Dwelling Fire (DP‑3) in Florida Landlord Insurance Explained

Updated October 2026

A DP-3 dwelling policy is one form insurers may use for eligible rental or other non-owner-occupied residential property in Florida. It is commonly called a dwelling-fire policy, although the available causes of loss can extend well beyond fire. A DP-3 is not automatically the correct policy for every rental, seasonal home, vacant building, or short-term rental. The property’s actual use and the insurer’s eligibility rules matter.

What a DP-3 Policy May Cover

A DP-3 generally provides broad or special-form coverage for the dwelling, subject to the exclusions, deductibles, and conditions in the issued contract. Depending on the insurer and policy, additional protections may include:

Dwelling: Eligible damage to the insured residence from covered causes of loss.
Other structures: Eligible detached structures, within the policy’s coverage terms and limits.
Landlord-owned property: Certain appliances, furnishings, or equipment, when personal-property coverage is purchased or included.
Fair rental value: Qualifying lost rental income when a covered physical loss makes the rented premises unfit for use, subject to the period of restoration, limits, and other conditions.
Premises liability and medical payments: These should not be assumed to come automatically with a DP-3 dwelling form. They may require a separate policy, endorsement, or a different insurance package.

Covered Causes of Loss and Important Exclusions

DP-3 dwelling coverage is often written on a special-form basis, which generally means direct physical loss is covered unless excluded or limited. That does not mean every loss is covered. Flood, wear and tear, gradual deterioration, and certain water losses are common areas requiring separate review. Wind or hurricane coverage, where available, may carry separate deductibles or exclusions. Theft and vandalism provisions can differ, particularly for vacant properties. Always review the actual form and declarations rather than relying on a generic list of covered perils.

DP-3 Versus HO-3 Homeowners Insurance

An HO-3 is commonly designed for an eligible owner-occupied residence and typically combines property coverage with personal liability protections. A DP-3 is a dwelling form often used for eligible landlord or other non-owner-occupied risks; liability and contents coverage may be separate or limited. An HO-3’s additional living expense coverage and a DP-3’s fair rental value provisions serve different purposes and are not interchangeable promises of payment.

Florida Underwriting and Rental Use

Florida insurers may evaluate roof age and condition, electrical and plumbing systems, building characteristics, prior losses, location, and occupancy. Tell the agent whether the property is leased annually, used seasonally, advertised for short stays, undergoing renovation, or vacant. Short-term rental activity and prolonged vacancy can require a different form or special approval. A standard DP-3 should not be represented as automatically suitable for every vacation rental or unoccupied property.

What Landlords Should Verify Before Binding Coverage

Whether the insurer accepts the property’s actual occupancy and rental arrangements.
Dwelling valuation, settlement basis, and any roof or cosmetic-damage limitations.
Wind or hurricane coverage, deductible amounts, and any separate flood insurance needs.
Landlord-owned contents, fair rental value limits, and waiting periods or exclusions.
Whether premises liability protection is included, endorsed, or must be obtained separately.

Bottom line: A DP-3 can be an appropriate solution for some Florida rental properties, but it is not a guarantee of full landlord protection. The quote should be based on the property’s real use and the specific coverages offered by the insurer.