Jacksonville and Duval County
Jacksonville home insurance guide
Whether you own a Riverside bungalow, a Southside condo, or a rental in Arlington, this guide covers the local risks to plan for and how Orange Homeowners (HO-3), Condo (HO-6), and Dwelling Fire (DP-3) policies fit Jacksonville properties. A local independent agent can help you compare options for your home.
Know your area
Four things Jacksonville homeowners should plan for
Jacksonville covers all of Duval County, with an Atlantic coastline, miles of St. Johns River shoreline, historic neighborhoods, and a large military community. Here’s what to factor into your coverage.
Hurricanes and nor’easters
Direct hurricane landfalls have been rare in Jacksonville, but storms passing nearby, like Irma in 2017, and strong nor’easters can still bring damaging wind. Wind damage is covered under a home policy that includes wind coverage, subject to a separate hurricane deductible for hurricane losses.
Ask your agent what your hurricane deductible would be in dollars.
River and tidal flooding
Flooding here isn’t only an oceanfront risk. During Irma, the St. Johns River reached a record level in downtown Jacksonville, flooding neighborhoods miles from the beach. Homeowners, Condo, and Dwelling Fire policies typically don’t cover flood, so it takes a separate flood policy.
Homes in a FEMA high-risk flood zone (zones starting with A or V) must carry flood insurance to be insured with Orange.
Historic and older homes
Riverside, Avondale, San Marco, and Springfield are known for older homes. Orange needs to approve homes on a historic registry or in a historic neighborhood before coverage is bound, and Homeowners requires a favorable 4-point inspection, or a completed self-inspection, for homes 30 years or older.
Updated roofs and systems can help an older home qualify.
Moving and renting out your home
Jacksonville is home to Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport, and many military families keep their homes as rentals when they relocate. A Homeowners (HO-3) policy is for homes you live in. If you rent out your home, it needs a Dwelling Fire (DP-3) policy instead.
Talk with your agent before your tenants move in.
Your home, your situation
Which Orange policy fits your Jacksonville property
The right policy depends on the kind of property you own and how you use it. Your agent will confirm what your home qualifies for.
| PolicyBest fit | Jacksonville tipWhat to ask | |
|---|---|---|
| Homeowners (HO-3) | A single-family home or townhouse you live in, from Mandarin to Arlington. Also a seasonal or second home you don’t rent out. | If your home is in a historic district, your agent will need underwriting approval before binding. Have roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC update dates handy. |
| Condo (HO-6) | A condo unit on the Southbank, in San Marco, or anywhere in Jacksonville, whether you live there, use it seasonally, or rent it out. | Your association’s master policy covers the building. Condo coverage helps protect your unit’s interior, your belongings, and your liability. It includes $2,000 of loss assessment coverage, which you can increase to $5,000. |
| Dwelling Fire (DP-3) | A home or building of up to four units that you rent to others, on a long-term lease or as a short-term rental, including a home you keep after a military move. | If you live more than 100 miles away, you’ll need a local management company or relative to look after the property. Homes rented for parties or events, and student housing, don’t qualify. |
Coverage, limits, and deductibles are subject to eligibility, underwriting guidelines, and policy terms.
Before storm season
A Jacksonville homeowner’s coverage checklist
Review these with your agent when you buy and again before each storm season. Changes are much easier to make on a calm day than when a storm is on the way.
- Know your hurricane deductible in dollars, not just as a percentage
- Look up your FEMA flood zone, even if you live near the river instead of the ocean
- Make sure your home is insured for what it would cost to rebuild
- Know your Duval County evacuation zone
- If you’re relocating and renting out your home, switch to a Dwelling Fire policy
- Ask whether your roof or opening protection may qualify for mitigation discounts
- Make changes before a storm threatens: new policies and coverage increases can’t be bound once a hurricane or tropical storm warning is in effect for your area
If your policy includes wind coverage, the hurricane deductible may be a flat amount or a percentage of your home’s insured value. For example, a 2% hurricane deductible on a home insured for $400,000 is $8,000. This example is for illustration only.
Common questions
Jacksonville home insurance FAQs
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding from the St. Johns River?
No. River and storm-surge flooding are considered flood damage, and Homeowners, Condo, and Dwelling Fire policies typically don’t cover flood damage. Flood coverage requires a separate policy. Orange offers flood insurance through Wright Flood, under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Do I need flood insurance in Jacksonville?
If your home is in a FEMA high-risk flood zone (a zone starting with A or V), Orange requires it to carry flood insurance. Outside those zones, your lender may not require it, but flooding can still happen, especially during heavy rain and tropical storms. Flood policies usually don’t take effect right away, so it’s best to decide before a storm is on the way.
Look up the FEMA flood zone for your address with What’s My Risk?
Can I insure a home in a historic neighborhood like Riverside or Avondale?
Often, yes. Orange needs to review homes on a historic registry or in a historic neighborhood before coverage is bound, so your agent will submit the home for underwriting approval. For homes 30 years or older, Orange Homeowners also requires a favorable 4-point inspection of the roof, electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling systems, or a completed self-inspection.
I’m relocating. What happens to my homeowners policy if I rent out my house?
Orange Homeowners (HO-3) is for homes you live in, and homes that are rented aren’t eligible. If you rent out your Jacksonville home, Orange Dwelling Fire (DP-3) covers long-term and short-term rentals. If you’ll live more than 100 miles away, you’ll need a local management company or relative to look after the property. Talk with your agent before your tenants move in.
Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage in Jacksonville?
It can, if your policy includes wind coverage. Covered hurricane damage is then subject to a separate hurricane deductible. Other covered losses, like fire or theft, use your all other perils deductible. Check your declarations page or ask your agent.
Does condo insurance cover special assessments?
Orange Condo (HO-6) includes $2,000 of loss assessment coverage, with a $250 deductible, for your share of an association assessment after a covered loss. You can increase it to $5,000. Loss assessment coverage applies to assessments from covered losses, not to every assessment your association may charge, such as for routine repairs, inspections, or reserves.
Can I buy home insurance in Jacksonville when a hurricane is coming?
Usually not. Once a hurricane or tropical storm warning is in effect for your area, Orange can’t bind new policies or coverage increases, such as higher limits or lower deductibles, until the restriction is lifted. The best time to buy or change coverage is well before storm season.
How do I find an Orange agent in Jacksonville?
Orange policies are sold through local independent agents. Find an agent near you by ZIP Code or your current location. Your agent can compare coverage options for your home and help you choose.
Compare your options with a Jacksonville agent
An independent Orange agent can walk you through wind, flood, and replacement cost for your Jacksonville home, condo, or rental, and help you choose the coverage that fits.
Important coverage information: This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not change or replace the terms of any policy. Coverage, limits, deductibles, discounts, and wind coverage availability are subject to eligibility, underwriting guidelines, and the terms, conditions, and exclusions of your policy. Sinkhole loss coverage is optional, is available for an additional premium, and is subject to eligibility and a separate deductible. Flood insurance is a separate policy offered through Wright Flood and is subject to National Flood Insurance Program rules, waiting periods, and eligibility requirements. Please consult your independent agent about the options available for your property.
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