Homeowners Insurance in Fort Lauderdale: Built for South Florida

Insuring a home in South Florida isn't the same as insuring one in Ohio. Between hurricane season, tropical storms, coastal flooding, and one of the most volatile insurance markets in the country, you need an agent who understands the local landscape, not a call center reading from a script.

At Sentinel Insurance, we specialize in helping South Florida homeowners find coverage that actually protects them. That means understanding wind mitigation credits, hurricane deductibles, flood zone designations, and which carriers are financially stable enough to pay claims when the next storm hits.

We don't just hand you a policy and disappear. We walk you through what's covered, what isn't, and where the gaps are, so you're never surprised when you file a claim.

What Your Homeowners Policy Covers

Dwelling Coverage

Covers the structure of your home (walls, roof, foundation) against covered perils including wind, fire, and hail.

Personal Property

Protects your belongings (furniture, electronics, clothing) if damaged or stolen. Consider replacement cost vs. actual cash value.

Liability Protection

Covers legal expenses and damages if someone is injured on your property. Typically $100K–$300K; families with assets should consider an umbrella policy.

Loss of Use / ALE

Pays for temporary housing and living expenses if your home is uninhabitable after a covered loss. Critical after hurricane damage.

Other Structures

Covers detached structures on your property: fences, pool enclosures, sheds, detached garages. Usually 10% of dwelling coverage.

Medical Payments

Covers minor medical expenses for guests injured on your property, regardless of fault. Helps prevent larger liability claims.

Water Damage

Covers damage to a home's structure and personal property caused by sudden and accidental water release, such as burst pipes or roof leaks. It is common for many Florida home insurance policies to limit or even exclude water damage coverage.

Bundle Auto + Home for Maximum Savings

Families who bundle homeowners with auto insurance typically see significant multi-policy discounts. Add flood and umbrella coverage and your overall cost of protection drops even further. We'll show you exactly how much you can save.

Get a Bundle Quote →

Florida-Specific Factors That Affect Your Premium

Roof Age & Condition

Your roof is the #1 driver of homeowners insurance pricing in Florida. After Hurricane Andrew, the state adopted the Florida Building Code (FBC) in March 2002, requiring stronger wind-mitigation standards. If your roof was built or replaced before those updates, you may be missing out on meaningful savings. And even if it meets current standards, once a roof gets past ~15 years, affordable options can shrink fast (and some carriers may decline altogether). If you're nearing that mark, we can help you understand your options and find carriers still writing coverage.

Wind Mitigation Credits

Florida law requires insurers to offer discounts for homes with hurricane-resistant features. A wind mitigation inspection (typically $75–$150) documents things like roof shape, roof-to-wall connections, opening protection (hurricane shutters or impact windows), and secondary water resistance. These credits can save you hundreds or thousands per year — it's one of the best investments a Florida homeowner can make.

Hurricane Deductible

Unlike your standard deductible (a flat dollar amount), your hurricane deductible is a percentage of your dwelling coverage, typically 2%, 5%, or 10%. On a $400,000 home, a 2% hurricane deductible means $8,000 out of pocket before coverage kicks in. We help you choose the right percentage based on your budget and risk tolerance.

Flood Zone Designation

Your homeowners policy does not cover flood damage. Whether you're in Zone X, AE, or VE, we strongly recommend a separate flood insurance policy. Over 25% of Florida flood claims come from properties outside high-risk zones. We offer both NFIP and private flood options.

Homeowners Insurance FAQ

How much does homeowners insurance cost in Fort Lauderdale?
Homeowners insurance in Fort Lauderdale typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000+ per year depending on your home's value, age, roof condition, proximity to the coast, and coverage levels. Homes with newer roofs and wind mitigation features often qualify for significant discounts.
Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage in Florida?
Yes, but with important nuances. Standard homeowners policies cover wind damage from hurricanes, but they typically have a separate hurricane deductible (usually 2–5% of your dwelling coverage). Flood damage from storm surge or rising water is NOT covered — you need a separate flood insurance policy for that.
What is a wind mitigation inspection and why does it matter?
A wind mitigation inspection documents your home's hurricane-resistant features like roof shape, roof-to-wall connections, opening protection, and roof age. Florida law requires insurers to offer discounts for these features. A $75–$150 inspection can save you hundreds or even thousands per year on your premium.
Do I need flood insurance if I'm not in a flood zone?
It's strongly recommended. Over 25% of flood claims in Florida come from properties outside high-risk flood zones. Your homeowners policy does not cover flood damage regardless of your flood zone designation. Private flood policies for low-risk zones can be surprisingly affordable.
How does the hurricane deductible work?
The hurricane deductible is a percentage of your dwelling coverage, not a flat dollar amount. For example, if your home is insured for $400,000 with a 2% hurricane deductible, you'd pay $8,000 out of pocket before coverage kicks in for hurricane-related wind damage. We help you choose the right deductible based on your budget and risk tolerance.