Tampa and Hillsborough County
Tampa home insurance guide
Whether you own a South Tampa bungalow, a downtown condo, or a rental near USF, 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 Tampa properties. A local independent agent can help you compare options for your home.
Know your area
Four risks Tampa homeowners should plan for
Tampa sits at the head of a shallow bay, with low-lying neighborhoods along the water and a region known for sinkhole activity. Here’s what to factor into your coverage.
Hurricanes and wind
In 2024, Hurricane Helene brought record storm surge to Tampa Bay, and Hurricane Milton made landfall south of the bay two weeks later. Wind damage from storms like these 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.
Storm surge and flooding
Neighborhoods near the bay and the Hillsborough River can flood from surge and heavy rain. 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
Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties are often called “Sinkhole Alley.” Orange policies include coverage for catastrophic ground cover collapse, as defined by Florida law. Broader sinkhole loss coverage is available for an added premium. On Homeowners policies, a 10% sinkhole deductible applies.
Homes with past sinkhole activity may not qualify for new coverage.
Older homes
Many of Tampa’s established neighborhoods have homes built decades ago. For homes 30 years or older, Orange Homeowners requires a favorable 4-point inspection of the roof, electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling systems, or a completed self-inspection.
Updated roofs and systems can help an older home qualify.
Your home, your situation
Which Orange policy fits your Tampa 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 | Tampa tipWhat to ask | |
|---|---|---|
| Homeowners (HO-3) | A single-family home or townhouse you live in, from Seminole Heights to New Tampa. Also a seasonal or second home you don’t rent out. | If your community has a homeowners association, ask about loss assessment coverage. The policy includes $1,000, and you can increase it to $5,000 or $10,000 for HOA assessments after a covered loss. |
| Condo (HO-6) | A condo unit in Downtown, the Channel District, Westshore, or anywhere in Tampa, 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, or a home you own but don’t live in full time. | 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 Tampa 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 and decide whether you need a separate flood policy
- Ask whether sinkhole coverage makes sense for your home
- Make sure your home is insured for what it would cost to rebuild
- Know your Hillsborough County evacuation zone
- 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
Tampa home insurance FAQs
Does homeowners insurance in Tampa 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.
Does homeowners insurance cover storm surge in Tampa?
No. Storm surge 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 Tampa?
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 an older home in South Tampa or Seminole Heights?
Often, yes. For homes 30 years or older, Orange Homeowners requires a favorable 4-point inspection of the roof, electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling systems, completed within the six months before your policy starts, or a completed self-inspection. Roofs and systems must be in good condition. Your agent can tell you what’s needed for your home.
What policy do I need for a Tampa rental property?
For a home or building of up to four units that you rent to others, Orange Dwelling Fire (DP-3) covers long-term and short-term rentals. For a condo unit you rent out, Orange Condo (HO-6) can cover it with a rental endorsement when the unit qualifies. Homeowners (HO-3) is for homes you live in and isn’t available for homes that are rented.
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 or reserves.
Can I buy home insurance in Tampa 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 Tampa?
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 Tampa agent
An independent Orange agent can walk you through wind, flood, sinkhole, and replacement cost for your Tampa 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.
Last reviewed