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Florida Home Insurance Crisis Guide 2024 | Sell Before Costs Spiral | HouseQuick
2026 Verified Updates

Florida Home Insurance in 2026: What Brevard, Volusia & Orange County Homeowners Need to Know

Florida still has the nation's highest average homeowners insurance premiums — around $5,800–$7,100 annually. But as of February 2026, the market has stabilized significantly. Here's the 100% verified truth.

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The Market Has Improved — Here Are the Verified Facts

392,689

Citizens Policies In Force

January 31, 2026 — down from 1.4 million peak in 2023

8.7%

Average Rate Decrease

Approved by OIR for Spring 2026 renewals

17

New Insurers Since Reforms

Have entered Florida market

330,000+

Policyholders Seeing Cuts

Will receive lower premiums at renewal

The 2020-2024 Crisis vs. Today

Understanding what changed and why the market has stabilized.

1

2022-2023 Tort & Insurance Reforms Worked

Governor DeSantis signed major reforms that reduced litigation costs, made reinsurance cheaper, and encouraged new insurers to enter the market. These changes are now fully effective, bringing rates down.

2

Citizens Insurance Is Shrinking — Not Growing

The old narrative that Citizens was overflowing is outdated. As of January 31, 2026, Citizens has only 392,689 policies — the lowest in 14+ years. Over 1 million policies have moved to private carriers.

3

2025 Hurricane Season Was Calm

No major U.S. hurricane landfalls in 2025 means insurers didn't pay catastrophic claims. This stability is being passed on to homeowners through rate decreases.

4

Premiums Still High — But Direction Has Changed

Florida still has the nation's highest average premiums ($5,800–$7,100 annually). However, the trend is now downward with 5-11% decreases filed by major carriers for 2026.

Why Some Homeowners Are Still Choosing Cash Offers

Even with market improvements, certain situations make a quick cash sale the smart choice.

2026 Renewal Still Unaffordable

While averages are declining, your specific renewal might still be high due to your home's age, location, or claims history. Some homeowners prefer certainty over waiting for improvements to reach them.

Need for Major Repairs

Homes with roofs 15+ years old still face stricter underwriting. If you need a new roof or major repairs that insurance won't fully cover, selling as-is eliminates the financial burden.

Tired of Uncertainty

Multiple denials, months of waiting for quotes, or annual renewal anxiety. Some homeowners simply want out of the insurance game entirely and prefer a clean cash sale.

Want Maximum Value

Through our sister company Steady Path Property Solutions, homeowners can get a second opinion or competing offer to ensure they're getting maximum value for their property.

If you're inheriting property and insurance costs are weighing on you, let's talk. Get your no-obligation cash offer today

County-by-County Snapshot: Brevard, Volusia & Orange

Central Florida has seen meaningful relief, though coastal exposure and home-specific factors still matter.

Brevard County (Melbourne, Titusville, Palm Bay, Cocoa Beach)

  • Coastal properties carry higher risk, but private carriers actively competing
  • Statewide 8.7% average cut applies; some areas seeing larger reductions
  • Roof age 15+ years still affects underwriting with most carriers
  • Wind mitigation and impact-resistant features can save 10-40%

Volusia County (Daytona Beach, DeLand, Deltona, New Smyrna Beach)

  • Inland and riverfront homes often see quotes in the $1,700–$4,500 range
  • Beachside properties remain more expensive but improving
  • Citizens depopulation has moved thousands to private carriers
  • Flood zone matters significantly for total insurance cost

Orange County (Orlando, Apopka, Winter Garden, Oviedo)

  • Inland location provides protection from hurricane exposure
  • Premiums stabilizing with 2026 carrier decreases
  • HOA communities and newer builds seeing better availability
  • More carrier options = more competitive quotes
Important for Heirs

Inheriting a Home in Brevard, Volusia, or Orange County?

Here's the 2026 reality and smart next steps for Central Florida heirs.

Probate Timelines in Florida

  • Summary administration: Estates under $75,000 can close in 4-8 weeks
  • Formal probate: 6-12+ months for larger estates
  • While waiting, you still pay taxes, utilities, and insurance
  • Cash sale can close fast once you have authority to sell

Insurance Realities for Inherited Homes

  • Policy may not transfer automatically—new inspection often required
  • Older roofs (15+ years) can trigger higher premiums or denials
  • Coastal Brevard/Volusia beachside homes have limited options
  • 2021 code updates may require impact windows for coverage

Tax Benefits for Florida Heirs

No Florida Inheritance Tax

Florida has no state-level inheritance or estate tax.

Step-Up in Basis

Cost basis resets to fair market value at death—minimizes capital gains if you sell soon.

Thousands of Central Florida heirs are choosing cash sales to avoid probate delays, insurance surprises, and maintenance burdens.

Read Our Inherited Property Guide

Complete probate shortcuts, tax perks, insurance pitfalls, and cash offer process

Get Your No-Obligation Cash Offer

Whether you stay and benefit from the improving market or sell and start fresh, we're here to help Central Florida homeowners make the best decision for their situation.

Sources (Verified February 2026)