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!

AI, Trust, and the Future of Real Estate: Key Insights from eXp’s Global Perspective

The debut episode of NAR’s Change Agents podcast highlights why real estate expertise is more valuable than ever in an AI-driven world. eXp Realty CEO Leo Pareja explains that while technology accelerates communication and connections, consumers still rely on seasoned professionals to guide them through life’s biggest financial decisions. From the Everest analogy to real-world AI success stories, the conversation reveals how trust, transparency, and expert guidance remain the core of the real estate experience.

Mortgage Rates Drop Below 6% for the First Time Since 2022

U.S. 30‑year mortgage rates have dipped to 5.98%, breaking below 6% for the first time since 2022. This third consecutive weekly decline signals a potentially energized spring buying season as lower Treasury yields and easing market anxiety push rates down. Buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals may see renewed activity as affordability slightly improves and refinancing picks up momentum.

FinCEN’s New Rule Shakes Up Residential Real Estate Transparency

A sweeping federal reporting requirement is about to impact how companies, trusts, investors, and even cash buyers purchase residential real estate. FinCEN’s new rule closes long‑standing loopholes that allowed anonymous all‑cash property deals, requiring many entity-based buyers to disclose their true beneficial owners. Real estate agents, brokers, and advisors should brace for workflow changes and increased compliance responsibilities, while investors are urged to review their acquisition structures now to avoid delays once the rule takes effect.

How the Iran Crisis Is Driving Mortgage Rates Back Up and Disrupting Spring Housing Momentum

After briefly dipping below 6 percent for the first time in years, mortgage rates have surged again following U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran. Rising oil prices and a jump in Treasury yields have pushed the average 30-year fixed rate back to 6.12 percent, creating fresh uncertainty just as the spring housing market was gaining traction. Experts warn that continued geopolitical instability could keep rates elevated, while upcoming U.S. employment data may determine whether relief is on the horizon for buyers and sellers.

Life Insurance Costs in 2026: What Every Professional Should Know

New 2026 data reveals that the average life insurance policy costs just 26 dollars a month—less than most lunch outings—making it more affordable than many professionals expect. Rates vary based on age, health, gender, smoking habits, and term length, with younger and healthier applicants paying significantly less. As real estate, mortgage, insurance, and finance professionals plan long-term financial stability, understanding these pricing factors is crucial.