Three separate policies
Coastal Florida coverage usually comes in three pieces: an HO-3 homeowner's policy, wind or named-storm coverage (sometimes carved out separately near the coast), and flood coverage through NFIP or a private carrier. A condo owner adds an HO-6 that sits inside the association's master policy.
What actually drives premium
Roof age and shape, impact-rated windows and doors, year built relative to the 2002 Florida Building Code, distance to the coast, finished-floor elevation versus base flood elevation, and the presence of a current wind mitigation inspection report.
A wind mitigation inspection is inexpensive and frequently pays for itself in the first year through credits.
Named-storm deductibles
Hurricane deductibles are usually expressed as a percentage of dwelling coverage — commonly 2% to 5% — not a flat dollar amount. On a $3M insured value, a 5% deductible is $150,000 out of pocket before coverage responds. Model this before you buy.
Condominium-specific risk
Florida's structural integrity reserve study requirements have pushed many older coastal associations into large reserve contributions and special assessments. Request the milestone inspection, the reserve study, and the last two years of board minutes on any building over thirty years old.
Bind before you waive
Get a bindable quote — not an estimate — before your inspection contingency expires. In hardening markets, carriers also stop binding new coverage while a named storm is in the forecast cone, which can delay a closing by a week or more.
General information only. Not legal, tax, or insurance advice. Confirm details with a licensed Florida professional before acting.