New Florida homeowner insurance checklist

GWR Insurance Group, a Gainesville, Florida insurance agency (License L136942), wrote this checklist for Florida home buyers.

Start shopping for insurance as soon as your offer is accepted. Your lender needs a binder before closing, and Florida insurers look closely at roofs, inspections and flood zones.

Call (352) 378-3395

1. Gather the home's details

Year built, roof year and material, and the age of the electrical, plumbing and water heater. Many Florida insurers ask for a 4-point inspection on older homes.

2. Get a wind mitigation inspection

Florida law requires insurers to offer premium discounts for qualifying wind-resistant features such as roof shape, roof-to-wall connections and opening protection. A wind mitigation inspection documents them. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has consumer information on these credits.

3. Check the flood zone

Look up the address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center. Home policies exclude flood, and lenders require flood coverage in high-risk zones.

4. Choose your deductibles

Know your all-other-perils deductible and your hurricane deductible, which Florida law applies on an annual basis to hurricane losses during the calendar year.

5. Bind before closing

Send us your contract and closing date. We turn binders around fast so your lender has what it needs.

6. Review coverage after you move in

Once you're settled, review your coverage limits and deductibles before each renewal, and after any renovation, new roof or major purchase.

How it works

Send the short form or call us.
A licensed agent reviews your details and current coverage.
You get a clear quote within 24 hours and choose what fits. No pressure.

Common questions

When should I get homeowners insurance when buying? As soon as your offer is accepted. Your lender needs proof of coverage before closing.

What is a 4-point inspection? An inspection of the roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC that many Florida insurers ask for on older homes.

Sources: Florida Office of Insurance Regulation · FEMA Flood Map Service Center · Florida Statutes §627.701 (hurricane deductibles)

About GWR Insurance Group

GWR Insurance Group LLC is a Florida insurance agency (License L136942) at 2950 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608. Tyler, our owner, lives in Nocatee and serves St. Johns County personally. Call (352) 378-3395 or email tyler@gwrinsurancegroup.com. Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM ET; closed Saturday and Sunday.

Last updated: October 21, 2026