Florida Condo Insurance (HO-6): Coverage and Cost Guide 2026

Florida condo insurance — specifically the HO-6 policy — is one of the most misunderstood insurance products in the state. Condo owners assume their HOA’s master policy covers everything. It doesn’t. Understanding exactly where the HOA’s coverage ends and your personal HO-6 policy begins could save you from a six-figure out-of-pocket loss.

In Florida’s post-Ian insurance market, HO-6 rates have risen 30-50% since 2021. Average premiums now run $900 to $2,500 per year depending on location, unit value and the type of HOA master policy your building carries.

What Does the HOA Master Policy Actually Cover?

Florida HOA master policies come in three types, and your obligations vary significantly based on which type your building carries. The “all-in” or “all-inclusive” master policy covers original fixtures, installed appliances and even improvements — giving HO-6 owners the least exposure. The “bare walls-in” policy covers only the bare structure, leaving every fixture, cabinet, countertop and appliance as your responsibility.

The most common type in Florida — “single entity” or “walls-in” — covers original building specs but not owner improvements. Always request a copy of your HOA’s master policy declarations page before buying a condo. It determines how much coverage you actually need in your HO-6.

What Does Your HO-6 Condo Policy Cover?

A standard Florida HO-6 policy covers: (1) dwelling coverage for your unit’s interior walls, flooring, fixtures and improvements; (2) personal property — furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances; (3) personal liability if someone is injured in your unit; (4) loss of use if your unit becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss; and (5) loss assessment coverage — a critical Florida-specific feature.

Loss assessment coverage is especially valuable in Florida. When the HOA’s master policy deductible is triggered (often $100,000 or more for named storms), the association can assess each unit owner for their share. Loss assessment coverage in your HO-6 pays your portion, up to your policy limit.

How Much HO-6 Coverage Do You Need in Florida?

Work backward from three numbers: (1) the replacement cost of your unit’s interior — get a contractor estimate for drywall, flooring, cabinets, fixtures; (2) the replacement value of your personal belongings — inventory everything; (3) your HOA master policy’s named storm deductible divided by number of units — that’s your maximum loss assessment exposure.

HO-6 Rates in Florida by County and Building Type

Location remains the dominant pricing factor in Florida condo insurance. Waterfront high-rises in Miami-Dade and Broward command the highest premiums — $2,000 to $4,000+ annually — due to hurricane exposure and post-Surfside legislation requiring building inspections and reserve funding. Inland condos in Orlando, Tampa suburbs and Central Florida generally run $800 to $1,500.

Building construction year matters significantly. Pre-2001 buildings built before Florida’s current building code carry higher rates. Buildings with recent roof replacements, impact-resistant windows and documented structural inspections receive discounts of 10-25%.

What Isn’t Covered by HO-6 in Florida?

Three standard exclusions catch Florida condo owners off guard: (1) flood — requires a separate NFIP or private flood policy, especially critical given that many condos sit in flood zones; (2) sinkhole and earth movement — requires additional endorsements; (3) mold damage beyond the initial covered event. Post-Ian claims have shown that water intrusion from wind-driven rain often triggers mold disputes between insurers and policyholders.

Also excluded: damage caused by gradual deterioration, pest infestation, and losses below the deductible. A $5,000 wind deductible — common in coastal Florida — means many smaller claims are entirely out-of-pocket. See also our guide to Florida flood insurance and common Florida insurance myths.

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