Florida’s Sky-High Homeowners Insurance: Are We Entering a “New Normal”?
Florida homeowners have been holding their breath for years as insurance rates climbed higher and higher. Recently, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky celebrated what they described as major progress in stabilizing premiums. But many Floridians are asking a fair question: If this is victory, why does it still feel so expensive?
According to experienced voices on the Treasure Coast, the answer isn’t simple. Rates may have stopped exploding, but they’ve settled onto a painfully high plateau—one that continues to keep Florida in the spotlight as the most expensive insurance market in the country.
The “New Norm”? Local Experts Weigh In
Harry Howle, insurance broker, real estate agent, and former City of Vero Beach mayor, describes today’s rates bluntly: “Once the cost of insurance is raised, overall, it seems to become the new norm.”
Homes in the beachside 32963 ZIP code remain especially challenging. Despite new insurers reentering Florida, many still refuse to write policies near the coast after years of catastrophic storm losses.
Tap to reveal: Why insurers are still nervous about Florida’s coastline.
Howle notes that while some policyholders are finally seeing minor adjustments—both increases and decreases—none of these changes are dramatic. Compared to the double or quadruple jumps in previous years, even a small shift feels like relief.
“I’d like to see more competition enter the state,” he said. “But I’ll take what I can get today.”
Older Homes Hit the Hardest
If your property was built decades ago or sits close to the water, brace yourself. Older, high‑value homes continue to see gradual but steady increases, even as statewide averages level out.
That’s partly because insurers now demand expensive upgrades—sometimes to systems that seem to be in perfectly good working order. Roofs, plumbing, electrical components… nothing escapes scrutiny.
Interactive Insight: Insurance companies now inspect everything—roof age, wiring, water heaters, breaker boxes, and more.
Howle refers to the process as “endless insurance inspections.” And even after all of them, homeowners may receive wildly varying quotes from different insurers.
Real Numbers: Beach vs. Mainland
Consider how drastically location and age can affect your premium:
• A $750,000 home built in 1970 on the beach: $8,200 per year
• An $820,000 home built in 2020 on the mainland: $3,200 per year
Another comparison:
• A 1991 beachside home with $1.4M replacement cost: $15,000 per year
• A $900,000 mainland home built in 2019: $2,600 per year
The numbers speak for themselves.
Lawmakers Push for More Transparency
Frustrated by persistently high rates, several Florida lawmakers are introducing new reforms. One bill targets “excess profits,” requiring insurers to publicly show the financials behind their rates—something currently shielded from public record requirements.
Another proposal would force insurers to break down cost factors behind every premium, giving homeowners a clearer picture of where their money actually goes. Insurers argue this data is proprietary—a “trade secret.”
Explore: How transparency laws could change insurance—and your wallet.
What This Means for Florida’s Real Estate Professionals
For agents, brokers, and aspiring professionals—especially those pursuing or renewing a license through Cameron Academy—understanding Florida’s insurance landscape is crucial. Buyers today are more informed and more cautious, and insurance premiums often make or break a deal.
Whether you’re entering the real estate field, renewing your mortgage or insurance license, or completing continuing education, staying informed helps you guide clients with confidence in a constantly changing market.
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!
Tampa Bay’s real estate market is entering a rare sweet spot in 2026—balancing rising inventory, steady demand, and booming commercial development. With housing supply up to 4.3 months and prices stabilizing, the region is shifting from frenzy to sustainable growth. Population migration, modernized commercial spaces, and lifestyle-focused districts like Water Street and Midtown continue to fuel Tampa’s evolution. But even amid luxury expansion, affordability remains the top challenge shaping the next phase of opportunity for real estate professionals.
Each year, AZ Big Media spotlights the visionaries shaping Arizona’s fast‑growing commercial real estate landscape. The 2026 AZ Big 100 list highlights 50 influential builders, developers, architects, and innovators who are driving sustainable growth, expanding infrastructure, and redefining community-focused design. For professionals in real estate, construction, finance, and related fields, this roundup offers a powerful look at the leadership and trends guiding Arizona’s next era of development.
After years of relentless premium increases, State Farm has filed for a 10% homeowners insurance rate reduction in Florida, signaling that recent legislative reforms may finally be stabilizing the state’s turbulent insurance market. This move could pressure other insurers to follow and marks one of the first meaningful signs of relief for Florida homeowners and real estate professionals.
Illinois has updated its insurance supplier diversity reporting requirements, impacting insurers, HMOs, dental plan corporations, and accredited reinsurers with at least $50 million in admitted assets. Beginning April 1, 2026, companies must use the state’s new PDF template and file through SERFF, following strict formatting rules for procurement, certification types, and diversity goals. The update signals a stronger statewide push for transparency and equitable contracting, making accurate compliance essential for insurance and finance professionals.
YouTube superstar MrBeast has officially moved into the world of finance with his acquisition of Step, a fast‑growing youth money management app backed by Stripe and major venture investors. Now operating under Beast Industries, Step is poised to bring modern financial tools—like credit building, investing, and budgeting—to millions of teens and young adults. With MrBeast’s massive reach and Step’s existing user base of over 7 million, this move could reshape how the next generation learns essential financial skills, giving future professionals a stronger foundation whether they pursue real estate, mortgage, insurance, finance, or any career where smart money decisions matter.
Long Island’s commercial market just hit an all‑time high, closing $4.1 billion in commercial real estate sales across Nassau and Suffolk counties in 2025—a 71 percent jump from the prior year. Specialty-use properties like assisted living and self‑storage led the surge, fueled by lower interest rates and renewed investor confidence.
