You have more options than you think
Many Florida homeowners assume they're stuck with Citizens Insurance or unaffordable private market rates. The reality in 2026 is more nuanced — Florida's insurance reform legislation has encouraged new entrants and some existing carriers have stabilized their Florida books of business.
The private market is still challenging. But for homeowners who shop carefully, compare multiple quotes, and understand what drives their rate, alternatives to Citizens do exist. Here's how to find them.
Florida's insurance reform legislation in 2022 and 2023 attracted several new insurers to the state. Companies including Slide Insurance, Demotech-rated carriers, and several surplus lines insurers have begun writing Florida homeowners policies. The market is not fully recovered, but there are more options than there were in 2022.
Who is still writing Florida home insurance in 2026?
The Florida private homeowners insurance market has stabilized somewhat after the chaotic 2020-2022 period. Categories of insurers currently writing Florida policies include:
- Florida-domestic carriers — Companies like Universal Property & Casualty, Heritage Insurance, and newer entrants specifically focused on Florida. These carriers understand the market and have adapted their products accordingly.
- Surplus lines insurers — Not admitted carriers, but they can write policies that admitted carriers won't. Generally higher premiums but more flexibility. Companies like Lloyd's of London syndicates operate in this space.
- Slide Insurance — One of the more notable new entrants that took on Citizens policies through the depopulation program and has been actively growing its Florida book.
- National carriers with limited Florida exposure — Some national insurers still write selective Florida business, though most have significantly reduced their Florida exposure since 2020.
Farmers Insurance, Bankers Insurance, and over 30 other carriers exited Florida between 2020 and 2024. Multiple Florida-domestic carriers went insolvent. The remaining market is thinner than it was — but it exists and is slowly stabilizing.
How to find alternatives in 2026
- Work with an independent agent — An independent insurance agent has access to multiple carriers and can shop the market on your behalf. Unlike a captive agent who works for one company, an independent agent's job is to find you the best option across all available carriers.
- Check surplus lines — If admitted carriers won't write your home at reasonable rates, ask about surplus lines options. They're not regulated the same way but can fill gaps the admitted market won't.
- Get a wind mitigation inspection first — Before shopping, get a wind mitigation inspection ($75-$150). This report documents your home's wind-resistant features and can unlock significant discounts that make private market options more competitive vs Citizens.
- Address your roof — The single biggest factor in insurability and rate is your roof. A roof over 15-20 years old will make private market coverage expensive or impossible. Addressing the roof opens up the market significantly.
- Compare quote tools — Online comparison tools can surface carriers you might not know exist. Always verify any carrier's financial stability rating (look for Demotech A or better for Florida-domestic carriers).
What to check before switching
Before leaving Citizens for a private insurer, verify the following:
- Financial stability rating — Check the carrier's Demotech rating or AM Best rating. You want at least an A from Demotech or A- from AM Best.
- Coverage comparison — Make sure the private policy covers the same perils at the same limits. Some private policies exclude certain coverages Citizens includes.
- Hurricane deductible — Understand exactly what your hurricane deductible is. Private market deductibles can be significantly higher than Citizens.
- Rate history — Ask about the carrier's rate increase history in Florida. A carrier with lower rates today but a history of large annual increases may not be the best long-term choice.