Your insurer will not renew. Here is how much time the law gives you.
A nonrenewal letter reads like an emergency. For a Florida home policy the law sets a long notice period, and the letter has to say why. Knowing which rule applies to you is the difference between shopping calmly and shopping in a panic.
The rule, from F.S. 627.4133(2)
For a homeowners, condo unit owner, mobile home or other residential policy, the insurer must give the first named insured written notice at least 120 days before a nonrenewal, cancellation or termination takes effect, and the notice must include the reason. If the insurer fails to give that notice, your coverage stays in force, at the same premium, until replacement coverage starts or until the full notice period has run from the day notice is finally given, whichever comes first.
The exceptions that shorten the clock
Unpaid premium: 10 days
A cancellation for nonpayment needs only 10 days of written notice, with the reason.
A new policy in its first 60 days: 20 days
A policy cancelled in its first 60 days for a reason other than nonpayment needs 20 days of notice. After 60 days the insurer may cancel only for a material misstatement, nonpayment, a failure to meet its underwriting requirements within 60 days of the start date, a substantial change in the risk, or a cancellation of a whole class of policies. This is the rule behind a cancellation that follows the first inspection.
A Citizens takeout: 45 days
When a private insurer has assumed your Citizens policy and Citizens nonrenews it, Citizens must give 45 days of notice instead of 120.
Home and car on one policy: 90 days
A single policy covering both a home and a vehicle may be nonrenewed after 90 days of notice.
An early cancellation the state approved: 45 days
If the Office of Insurance Regulation finds that an insurer's early cancellations are needed to protect policyholders and approves its plan, 45 days of notice is enough.
What to do with the time
The notice period is the time to compare carriers rather than argue. Start with the reason in the letter: a roof, an inspection item or an unpaid balance can sometimes be fixed. If it cannot, Citizens Property Insurance exists for homes without a reasonable private offer. The renewal premium notice is a separate letter: it must arrive at least 45 days before renewal and must show how much of any increase comes from an approved rate increase and how much from coverage changes.
After a storm there is an extra shield
Under F.S. 627.4133(2)(e), an authorized insurer may not cancel or nonrenew a home damaged by a covered peril until it is repaired or 1 year has passed since the final claim payment, whichever is earlier. For hurricane damage under a declared emergency, the protection lasts until 90 days after the repairs. Exceptions include nonpayment, fraud, an unreasonable delay in repairs and a claim paid to the policy limits.
A hurricane cannot cut you off mid-storm
If a cancellation or nonrenewal would take effect while a hurricane is under way, the effective date moves to the end of the hurricane, under F.S. 627.4133(2)(f).
Storm claims alone are not a reason
Claims caused by an act of God cannot be used as a reason to cancel or nonrenew unless the insurer shows you failed to take reasonable steps it asked for to prevent the damage happening again. A single water damage claim cannot be the only reason either, on the same condition.
Questions people actually ask
How much notice must a Florida homeowners insurer give before nonrenewal?
At least 120 days, in writing, with the reason, under F.S. 627.4133(2)(b). Shorter periods apply only to the exceptions listed on this page.
The letter came late. Am I still covered?
Yes, for a while. Coverage continues at the same premium until replacement coverage begins or until the required notice period has passed from the day the notice was given, whichever comes first.
Is a nonrenewal the same as a cancellation?
No. A nonrenewal ends the policy at its expiry date; a cancellation ends it before then. For residential property, Florida sets the same 120 day notice for both, with the exceptions above.
My insurer moved me to a sister company. Is that a nonrenewal?
Not if it follows F.S. 627.4133(8). A transfer at the end of the term to another insurer in the same group counts as a renewal. For most residential policies it needs notice at least 60 days ahead, with the new insurer's financial rating, and the state must approve it.
Other situations
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