Question 1

Do I need separate flood insurance in Kissimmee even though it's not on the coast?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you should at least check your flood zone. While Kissimmee is inland, parts of Osceola County have lakes, retention ponds, and areas designated as FEMA flood zones where flooding is possible during heavy rain or tropical storms. Your standard homeowners policy doesn't cover flood damage at all. If you're in a high-risk flood zone with a federally backed mortgage, your lender will require flood insurance. Even if you're in a low-risk area, a basic flood policy often costs just $400-600 per year and could save you tens of thousands in damage costs.

Question 2

What's the difference between my regular deductible and my hurricane deductible?

Accepted Answer

You have two separate deductibles in Florida. Your regular deductible (typically $500 to $2,500) applies to normal claims like fires, theft, or roof leaks. Your hurricane deductible only kicks in when damage is caused by a named hurricane, and it's calculated as a percentage of your dwelling coverage—usually 2%, 5%, or 10%. So if your home is insured for $300,000 and you chose a 5% hurricane deductible, you'll pay the first $15,000 of hurricane damage. This deductible applies once per calendar year regardless of how many storms hit.

Question 3

Can I use my regular homeowners insurance for my Airbnb in Kissimmee?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot rely on standard homeowners insurance if you're running a short-term vacation rental. Most homeowners policies have business activity exclusions that let insurers deny claims once you start accepting paying guests. You need either a vacation rental endorsement added to your policy (which may only cover occasional rentals) or a dedicated short-term rental insurance policy if you're renting the property regularly. The specialized policy costs 25-50% more but covers guest injuries, rental income loss, and liability for amenities like pools—risks your regular homeowners policy explicitly excludes.

Question 4

How much does home insurance cost in Kissimmee compared to the rest of Florida?

Accepted Answer

Kissimmee homeowners typically pay $2,300 to $3,300 annually for standard coverage, which is significantly less than coastal areas. The statewide Florida average ranges from $8,700 to $11,700 depending on the source, but those numbers are heavily inflated by coastal properties where hurricane risk is highest. Your inland location in Kissimmee gives you a major pricing advantage—you're still paying more than the national average of around $1,700, but you're not competing with beachfront premiums.

Question 5

Will a wind mitigation inspection really save me money on insurance?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. A wind mitigation inspection costs about $75 to $150 and documents your home's hurricane-resistant features like roof attachments, impact-resistant windows, and secondary water resistance. Each qualifying feature earns you a premium discount, and homeowners routinely save $500 to $1,500 per year—sometimes more. Even older homes often have some qualifying features that owners don't know about. The inspection pays for itself within a month or two, and the savings continue for as long as you own the home.

Question 6

What happens if my roof is too old to get homeowners insurance in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Many Florida insurers won't write new policies for homes with roofs older than 15 years without a professional roof inspection certifying it's in good condition. Some insurers won't cover roofs over 20 years old at all and will require replacement before offering coverage. If your roof is aging out, you'll need to budget for replacement—typically $8,000 to $15,000 for an average Kissimmee home. Don't wait until renewal time to find out your insurer is dropping you. Check your roof's age now and plan accordingly, especially before hurricane season when contractors get booked solid.

Insurance Agents in Kissimmee, Florida (FL)

Insurance agencies serving Kissimmee

Brightway Insurance

Brightway Insurance - The De Jorge Agency

Insurance Agents in Kissimmee, Florida (FL)

Insurance agencies serving Kissimmee

Brightway Insurance

Brightway Insurance - The De Jorge Agency

Brightway, The Pagan Family Agency

Carewell Insurance

Carewell Insurance

Envela Insurance - Nancy Clemente

Familia Insurance Agency

Florida All Star Insurance

Gosen Insurance Agency Main Office

Insurance Pro

Insurance Guides for Kissimmee

Home Insurance in Kissimmee

Homeowners Insurance Costs in Kissimmee

Auto Insurance in Kissimmee

Kissimmee Insurance Guide

Car Insurance Rates in Kissimmee

Business Insurance in Kissimmee

Frequently asked questions