What Is Citizens Insurance? (Florida’s Insurer of Last Resort Explained)
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is Florida’s state-backed insurer of last resort. It provides home insurance to Floridians who cannot find affordable coverage in the private market or who have been denied due to underwriting restrictions.
Citizens is not designed to compete with private insurers — it exists to ensure that every Florida homeowner has access to basic coverage, especially in high-risk coastal areas.
Why Citizens Insurance Exists
Florida’s home insurance market is one of the most challenging in the country due to:
- Hurricane exposure
- High reinsurance costs
- Roof claim abuse (historically)
- Litigation costs
- Carrier insolvencies
When private insurers limit coverage or withdraw from certain regions, Citizens steps in to fill the gap.
Who Qualifies for Citizens Insurance?
You may qualify for Citizens if:
- You were denied by a private insurer
- Your only private quote is more than 20% higher than a comparable Citizens policy
- You live in a coastal or high-risk wind zone
- Your home does not meet private carrier underwriting requirements
Citizens is often used for older homes, coastal homes, and properties with roof or electrical issues.
What Citizens Insurance Covers
Citizens offers several policy types, including:
- HO‑3 — Standard homeowners insurance
- DP‑3 — Landlord insurance
- HO‑6 — Condo unit owners
- Wind‑Only Policies — For coastal homes
Coverage includes:
- Wind and hurricane damage
- Fire and lightning
- Water damage (limited)
- Liability
- Loss of use
What Citizens Does NOT Cover
Citizens policies have more restrictions than private carriers. They typically exclude:
- Screen enclosures
- Pool cages
- Most water backup losses
- High-value personal property
- Optional endorsements available in the private market
Citizens is designed to provide essential protection — not premium coverage.
Citizens Depopulation Program
When private insurers re-enter the market, Citizens may transfer policies back to private carriers through the depopulation program. Homeowners can accept or decline the offer depending on pricing and coverage.
How Much Does Citizens Insurance Cost?
Typical cost in Florida:
$2,000 – $6,000 per year
Pricing depends on:
- Location
- Roof age
- Wind mitigation features
- Construction type
Citizens is often cheaper than private carriers, but it comes with more restrictions.
Should You Choose Citizens Insurance?
Citizens is a good option if:
- You cannot find private coverage
- Your private quotes are unaffordable
- Your home is older or near the coast
- Your roof does not meet private carrier requirements
If private coverage becomes available later, it may offer better protection and more endorsements.
Need Help Comparing Citizens vs. Private Insurance?
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for Citizens — or want to compare private market options — I can help you review your coverage needs and find the best fit.