Citizens vs. private carriers: what actually changes for you
Citizens Property Insurance is Florida's state-created insurer of last resort. Private carriers compete for the same homes. The main differences are eligibility (the 20% rule), assessment exposure, and how coverage options are structured. The right choice depends on the actual coverage in front of you, not the name.
Why does Citizens exist?
Citizens was created by the Legislature to provide coverage when the private market will not. It is meant to be a residual market, which is why state law pushes eligible policies back to private carriers.
What is the 20% rule?
Under Citizens' Clearinghouse and the 2022 reforms (SB 2-A), if a comparable private offer is not more than 20% above your Citizens renewal premium, you are generally no longer eligible to stay with Citizens. Check Citizens' current rules for your situation.
What are assessments?
If Citizens has a deficit after a major storm season, Florida law allows assessments on Citizens policyholders and, in some cases, on other Florida policyholders. The details are set by statute and can change.
How should you compare?
Line the policies up on the same dwelling limit, hurricane deductible, other-structures and personal-property limits, loss settlement (replacement cost vs. actual cash value), and endorsements.
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Start a private quoteGeneral information, not legal advice or a coverage determination. Policy terms control.