Question 1

Do I need separate flood insurance in St. Petersburg?

Accepted Answer

Yes, almost certainly. Standard homeowners insurance explicitly excludes flood damage, and 45.9% of St. Petersburg properties face significant flood risk over the next 30 years. If you have a federally backed mortgage in a high-risk flood zone (like most waterfront neighborhoods), you're legally required to carry flood insurance. Even outside high-risk zones, 25% of flood claims come from moderate- or low-risk areas, making coverage a smart choice for most St. Pete homeowners.

Question 2

How much does home insurance cost in St. Petersburg?

Accepted Answer

The average St. Petersburg homeowner pays about $5,460 per year ($455/month) for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible. Rates vary based on your specific location, home age, construction type, and claims history. Waterfront properties and homes in high-risk flood zones typically pay significantly more due to increased exposure to hurricanes and flooding.

Question 3

What is a hurricane deductible and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A hurricane deductible is a separate, higher deductible that applies specifically to damage from named storms. In Florida, it's typically 2-5% of your dwelling coverage amount—not a flat dollar amount. For a $300,000 home with a 2% hurricane deductible, you'd pay the first $6,000 out of pocket before insurance coverage begins. This deductible only applies when a named hurricane causes the damage, not for regular claims.

Question 4

Can I still get Citizens Property Insurance in St. Petersburg?

Accepted Answer

Citizens is available as Florida's insurer of last resort if you can't find coverage in the private market, but the company has successfully moved hundreds of thousands of policies to private insurers in 2024. If you're currently with Citizens and receive an offer from a private insurer within 20% of your premium, you may be required to accept it. The good news is that Florida's insurance market is stabilizing, giving homeowners more private market options than in recent years.

Question 5

Are historic homes in Kenwood harder to insure?

Accepted Answer

Historic homes, including the beautiful 1920s Craftsman bungalows in the Historic Kenwood neighborhood, may require specialized coverage to account for higher replacement costs using period-appropriate materials and craftsmanship. Standard policies might not fully cover authentic restoration costs. Talk with your insurance agent about guaranteed replacement cost coverage or extended replacement cost endorsements specifically designed for historic properties to ensure you're adequately protected.

Question 6

Which St. Petersburg neighborhoods require flood insurance?

Accepted Answer

Most waterfront neighborhoods including Shore Acres, Snell Isle, Venetian Isles, Coquina Key, Boca Ciega Bay, Jungle Prada, and areas near the Intracoastal Waterway fall into high-risk flood zones (AE or VE) where flood insurance is required if you have a federally backed mortgage. However, flood risk exists throughout St. Petersburg due to its peninsula location, so it's important to check your specific property's flood zone and consider coverage even if it's not legally required.

Insurance Agents in St Petersburg, Florida (FL)

Insurance agencies serving St Petersburg

Academy Insurance

Allegiance Insurance

Insurance Agents in St Petersburg, Florida (FL)

Insurance agencies serving St Petersburg

Academy Insurance

Allegiance Insurance

Bentley Denight Insurance Services

Bentley Denight Insurance Services

Brightway Insurance

Brightway Insurance – St. Petersburg South

Brightway Insurance – St. Petersburg South

Calkins Kramer Insurance Inc

Coast To Coast Insurance Services, LLC

Comegys Insurance Agency

Insurance Guides for St Petersburg

Home Insurance in St. Petersburg

Homeowners Insurance Costs in St. Petersburg

Auto Insurance in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg Insurance Guide: Auto, Home & More

Car Insurance Rates in St. Petersburg: What Drivers Pay

Renters Insurance in St. Petersburg

Frequently asked questions