What insurance risks do Miami homeowners face?
Hurricanes. Miami-Dade sits at the southern tip of the Florida peninsula, exposed to storms from both the Atlantic and the Gulf. That’s why it has some of the strictest building rules in the country.
The High Velocity Hurricane Zone. The Florida Building Code has a special section, the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), that applies only to Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Building products used there, like roofing, windows and doors, need approval for the HVHZ. Homes built or updated to these standards can qualify for meaningful wind discounts, which a wind mitigation inspection documents for your insurer.
Flooding. Low elevation, storm surge and heavy rain all bring flood risk to Miami. Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood, so many Miami homeowners carry a separate flood insurance policy. Most new flood policies take 30 days to start.
Finding coverage in Miami-Dade
Home insurance in South Florida can be expensive and harder to find, and many homeowners have ended up with Citizens. As an independent agency, we compare multiple carriers at once to find the ones writing in your neighborhood. Our guide to alternatives to Citizens explains how to move to a private carrier, and our guide on what to do when your insurer drops you covers your options after a nonrenewal.
Coverage we offer in Miami
- Homeowners insurance, including condos and rentals
- Flood insurance
- Auto insurance
- Umbrella insurance
- Renters insurance
- Business insurance
Areas we serve in Miami-Dade
We work with clients across Miami-Dade County, including Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Hialeah, Doral, Kendall and Homestead.
Common questions
What is the High Velocity Hurricane Zone?
The High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) is a section of the Florida Building Code that applies only to Miami-Dade and Broward counties. It sets stricter wind standards, and roofing, windows and doors used there need HVHZ product approval. Homes built or updated to these standards can earn wind discounts once a wind mitigation inspection documents the features for your insurer.
Do I need flood insurance in Miami?
If your home is in a high risk flood zone and has a federally backed mortgage, your lender will require it. Even outside those zones, Miami's low elevation, storm surge and heavy rain make flooding a real risk, and homeowners policies don't cover flood. Citizens policyholders with wind coverage also need flood insurance by January 1, 2027, whatever their flood zone.
How can I lower my home insurance in Miami?
Start with a wind mitigation inspection. Florida law requires insurers to offer discounts for features like impact windows, shutters, roof to wall straps and a stronger roof, and many homes have qualifying features that were never documented. Then compare carriers, since each insurer prices the same home differently. As an independent agency, Marshall Insurance Group quotes several at once.
Do you insure condos in Miami?
Yes. Marshall Insurance Group insures Miami condo owners and renters as well as single family homes, and we can add flood coverage too. Because each carrier has its own rules for condos and older buildings, comparing several through an independent agency gives you more options and a better chance at a competitive price.