Florida Homeowners Are Still Waiting for Insurance Relief — And Some Are Ready to Leave

Homeowner interview

For more than a year, Floridians have been promised that homeowners’ insurance relief is coming — but for thousands of residents, the opposite seems true. Premiums continue creeping upward, pushing long‑time homeowners to question whether they can afford to stay in the state they love.

WPTV News Channel 5 has been closely tracking Florida’s shifting insurance market. And while state leaders insist improvements are underway, many homeowners say their lived reality tells a very different story. Explore the full report at WPTV News Channel 5.

A Homeowner’s Breaking Point

In Coral Springs, longtime homeowner Lisa Riggi has reached the point of frustration. After seeing a WPTV story claiming insurance conditions were improving statewide, she reached out to share her experience — and it wasn’t good news.

“The year prior, it went up 30%, and then this year I don’t know the percentage, but it went up another $170.”

Riggi has owned her home for 26 years. Yet despite claims of statewide stabilization, her premiums have continued to rise year after year.

If Rates Are Going Down, Why Are Premiums Going Up?

Executives at major insurance groups — including Windward Risk Managers, which oversees Florida Peninsula, Edison, and Ovation — say they’ve actually filed rate decreases or held steady for several years.

But decreasing rates don’t automatically mean decreasing premiums.

As the market shifts, property values rise, and inflation affects materials and labor, the amount needed to insure a home increases. That means even with a lower “rate,” the total premium may still climb.

Tap to Explore: Why Premiums Rise Even When Rates Fall

• Higher property valuations
• Inflation in construction materials
• Updated replacement‑cost calculations
• Expanded coverage requirements

This is often confusing for homeowners — and it’s why many Floridians feel they aren’t seeing the relief they were promised.

State Leaders Say the Market Is Strengthening

Florida’s insurance commissioner, Michael Yaworsky, insists the state is experiencing its strongest insurance market in more than a decade. Lawsuits have dropped dramatically, 17 new companies have entered the market, and elected officials cite renewed confidence among insurers.

“We are the strongest from a solvency‑capitalization perspective that we’ve been in well over a decade,” Yaworsky told WPTV.

But that’s cold comfort to homeowners like Riggi, who feel the financial pressure more intensely each renewal cycle.

“We’re Looking at Moving”

For some families, rising premiums have pushed them toward life‑changing decisions.

“We’re not sure if we’ll stay in state or out of state, but we’re looking at moving; it’s not affordable for us to stay here anymore.”

State leaders hope a quiet 2025 hurricane season will bring additional relief in 2026 — but homeowners are asking whether they can afford to wait that long.

Why This Matters for Real Estate and Insurance Professionals

Insurance premiums don’t just affect homeowners — they directly impact real estate professionals, mortgage lenders, appraisers, and insurance agents. Understanding these shifts is essential as clients increasingly request guidance on affordability, relocation, and long‑term planning.

At Cameron Academy, we keep aspiring and seasoned professionals informed about evolving market forces while helping them earn or upgrade licenses in real estate, mortgage, insurance, and more. When markets change, knowledge becomes your most valuable asset.

For more insights like this — and to explore licensing programs across Florida and all 50 states — visit Cameron Academy.

More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

How an Israeli Proptech Startup Is Transforming the Future of Real Estate Investing

A fast‑growing Israeli startup called Agora is reshaping how real estate investment firms operate by replacing outdated spreadsheets and scattered emails with a seamless digital platform. Built by former military intelligence technologists, Agora centralizes investor onboarding, reporting, financial tracking and communication—giving firms a modern backbone for managing complex portfolios. As proptech adoption accelerates worldwide, understanding tools like Agora is becoming essential knowledge for new and seasoned real estate professionals alike.

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Canada in 2026

Canada remains one of the fastest and most accessible places to launch a real estate career, with no university degree required and most provinces offering licensing timelines under a year. This guide breaks down every major step—eligibility, education, exams, brokerage registration, and income expectations—while comparing requirements across Ontario, BC, Alberta, and Quebec. It also highlights what truly separates successful agents from those who leave the profession: consistent prospecting, strong preparation, and long-term discipline.

Is It a Good Time To Buy a House in 2026? What the Market Is Really Telling Us

The 2026 housing market is starting off with colder-than-usual activity but warmer opportunities for buyers. Mortgage rates have dipped nearly a full percentage point from last year, inventory is slowly increasing, and competition is easing just enough to give buyers more leverage. While prices are still rising, the pace has cooled, and motivated sellers are becoming more flexible. Whether you're planning to buy or preparing clients as a real estate professional, the key message remains the same: the right time to purchase depends far more on your financial readiness than on headline noise.

Should You Form an LLC for Your Rental Property in 2025?

More landlords than ever are turning to LLCs to protect their assets, streamline operations, and unlock tax advantages. An LLC can separate your personal finances from your rental business, provide liability protection, and offer valuable tax benefits. This article breaks down what LLCs do for landlords, how they affect taxes, the benefits they bring, and the best practices for setting one up in 2025—giving real estate professionals and investors a clear, practical guide for making the right decision.

Florida Senate Backs Plan to Move Commercial Policies Out of Citizens Insurance

Florida lawmakers have approved Sen. Joe Gruters proposal to push more commercial properties from Citizens Property Insurance into the private market. The bill tightens eligibility rules, expands the clearinghouse process, and could shift about 25 billion dollars in risk to private carriers. Supporters say the change reduces taxpayer exposure after major storms, while opponents worry about relying more on the less-regulated surplus lines market. The measure now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis for final approval.

Wire Fraud Is Now One of the Biggest Threats to Real Estate Closings

Wire fraud has evolved into a major danger for Florida real estate transactions, with criminals hijacking email accounts, impersonating buyers and sellers, and creating fake title company websites. First‑time buyers are especially vulnerable, and losses often occur right before closing when emotions are high. Experts warn that nearly all wire fraud can be prevented with proper verification, secure communication, and professional training—making education a critical defense for today’s real estate professionals.