Landlord & rental property insurance in Florida

What landlord insurance covers in Florida

Landlord (or dwelling fire) insurance covers the rental property building, liability for injuries on the property, and loss of rents (your income if the property becomes uninhabitable). Florida landlord policies must address hurricane and named-storm damage, which is a seasonal and high-frequency exposure. Contents are not covered—that is the tenant's responsibility via renters insurance.

• Dwelling (building) coverage. covers the structure, roof, and attached systems against fire and named perils, including hurricanes
• Hurricane or named-storm deductible. a separate, higher deductible (often $2,500-$5,000+) for hurricane and tropical-storm damage
• Landlord liability. covers injuries on the rental property (tenant slips, falls) and legal defense
• Loss of rents. replaces your rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss
• Tenant displacement or additional living expenses. covers temporary housing or business interruption if tenants are displaced

Landlord vs. homeowners insurance

Standard homeowners insurance assumes you live in the home. Landlord policies assume you don't occupy the property and focus on building and liability coverage, plus lost rental income. Using homeowners coverage on a rental property violates policy terms and carriers will deny claims. Always purchase dedicated landlord insurance.

Hurricane season and wind deductibles

Florida's hurricane season (June-November) is a major insurable event. Most landlord policies include a separate deductible for named-storm or hurricane damage, often $2,500-$5,000 or a percentage of the dwelling value (5%-10%). This deductible applies in addition to your regular deductible and only to hurricane and tropical-storm losses. Because Florida experiences multiple named storms per season, this coverage and deductible structure is critical to understand. Ask your agent whether loss-of-rents coverage extends to hurricane-displacement periods.

Florida Landlord-Tenant Law and eviction

Florida's landlord-tenant laws (Florida Statutes Chapter 83) are landlord-friendly relative to some states, but set baseline requirements for habitability and notice. If a hurricane displaces tenants or damages the property, your loss-of-rents coverage and liability protection become critical. Understanding your policy's tenant-displacement clause and loss-of-rents period is essential, as is ensuring tenants carry their own renters insurance.

Ensure your tenants carry renters insurance

Renters insurance covers tenant belongings, personal liability, and temporary housing if they must leave due to a loss. It is not your responsibility to provide—it is the tenant's. Many Florida landlords make it a lease requirement, especially given hurricane risk. This protects both of you: the tenant's belongings and temporary expenses are covered by their own policy.

How to lower your landlord insurance premium in Florida

• Bundle rental with your personal home, auto, or condo for a multi-policy discount
• Install storm shutters or impact-resistant windows for hurricane mitigation discounts
• Maintain the property in good condition—newer roof and HVAC systems lower rates
• Raise regular and hurricane deductibles if you can absorb losses
• Shop at renewal—Florida landlord rates change frequently due to hurricane exposure

Frequently asked questions

Vadim — Maru Insurance
Licensed independent insurance agent · WA & FL
Written and reviewed by a licensed Maru advisor. Maru Insurance is an independent agency (WA License WAOIC #1365574, FL License #G363233) representing multiple A-rated carriers across Washington and Florida.