Here's something that surprises a lot of people: if you own a mobile or manufactured home in Florida, you can't just get regular homeowners insurance. You need a specialized policy designed specifically for manufactured housing. And in a state where hurricanes are a fact of life, understanding the ins and outs of mobile home insurance isn't just smart—it's essential.
With over 850,000 manufactured homes representing 11% of all housing in Florida, you're definitely not alone in figuring this out. Whether you're buying your first mobile home or trying to lower your current premiums, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about protecting your investment in the Sunshine State.
What Makes Mobile Home Insurance Different
First things first: mobile homes and manufactured homes are actually different things, at least in the eyes of insurance companies. If your home was built before June 15, 1976, it's considered a mobile home. Anything built after that date is a manufactured home, constructed under federal safety standards established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Why does this matter for insurance? Older mobile homes weren't built to the same safety standards, which means they're riskier to insure. Many companies won't cover pre-1976 homes at all, and those that do typically charge 50-100% more than for newer manufactured homes. If your home was built after 2006, you're in better shape—these newer homes are often eligible for full replacement coverage.
Mobile home insurance covers the same basic stuff as regular homeowners insurance: your dwelling, your personal belongings, liability if someone gets hurt on your property, and additional living expenses if you need to live somewhere else while your home is being repaired. But there's one huge difference in Florida—wind coverage.
The Wind Coverage Decision That Changes Everything
Let's talk numbers for a second. The average mobile home insurance policy in Florida costs around $372 per year without wind coverage. Add wind and hurricane protection? That jumps to $1,392 per year. Wind coverage alone represents over 60% of your total premium cost.
You might be tempted to skip it to save money. But here's the reality: Florida averages more than two hurricane strikes every three years. Without wind coverage, if a hurricane damages your home, you're paying for repairs out of pocket. For most people, that's a risk they simply can't afford to take.
Your location makes a massive difference in these costs. If you're in Monroe County (the Florida Keys), expect to pay premiums up to 250% above the state average. Miami-Dade and Broward County residents face premiums 175-200% higher than inland areas. Meanwhile, if you're in Leon County near Tallahassee, you'll enjoy rates about 25% below the state average. The closer you are to the coast, the more you'll pay.
Tie-Downs Aren't Optional—They're Required
Florida law requires that all mobile and manufactured homes be secured to the ground using anchors and tie-downs to resist wind overturning and sliding. This isn't a suggestion—it's mandatory. And your insurance company cares about this too.
Many Florida insurers require proof of an up-to-date anchoring system before they'll issue or renew your policy. The good news? Proper tie-downs do more than just check a box for your insurance company. They actually help your home survive storms, and many insurers offer premium discounts for professional installation.
The requirements vary based on wind zones and when your home was built. Homes in wind zone 1 typically need only diagonal frame tie-downs, but zones 2 and 3 require both frame anchors and vertical wall ties. For homes manufactured after 1994, tie-downs must be placed approximately five feet apart. The installer must be licensed by the state of Florida—this is serious business.
Professional tie-down installation typically costs less than $2,000 and takes less than a day. It's an investment that pays for itself through insurance discounts and peace of mind. Plus, here's an important protection: even if your tie-downs weren't perfect, Florida law says that if you have windstorm coverage and your home gets damaged, your insurer can't deny your claim just because of anchoring issues.
What Your Policy Covers (and What It Doesn't)
A standard Florida mobile home insurance policy protects you against common perils: fire, theft, explosions, lightning, and snow damage. If you've added wind coverage, you're also protected from hurricane and windstorm damage. Your policy typically includes dwelling coverage for the structure itself, personal property coverage for your belongings, liability coverage if someone gets injured on your property, and additional living expenses if you need temporary housing during repairs.
But here's what catches people off guard: flood damage isn't covered. Even if you have the most comprehensive mobile home policy available, flood damage requires a separate flood insurance policy. If your home is in a high-risk flood zone and you have a federally-backed mortgage, flood insurance is actually required by law. Even if it's not required, consider it seriously—Florida's flat terrain and tropical storms create flood risks far beyond coastal areas.
Earthquake coverage is also excluded from standard policies, though Florida's earthquake risk is minimal compared to flood and wind. If you live in a mobile home park, you might be required by park management to carry insurance—check your lease agreement.
How to Get Coverage and Save Money
While Florida law doesn't require you to carry mobile home insurance, your lender almost certainly will if you're financing your home. Even if you own your home outright, going without insurance is a gamble most financial advisors would strongly recommend against.
When shopping for coverage, expect to pay between $894 and $1,349 annually depending on your specific situation. Several major carriers offer mobile home insurance in Florida, including Foremost (averaging around $1,650 per year with wind), Citizens Property Insurance (around $1,355 with wind), and American Traditions (approximately $1,210 with wind). These rates vary significantly based on your home's age, location, and condition.
To get the best rate, focus on factors you can control. Upgrade your tie-down system and get it professionally installed and certified. Add full skirting around your home—many insurers offer discounts for this. Consider raising your deductible if you can afford a higher out-of-pocket expense in case of a claim. Bundle your mobile home insurance with auto insurance if possible. And shop around—quotes can vary dramatically between carriers, especially if you have an older home.
If you're struggling to find coverage through traditional insurers—particularly if you have a pre-1976 mobile home—Citizens Property Insurance Corporation serves as Florida's insurer of last resort. While it's typically more expensive than private insurance, it ensures you can get coverage when no one else will provide it.
Florida's manufactured housing market continues to grow—the state saw more than 7,400 new manufactured home shipments in 2024 alone, ranking second in the nation. As more people discover the affordability and quality of modern manufactured homes, understanding insurance becomes increasingly important. The key is finding the right balance between comprehensive coverage and affordable premiums, then taking steps to reduce your risk through proper anchoring, strategic upgrades, and smart policy choices.
