No, it’s not required by state law, but most mortgage lenders will require you to carry it to protect their investment.

Most standard policies cover:

Additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss

Damage to your home (dwelling coverage)

Other structures (like sheds or fences)

Personal belongings

Liability protection

Yes, in Florida, hurricane coverage is included in most standard homeowners insurance policies. However coverage can also be excluded in some cases so it’s best practice to review your coverages carefully and to speak with your agent. Hurricane coverage protects your home against wind damage caused by a named hurricane, as defined by Florida law.

However, hurricane damage is typically subject to a separate deductible, usually 2% to 10% of your home’s insured value, depending on your policy.

No. In most cases, you’ll need to purchase flood insurance separately, either through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.

Premiums are usually based on:

Your home’s location and age

Construction materials

Roof type and condition

Your claims history

Coverage limits and deductibles

Discounts (e.g., wind mitigation, security systems)

Wind mitigation refers to features that help your home resist wind damage (like impact-resistant windows or hurricane straps). Homes with good mitigation features often qualify for significant discounts on premiums.