Florida’s Citizens Cuts Back Coverage

Florida homeowners who insure their homes through the state-run property insurer, Citizens, will have less coverage available next year.

Citizens Property Insurance Corp., in a message to agents, said it will no longer provide coverage for most structures beyond the main residence. Excluded from the coverage will be screen porches, carports, pool enclosures, and patios that are not built out of the same material as the main residence.

Also on the list are tiki huts, gazebos or other similar buildings that are designed to be open to the weather. Any structures that have a roof or wall made of thatch, lattice or similar materials are likewise excluded.

The insurer is also placing a $10,000 cap on any cosmetic damage to floors that cover less than five percent of a home’s total square footage.

Citizens spokesperson Christine Ashburn said the changes will go into effect on all new and renewal policies as of Jan. 1.

The changes came as the Citizens board of governors prepared for a meeting on Nov. 14 to consider other policy changes. On the potential chopping block is builders’ risk coverage, which covers any damage to a home under construction.

The insurer is also considering dropping some liability coverages.