Monroe County
Home and auto insurance in the Florida Keys (Monroe County)
By the Florida Coverage Compare editorial team · Last updated
The short answer
Monroe County is one of two Florida counties, with Miami-Dade, where Citizens Property Insurance can cover homes with dwelling values up to just under $1 million, versus under $700,000 elsewhere. The Keys took a direct hit from Hurricane Irma, which made landfall at Cudjoe Key on September 10, 2017, as a Category 4. Low-lying island homes need flood coverage as much as wind coverage.
Irma at Cudjoe Key
According to the National Hurricane Center, Irma made its first Florida landfall at Cudjoe Key in the Lower Keys on the morning of September 10, 2017, as a Category 4 hurricane, before moving on to Marco Island.
Citizens in the Keys
Florida law lets Citizens insure homes valued under $1 million in Monroe and Miami-Dade counties, compared with under $700,000 in most of the state. Lawmakers have debated raising these caps, so confirm the current limit. Most Citizens policies with wind coverage must also carry flood coverage by January 1, 2027.
Flood coverage on the islands
Storm surge is flood damage, excluded from homeowners policies. In the Keys, where homes sit close to sea level, a flood policy is essential. NFIP policies usually take 30 days to start, so arrange it well before hurricane season.
Auto insurance in Florida Keys and Monroe
Keys drivers carry Florida's minimums: $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage liability. Comprehensive coverage pays for surge or flood damage to your car, a real risk on the islands.
Common questions in Florida Keys and Monroe
- What is the Citizens coverage limit in the Florida Keys?
- Citizens can insure homes with dwelling values under $1 million in Monroe and Miami-Dade counties, versus under $700,000 in most of Florida. Confirm the current limit.
- Where did Hurricane Irma make landfall in the Keys?
- At Cudjoe Key on September 10, 2017, as a Category 4 hurricane.
- Do I need flood insurance in the Keys?
- Homeowners policies don't cover storm surge or flooding, and most Citizens policies must carry flood coverage by January 1, 2027. For low-lying island homes, a flood policy is essential.
Local resources
Related Florida guides
Sources
- National Hurricane Center: Tropical cyclone report, Hurricane Irma
- Florida Statutes, section 627.351 (Citizens Property Insurance Corporation)
- Citizens Property Insurance: Flood insurance requirement
General information, not insurance advice. Florida Coverage Compare is not an insurance company or agent. Confirm details with a licensed agent or the official source.
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