Serving Orlando, Altamonte Springs & Longwood
Evolve Insurance Group is headquartered in the heart of Maitland, and we help homeowners throughout Orlando, Altamonte Springs, and Longwood find the right coverage at the right price. As an independent agency, we shop your policy across multiple carriers instead of locking you into one — so you’re not stuck with whatever a single company decides to charge you this year.
Florida’s homeowners insurance market has changed a lot over the past few years. Roof age rules are stricter, Citizens Property Insurance is shrinking its policy count, and rates have been anything but predictable. Below, we answer the questions Central Florida homeowners ask us most.
Frequently Asked Questions: Homeowners Insurance in Central Florida
Why is homeowners insurance so expensive in Florida?
Florida carries more hurricane, wind, and litigation risk than almost any other state, which drives premiums well above the national average. The good news for 2026: rate increases are flattening, and several new carriers have re-entered the Florida market, creating more competition and better options than homeowners had a few years ago.
Why did my homeowners insurance go up this year?
Rate increases usually come down to a mix of factors: your roof’s age and material, your home’s claims history, your dwelling coverage limits, changes your carrier made statewide, and whether you still qualify for wind mitigation discounts. If your premium jumped and you haven’t shopped your policy recently, it’s worth getting a second quote — we compare multiple carriers to see if you can do better.
What is Citizens Property Insurance, and can I leave it?
Citizens is Florida’s state-backed insurer of last resort. In recent years, Citizens has been actively moving policies to private-market carriers through a process called depopulation — meaning many homeowners who were once “stuck” with Citizens now qualify for competitive private policies. If you’re currently insured through Citizens, we can check whether a private carrier could offer you comparable or better coverage.
Do I need a new roof to get homeowners insurance in Florida?
Not necessarily, but roof age has become one of the biggest factors in whether a carrier will insure your home at all. Many Florida insurers now enforce maximum roof-age limits — commonly around 15 years for asphalt shingle roofs and 20 years for tile — and homes with older roofs in wind-prone areas can face non-renewal. If your roof is approaching these thresholds, it’s worth reviewing your options before renewal time, not after you get a non-renewal notice.
What is a wind mitigation inspection, and do I need one?
A wind mitigation inspection documents your home’s hurricane-resistant features — things like roof shape, roof-to-wall connections, shutters, and secondary water resistance. The inspection typically costs well under $200, and homes that score well can see meaningful discounts on their premium. If you haven’t had one done recently, it’s one of the easiest ways to lower your homeowners insurance cost.
Does my homeowners policy cover flood damage?
No. Standard Florida homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, regardless of where you live in the state. Flood insurance is a separate policy. While flood risk is generally lower in inland areas like Maitland and Orlando compared to the coast, low-lying properties and areas near lakes or retention ponds can still carry meaningful flood risk — it’s worth having that conversation as part of your coverage review.
What’s the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value?
Replacement cost coverage pays to replace a damaged item or structure with a new equivalent. Actual cash value coverage factors in depreciation, meaning older items are worth less at claim time. This distinction matters most for your roof and personal property — a cheaper policy today can mean a much smaller payout after a claim.
How much does homeowners insurance cost in the Orlando area?
Orlando-area premiums tend to run below Florida’s coastal counties because of the region’s inland location, but they still vary significantly based on home value, roof age, and proximity to flood-prone areas. The best way to know your actual cost is a personalized quote — statewide averages don’t tell you much about your specific home.
Why Work With a Local Independent Agent in Maitland?
Insurance comparison sites give you a generic quote. A local agent gives you a policy that actually fits your home, your roof, and your risk — and someone to call when you have a claim, not a call center. Evolve Insurance Group is based right here in Maitland, serving homeowners across Orlando, Altamonte Springs, and Longwood every day.
Evolve Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency serving Maitland, Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Longwood, and all of Central Florida.
