Florida’s Homewise, First Home Insurance Companies to Merge

Two of Florida’s domestic insurance companies have announced that they plan to merge.

Homewise Insurance Co. and First Home Insurance Co. are planning to merge sometime in the second quarter pending regulatory approval. The combined companies will retain the Homewise name.

Established in 2005, the Tampa, Florida-based HomeWise offers homeowners insurance, dwelling fire, flood, small commercial property and tenant and condominium coverage. In 2008, the company assumed nearly 17,000 policies from Citizens Property Insurance Company. In June 2008, the company announced it was expanding to include homeowner coverage in Louisiana.

The Maitland, Florida-based First Home was created and assumed 24,880 Citizens’ policies. The company started writing new business in October 2007.

Latest Comments

• March 31, 2011 at 11:51 am

  Bob says:

  First home has the backing of Sebals Bruce in S. Carolina. They own a chunk of the business. First Home also writes business in other states as well. Interesting
• March 25, 2011 at 10:38 am

  Mr. Solvent says:

  Nice call. HomeWise was clearly on the brink when they had to bring the two carriers together in-house. The weak position was further reinforced by OIR requiring them to tak... read more
• March 24, 2011 at 3:01 pm

  Jeff Atthewater says:

  Also, many of the property insurance companies providing homeowner insurance in Florida are suffering or taking on water. Until they allow some rate relief and until they cur... read more