The Florida Policy.
Unfortunately, many Florida homeowners find their insurance policies hard to make sense of. It’s full of coverage letters, exclusions, deductibles, and conditions that aren’t always easy to understand.
As a Public Adjuster local to Miami, I’ve handled plenty of water & storm claims throughout South Florida, I’ve broken down the key parts of a standard policy in simple, everyday language. Whether you have an HO-3, an HO-8, or a condo policy, this guide will help you understand what you actually have coverage for.
Coverage A – Dwelling (Your Home Itself)
Coverage A protects the structure of your home. That includes the roof, walls, floors, and built-in features like cabinets.
Common types of damages that homes in Miami face can be:
Wind or hurricane damage to the roof
Broken pipes causing water damage
Faulty appliances causing damage by water or fire
Water leaking from an upstairs unit
Coverage A is usually the highest coverage limit on your policy and is the foundation of your protection.
Coverage B – Detached Structures
Coverage B applies to structures that are not attached to your home, such as:
Fences
Sheds
Detached garages
Pergolas or gazebos
Many Florida policies include this automatically, but some, especially HO-8 policies for older homes may list $0 for Coverage B. That’s normal for HO-8s.
Coverage C – Personal Property
This covers your belongings: furniture, clothing, electronics, tools, etc.
Important Florida note: Many policies include special limits for jewelry, electronics, and tools, especially after theft.
Coverage D – Loss of Use / Additional Living Expenses
If your home becomes unlivable due to a covered loss, this coverage pays for things like:
Temporary housing (Air Bnb, Hotel, etc.)
Increased food costs (Groceries, Eating out)
Laundry
Pet boarding
In Miami, this is one of the most valuable coverages a homeowner can have after a major storm.
Coverage E & Coverage F (Liability)
These two coverages aren’t related to property damage claims, but here’s a quick overview:
Coverage E (Personal Liability): Helps protect you if someone is injured on your property and alleges you’re responsible.
Coverage F (Medical Payments): Provides limited medical coverage for injuries that occur on your property, even if no one is at fault.
Florida-Specific Deductibles to Watch Out For
Hurricane Deductible: In Florida, hurricane deductibles are typically 2%, 5% or 10% of your Coverage A limit. This deductible only applies when a named storm (Hurricane) causes damage.
All Other Perils Deductible: This applies to everyday claims like leaks, accidental water damage, or fires. These will typically be $2,500 but may vary.
Exclusions You Should Know About in Florida
Most policies in South Florida do not cover:
Flood that is weather related (separate policy required)
Wear and tear
Long-term leaks
Maintenance problems
Understanding your policy is the foundation of a successful claim. When something unexpected happens whether it’s water damage, roof issues, or storm-related losses, your coverage determines how the insurance company should respond.
As someone who has helped many South Florida homeowners navigate these situations, especially throughout Miami, I’m here to break things down clearly and guide you through the claims process so you can reach a fair and accurate settlement.