Concerns Over Rising Property Insurance Costs in Florida

Florida homeowners are increasingly worried about escalating property insurance costs, overshadowing concerns about property taxes, according to a recent study.

The study, conducted by the Public Opinion Research Lab at the University of North Florida in partnership with the Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel, surveyed 1,511 homeowners in Florida. Alarmingly, 63% of respondents cited property insurance expenses as their top financial concern. This issue resonates across party lines, suggesting that while political affiliations may influence other priorities, the burden of insurance remains a common thread.

The Insurance Market's Turbulence

Dr. Sean Freeder from the University of North Florida noted the pervasive anxiety among Florida homeowners, which persists despite policy discussions on property tax reforms such as Amendment 3. An unstable insurance market aggravates these worries: 54% of homeowners have changed their primary insurer at least once in the past five years, often due to insurers ceasing operations in the state or revising coverage options.

Those who changed insurers frequently faced involuntary switches, with nearly half being dropped by their providers. This trend is particularly pronounced among residents of older homes and coastal areas, hinting at the retreat of national insurers from Florida's unique risk landscape.

Claims and Premiums: Challenges Persist

Of the homeowners who recently filed insurance claims, 45% faced initial denials, highlighting challenges in claims management. Furthermore, premium increases are strikingly common, with 47% of respondents experiencing hikes of 50% or more over the past five years. Notably, such increases sharply exceed the 2% national average as reported by Consumer Reports.

Pinpointing a staggering 19% in premium hikes just over the past year, the study suggests a troubling trend that may intensify under the pressure of climate-related risks and market dynamics.

Legislative Reforms and Perceptions

Despite legislative attempts to overhaul Florida's property insurance landscape, skepticism among homeowners remains high. More than half (55%) observed no market improvement, while 26% believe conditions have worsened. Among homeowners whose premiums doubled, 41% feel the insurance market's condition has degraded further.

Legislative reforms appear to some as tilted toward benefiting the insurance industry, according to 69% of surveyed respondents. While only 16% see consumer advantages, and 9% believe trial lawyers benefit, Republicans are marginally more optimistic about consumer advantages compared to Democrats or independents.

• Insurance Concerns: 63% of homeowners worry more about insurance than taxes.
• Claim Challenges: 45% faced initial denials when filing claims.
• Premium Increases: 47% have seen premiums surge 50% or more over five years.
• Market Skepticism: 55% see no improvements despite reforms.
• Perceived Beneficiaries: 69% feel reforms benefit insurers more than consumers.

As housing expenses, including insurance costs, loom large for Florida voters, addressing these concerns becomes imperative. The survey, which offers a detailed snapshot of homeowner sentiments collected from July 16 to July 31, 2026, presents a challenge for policymakers seeking to restore confidence and stability in Florida's insurance market.