How hurricane and windstorm insurance affects your Florida mortgage — requirements, costs, and strategies to save.
Written by Renzo Johnson, Licensed MLO · NMLS #PENDING · Last updated: February 2026
- Mortgage lenders require windstorm/hurricane coverage in Florida
- Citizens Property Insurance: state insurer of last resort (rates rising significantly)
- Private market alternatives often available at competitive rates
- Wind mitigation inspection: can save 20-50% on windstorm premium
- Key wind mitigation features: roof shape (hip), roof-deck attachment (clips/wraps), opening protection (impact windows/shutters)
- Deductibles: separate hurricane deductible (2-5% of dwelling coverage typical)
- Costs vary dramatically by location, construction year, and mitigation features
- Coastal properties pay significantly more than inland properties
- New construction (post-2002) with Miami-Dade code compliance gets best rates