Florida’s Insurance Crisis: Why Premiums Keep Rising and What It Means for Homeowners
Florida’s property insurance market is once again under the microscope, and a newly released report suggests the problems plaguing homeowners aren’t going away anytime soon. In fact, many of the issues that sparked previous market collapses appear to be resurfacing—just under new branding.
The report, published by the Insurance Fairness Project and highlighted by InsuranceNewsNet, breaks down what the organization calls the “mirage” of Florida’s insurance comeback. Despite political messaging about recovery since Hurricane Ian in 2022, the data shows rising premiums, fragile insurers, and a climate of uncertainty that leaves homeowners seriously exposed.
Click to Reveal: How Much Have Premiums Increased?
According to the report, Florida homeowners are paying 54% more for property insurance since 2019—now the highest rates in the nation. Even more alarming: an estimated 20% of Florida homeowners have stopped carrying insurance altogether.
The Hidden Weakness Behind the “Recovery”
A major concern is who is entering the insurance market. The report claims that several “new” insurers are simply rebranded versions of previously failed companies—or are led by executives tied to earlier insolvencies. Combined with weak oversight and questionable rating standards, the situation creates a landscape where consumers may feel protected but face significant vulnerability when claims actually arise.
Shifting policy risk from Citizens Property Insurance Corp. to small private firms has additionally created an ecosystem where the financial burden is concentrated among companies that may not survive a major catastrophe.
Troubling Performance Stats
• Florida leads the nation in unpaid property claims: 40.3% closed with no payout.
• Florida ranks first in policy non-renewals: 3.3% of all in-force policies.
• Florida ranks fourth in delayed claims: 32.8% delayed more than 60 days.
Lawmakers Step In: New Bills Aim for Transparency
State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith has introduced two bills—SB 234 and SB 230—seeking to increase oversight, require public disclosure of insurer affiliate payments, cap managing agent fees, and limit what financial data insurers can hide by labeling it a “trade secret.”
If enacted, these bills could represent a meaningful shift toward consumer protection and market accountability.
What This Means for Homeowners, Agents, and Industry Professionals
For homeowners, the message is clear: insurance costs may remain high, and claim reliability is far from guaranteed. For real estate agents and brokers, understanding these risks is essential for advising clients and navigating transactions.
Professionals in the insurance field—especially those entering or advancing their careers—should closely follow these developments. Knowing how Florida’s market truly functions can be a major competitive advantage.
That’s where strong professional education comes in. If you’re looking to build or expand your credentials in insurance, real estate, or mortgage services, high-quality training matters. Cameron Academy offers licensing and continuing education programs designed to help professionals stay ahead in challenging markets like Florida’s.
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!
Artificial intelligence has shifted from futuristic idea to everyday assistant for real estate professionals. Instead of replacing agents, AI now enhances their workflows—automating repetitive tasks, improving communication, strengthening branding, and turning complex market data into clear insights. From smarter CRMs to AI-powered marketing tools, today’s agents can focus more on relationships and client service while technology handles the busywork behind the scenes.
A Florida House committee is advancing a bill that would crack down on insurers shifting profits to affiliated companies — a practice highlighted by recent investigative reporting. With premiums soaring and options shrinking, the proposed oversight could reshape the state’s insurance landscape and create ripple effects across the real estate market, impacting buyers, agents, and investors statewide.
Proptech podcast *Tangent* marks its 100th episode with an inside look at Airbnb’s evolving role in multifamily housing. Featuring Airbnb Real Estate Marketing Leader Eliza Lochner, the episode explores the rapid growth of Airbnb‑friendly apartments, the rise of flexible‑living models, and why renters and property owners are increasingly embracing hosting as a way to balance affordability, transparency, and control. For today’s real estate professionals—especially in fast‑changing markets like Florida—the conversation highlights major shifts in tenant expectations, property management strategies, and the intersection of technology, hospitality, and residential development.
A Tampa Heights homeowner has joined the growing wave of Floridians dropping property insurance altogether after his 2026 renewal skyrocketed to $14,523. With up to 20% of residents now going bare, experts warn that soaring rates, shrinking coverage options, and post‑storm losses are pushing many to take risky measures — even as alternatives like liability‑only plans, dropped wind coverage, or home‑hardening upgrades may offer relief.
A major ERAS overhaul is coming in 2027, replacing the familiar “publications” field with a more rigorous category called “scholarly works.” Only peer‑reviewed submissions—such as manuscripts, abstracts, book chapters, and presentations—will qualify, shifting greater emphasis toward high‑quality research. While the change aims to give residency directors clearer insight into applicants’ academic contributions, many students worry that advocacy and policy work may lose visibility. As programs lean more heavily on research output in a post–Step 1 pass/fail era, future applicants will need to showcase not just what they’ve produced, but the depth and meaning behind it.
Mortgage rates have ticked back up to 6.25% after a brief dip, signaling a return to stability in the housing market. With rising inventory, moderating prices, and forecasts calling for steady rates through 2026, real estate and finance professionals can expect a more predictable environment ahead. This shift opens the door to smoother transactions, improved buyer confidence, and stronger opportunities for career growth across mortgage, real estate, insurance, and related fields.
