We hope this message finds you well. We wanted to bring to your attention some significant changes that Citizens Insurance in Florida has implemented starting January 1, 2024.
**New Requirements for Homes Insured by Citizens:**
If your home is insured by Citizens and has improvements to the land valued over $600,000 (the replacement cost of the home), you will now be required to carry flood insurance, even if your property is not located in a designated flood zone (Zone X). This threshold will be adjusted to $500,000 in 2025, $400,000 in 2026, and by 2027, all homes will be mandated to carry flood insurance.
**Transition for Premiums:**
If an insurance company that offers premiums no more than 20% above Citizens, you will be compelled to transition out of a Citizens policy.
**Flood Insurance for Zone X:**
For those residing in flood zone X, there’s no need to panic. Although flood insurance is now required, the costs will not be equivalent to those in zones A, AE, or VE. To provide some context, a quote for a home in Zone X was approximately $400 per year. It’s important to note that factors like elevation and local geography play a significant role in determining your specific rates. For instance, if your home is 0ft above sea level, the likelihood of flooding due to heavy rain is minimal.
**Reason Behind the Changes:**
These adjustments stem from the need for Citizens to recover from a series of claims in recent years, necessitating measures to ensure the sustainability of the insurance program.
**Have Questions? We’re Here to Help:**
If you have any questions or concerns regarding these changes or insurance in general, feel free to reach out to us anytime. Your understanding and cooperation are highly appreciated.