Do I have to accept a Citizens takeout offer?

Only if a private offer for comparable coverage is within 20% of your Citizens renewal premium. In that case you are no longer eligible for Citizens and must choose a private insurer. If all offers are more than 20% higher, you can generally stay with Citizens.

What happens if I ignore the takeout letter?

Citizens' own guidance says policyholders who do not respond by the deadline are placed with the private insurer that made the least expensive offer.

Can I pick an insurer that isn't in my letter?

Yes. The letter lists companies that made takeout offers, but you can buy a policy from any insurer willing to cover your home. A licensed agent can shop other companies for you.

Got a Citizens non-renewal or takeout letter? Here's what to do next

By the Florida Coverage Compare editorial team · Last updated October 31, 2026

The short answer

If Citizens Property Insurance sends you a takeout offer or a non-renewal, you have a deadline to choose coverage. Florida law says that if a private insurer offers you comparable coverage for a premium within 20% of your Citizens renewal premium, you are no longer eligible to stay with Citizens. If you do nothing, Citizens can place you with the lowest-priced private offer.

What a takeout offer is

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is Florida's state-created insurer of last resort. To shrink its size, Citizens lets approved private insurers make offers to take over its policies. This is called depopulation, and the letter you receive is often called a takeout offer.

The letter lists the private insurers that want your policy, what they would charge, and the date by which you must make a choice.

How the 20% rule works

Under Florida Statute 627.351(6), if a private insurer's offer for comparable coverage on your primary home is within 20% of your Citizens renewal premium, you are not eligible to renew with Citizens. If every private offer is more than 20% higher than Citizens, you can generally keep your Citizens policy.

What to do before your deadline

Read the letter for your response deadline and the companies listed.
Compare each offer's coverage, not just the price: dwelling limit, hurricane deductible, roof coverage and exclusions.
Pull your wind mitigation report. A current inspection can lower the wind portion of a private quote.
Ask a licensed Florida agent to shop companies that are not in your letter. Your choices are not limited to the insurers that made a takeout offer.
Choose before the deadline. If you do not respond, Citizens places you with the private insurer that made the least expensive offer.

Citizens coverage limits and the flood requirement

Citizens can only insure homes below a set dwelling value: under $700,000 in most of Florida, and under $1 million in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Lawmakers have debated raising these caps, so confirm the current limit before relying on it.

Citizens is also phasing in a flood insurance requirement. By January 1, 2027, most Citizens personal residential policies that include wind coverage must also carry flood coverage, from either the National Flood Insurance Program or a qualifying private flood policy.

Non-renewal is different

A non-renewal means your current insurer, private or Citizens, will not renew your policy at the end of its term. The notice gives you a set amount of time to find new coverage. Start shopping as soon as it arrives: Florida homes with older roofs or past claims can take longer to place.

Common questions

Do I have to accept a Citizens takeout offer?: Only if a private offer for comparable coverage is within 20% of your Citizens renewal premium. In that case you are no longer eligible for Citizens and must choose a private insurer. If all offers are more than 20% higher, you can generally stay with Citizens.
What happens if I ignore the takeout letter?: Citizens' own guidance says policyholders who do not respond by the deadline are placed with the private insurer that made the least expensive offer.
Can I pick an insurer that isn't in my letter?: Yes. The letter lists companies that made takeout offers, but you can buy a policy from any insurer willing to cover your home. A licensed agent can shop other companies for you.

Sources

This guide is general information, not insurance advice. Florida Coverage Compare is not an insurance company or agent. Rules change; confirm details with a licensed agent or the official source. See our editorial standards.