Vacant Home Insurance in Florida: What You Need to Know

Vacant Home Insurance in Florida: What You Need to Know

If you own a home in Florida that's sitting empty—whether you're selling it, inherited it, or it's between tenants—there's something you shouldn't overlook: vacant home insurance.

Most people don’t realize that a standard homeowners policy may not cover damage to a vacant home. And when you live in a hurricane-prone state like Florida, that’s a risk you can’t afford to take.

As an independent insurance agency based in Florida, we're here to help you understand your options and protect your investment with the right coverage, without the jargon or sales pressure.

In the video below, I walk through real-world examples of when vacant home insurance is required in Florida—especially if you're selling, renovating, or in between tenants.

What Is Vacant Home Insurance?

Vacant home insurance is a special type of property insurance that protects homes left empty for an extended time—typically longer than 30 or 60 days, depending on your insurance company.

If you’re moving, renovating, selling, or between tenants, your regular home insurance policy (like an HO-3 or HO-5) may no longer offer the protection you think it does. Most standard policies include limits or exclusions once the home is considered vacant, meaning your coverage could be denied when you need it most.

Why Standard Homeowners Insurance May Not Be Enough

Nearly all standard homeowners' policies include a vacancy clause—a section that limits or voids coverage when a home is left empty for too long. In Florida, where storms, water damage, and theft are real risks, that clause can leave you exposed.

Vacant homes are more vulnerable to loss simply because no one is around to catch a problem early. A small leak can turn into a big flood, or vandalism can go unnoticed for weeks. Even if you’re checking on the property occasionally, it may still be considered vacant in the eyes of your insurance company.

That’s why it’s so important to update your policy based on how the property is being used—and how long it’s been unoccupied.

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Vacant vs. Unoccupied: Why the Difference Matters

You might think “vacant” and “unoccupied” mean the same thing—but for insurance purposes, they’re very different.

Insurance companies define occupancy to better assess your home's risk. Here’s how the terms are typically used:

• Vacant: A home with no people and no or very limited personal property or furnishings. It’s not set up for living.

• Unoccupied: A home that’s temporarily not in use but still contains furniture and belongings, making it move-in ready.

Here’s an example: A snowbird who leaves their Florida home for the summer—but keeps the furniture and dishes inside—likely has an unoccupied home. On the other hand, if the home is completely empty after a move and is waiting for a buyer, that’s considered vacant.

Some insurance companies define vacancy based strictly on time—30 days is a common threshold. Others focus more on how livable the home is. Either way, your claim could be denied if the insurer determines the home was vacant and you didn’t notify them.

💡 Bottom line: Always talk to your insurance agent if your home’s occupancy changes. It could mean the difference between a covered claim and an expensive denial.