Orlando and Orange County
Orlando home insurance guide
Whether you own a College Park bungalow, a home in Lake Nona, or a rental near downtown, 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 Orlando properties. A local independent agent can help you compare options for your home.
Know your area
Four things Orlando homeowners should plan for
Orlando is about an hour from the Atlantic coast, but inland doesn’t mean low risk. Here’s what to factor into your coverage.
Hurricanes inland
Hurricanes can keep much of their strength as they cross the state. Ian in 2022 and Milton in 2024 both brought damaging wind to Central Florida. Wind damage is covered under a home policy that includes wind coverage, subject to a separate hurricane deductible.
Ask your agent what your hurricane deductible would be in dollars.
Heavy rain and flooding
During Ian, rain totals topped a foot across Orange County, and Lake Eola overflowed in downtown Orlando. 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.
Sinkholes
Central Florida sits on limestone, and sinkholes happen here, as nearby Winter Park’s famous 1981 sinkhole showed. Orange policies include coverage for catastrophic ground cover collapse, as defined by Florida law. Broader sinkhole loss coverage is available for an added premium.
Homes with past sinkhole activity may not qualify for new coverage.
Inspections and plumbing
In Orange County, new Orange Homeowners policies require an inspection that includes the inside of the home. Plumbing matters, too: homes over 40 years old, or with polybutylene plumbing or PEX installed before 2001, have water damage coverage limited to $10,000 unless they have an automatic leak detection and shutoff system.
Your home, your situation
Which Orange policy fits your Orlando 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 | Orlando tipWhat to ask | |
|---|---|---|
| Homeowners (HO-3) | A single-family home or townhouse you live in, from College Park to Lake Nona. Also a seasonal or second home you don’t rent out. | Ask how your plumbing affects water coverage, and whether an automatic leak detection and shutoff system could restore full water coverage. |
| Condo (HO-6) | A condo unit Downtown, in Baldwin Park, in MetroWest, or anywhere in Orlando, 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. Units you rent out need to be in a limited-access building or complex. |
| 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, or a home you own but don’t live in full time. | If you live out of state or 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 don’t qualify. |
Coverage, limits, and deductibles are subject to eligibility, underwriting guidelines, and policy terms.
Before storm season
An Orlando 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’re far from the coast
- Ask whether sinkhole coverage makes sense for your home
- Know what kind of plumbing your home has and how it affects water coverage
- Make sure your home is insured for what it would cost to rebuild
- 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
Orlando home insurance FAQs
Do I need hurricane coverage in Orlando if I live inland?
Hurricanes can bring damaging wind well inland, as Ian and Milton showed in Central Florida. If your policy includes wind coverage, covered hurricane damage is subject to a separate hurricane deductible. Your agent can confirm what’s available for your home.
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding from heavy rain?
No. Rising water from heavy rain is considered flooding, 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 Orlando?
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 short-term or vacation rental in Orlando?
Yes, if it qualifies. Orange Dwelling Fire (DP-3) covers homes of up to four units rented on a long-term lease or as a short-term rental. A condo unit can be covered by Orange Condo (HO-6) with a rental endorsement if it’s in a limited-access building or complex. Homes rented for parties or events don’t qualify, and owners who live more than 100 miles away need a local management company or relative to look after the property.
Does homeowners insurance in Orlando cover sinkholes?
Every Orange policy includes coverage for catastrophic ground cover collapse, as defined by Florida law. That generally means a sudden collapse that leaves an obvious depression and makes the home unsafe to live in. Broader sinkhole loss coverage is available on Orange Homeowners, Condo, and Dwelling Fire policies for an added premium. On Homeowners policies, a 10% sinkhole deductible applies. Ask your agent whether it makes sense for your home.
Why does Orange need to inspect my Orlando home?
In Orange County, new Orange Homeowners policies require an inspection that includes the inside of the home, with a re-inspection every three years. The inspection confirms the condition of the roof, plumbing, electrical, and other systems. Your agent will help you schedule it.
Why is water damage coverage limited on some older homes?
Orange Homeowners limits water damage coverage to $10,000 for homes over 40 years old and homes with polybutylene plumbing or PEX plumbing installed before 2001. These homes may qualify for full water coverage with an automatic leak detection system that shuts off the water supply when it detects a leak. Your agent can tell you what documentation is needed.
How do I find an Orange agent in Orlando?
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 an Orlando agent
An independent Orange agent can walk you through wind, flood, sinkhole, and water coverage for your Orlando 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. Orange Insurance Exchange and Orange Insurance Managers are not affiliated with Orange County government. Please consult your independent agent about the options available for your property.
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