Condo Insurance vs. Homeowners Insurance in Florida: What’s the Difference?
And Why It Matters More Than Ever in the Sunshine State
If you’re a Florida resident, especially along the Treasure Coast, you know how important it is to have the right insurance for your home. But when it comes to condo insurance vs. homeowners insurance, the lines can get blurry—especially when you’re navigating HOAs, flood zones, and hurricane risk.
At Jupiter-Tequesta Insurance, we help clients across Florida—whether you live in a high-rise in Palm Beach, a gated community in Jupiter, or a waterfront condo in Tequesta—find the right coverage for their unique situation.
Let’s break down the key differences between these two types of insurance and what you need to know as a Florida property owner.
🏠 What Is Homeowners Insurance (HO3)?
Homeowners insurance is designed for people who own and live in standalone, single-family homes. This type of policy typically includes:
- Dwelling coverage: Protection for the physical structure of your home (roof, walls, etc.)
- Other structures: Coverage for things like sheds, fences, and garages
- Personal property: Coverage for belongings inside the home
- Liability: If someone gets injured on your property
- Loss of use: Covers temporary living expenses if your home is uninhabitable after a covered loss
This policy is all-inclusive—it covers both the structure and the contents, because the homeowner is responsible for everything on the property.
🏢 What Is Condo Insurance (HO6)?
Condo insurance, or an HO6 policy, is designed for people who own a unit within a condominium or townhome complex. Your HOA (homeowners association) typically carries a master policy that insures the building’s exterior and shared areas like hallways, elevators, roofs, and pools.
Your personal condo insurance policy typically includes:
- Interior coverage: Protects what’s inside your walls—like flooring, cabinetry, and sometimes plumbing/electrical
- Personal property: Covers your belongings (furniture, electronics, clothing)
- Liability: Protects you if someone is injured inside your unit
- Loss assessment: Helps cover your share if the HOA charges unit owners for damage to common areas
- Loss of use: If your unit becomes unlivable due to a covered loss
In short, you’re responsible for what’s inside—the drywall in, essentially—while the HOA insures the structure and common areas.
🔍 Key Differences at a Glance
|
Coverage Area |
Homeowners (HO3) |
Condo (HO6) |
|
Building Structure |
Full responsibility |
Interior only (drywall in) |
|
Exterior Damage |
Fully covered by you |
Covered by HOA’s master policy |
|
Shared Spaces |
N/A |
Covered by HOA |
|
Personal Property |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Liability |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Flood Insurance |
Usually separate |
Often required separately |
🌴 Why It Matters in Florida
Florida’s climate and insurance landscape present unique challenges. Between hurricanes, flooding, rising premiums, and complex HOA rules, having the wrong type of policy—or gaps in your coverage—can cost you big.
Some key Florida-specific tips:
- Check your HOA’s master policy: It varies! Some cover just the exterior shell, while others include some interior fixtures.
- Flood insurance is separate: Whether you own a house or a condo, standard policies don’t cover flood damage—you may need additional flood coverage.
- Hurricane deductibles apply: Both HO3 and HO6 policies often carry a separate (higher) deductible for named storms.
✅ Get Expert Help Choosing the Right Coverage
Whether you’re buying your first condo or upgrading your family home, we’re here to help. At Jupiter-Tequesta Insurance, we take the time to understand your situation, explain your options in plain English, and find policies that protect what matters—without overpaying.
📞 Call us today at (561) 951-7441
📧 Or email tripp@jupteqins.com
Let’s make sure you’re covered—inside and out.