegally entered your home or dwelling using force. Examples include:

• Broken door or window
• Damaged lock or frame
• Forced garage entry
• Physical signs of tampering

Burglary claims are generally easier to verify because physical damage supports the loss. Carriers often request:

• Photos of forced entry
• Police report
• List of stolen items
• Receipts or proof of ownership

Theft (No Forced Entry Required)

Theft means property was stolen without forced entry. Examples include:

• Unlocked door or window access
• Items stolen from a porch or patio
• Property taken during a party or gathering
• Missing items with no visible damage

Theft claims require stronger documentation because there may be no physical evidence. Carriers typically ask for:

• Police report
• Proof of ownership
• Photos of the area
• Any witness statements

Why the Difference Matters in Florida

Florida carriers evaluate burglary and theft differently due to fraud prevention and documentation standards. Forced entry (burglary) provides physical proof, while theft requires more detailed verification.

Key points:

• Both burglary and theft are covered perils in HO‑3, HO‑6, and DP‑3.
• Burglary claims are easier to validate due to physical damage.
• Theft claims require stronger proof of ownership and circumstances.
• Porch/patio theft is common in Florida and typically covered.
• Landlords (DP‑3) must document tenant‑related theft separately.

Understanding the difference helps policyholders file accurate claims and provide the right documentation from the start.

Licensed Florida Insurance Agent

Serving Florida Since 2008

Trusted by Realtors & Loan Officers

Call: 352‑200‑2066

Get Florida Home Insurance Quotes

First Name:

Last Name:

Phone Number:

Email Address:

Date of Birth:

Street Address You Want Quoted:

City:

State:

ZIP Code:

Next

Number of Floors: Select 1 Story 2 Stories 3 Stories 4 or More Stories

Approx. Heated Square Footage: (Living Area)

Construction Type: Select Concrete Block Wood Frame Brick Veneer Mixed Block/Frame Steel Frame Unsure

Roof Year:

What Type of Policy Do You Need? Select Primary Home (HO‑3) Secondary Home (HO‑3) Condo Unit‑Owners (HO‑6) Tenant Occupied Home (DP‑3) Flood Only Flood + Homeowners

Previous Next

Number of home or flood claims/losses in 5 years: Select Zero Yes - 1 claim Yes - 2 claims Yes - 3+ claims

Do you have current insurance on home? Select Yes No Not Yet (New Purchase)

Previous Next

Dwelling Coverage: (What It Costs to Rebuild Your Home)

Liability Limit: Select $100,000 $300,000 $500,000 Unsure - Recommend

Hurricane Deductible: (% of Dwelling Limit) Select 2% 5% 10% Exclude Wind Unsure - Recommend

All Other Perils Deductible: Select $500 $1000 $2500 $5000 Unsure - Recommend

Additional Notes:

Previous Submit Quote

Your information stays private and only used for your quote.