Weston is one of those communities that looks like it was designed by someone who really thought things through. Master-planned from the ground up, incorporated in 1996, and composed entirely of gated neighborhoods with manicured landscapes and man-made lakes—it's the kind of place where everything feels intentional. With a median household income of $140,501 and median property values around $644,100, Weston represents some of Broward County's most desirable real estate. But here's what many homeowners don't realize until they start shopping for coverage: insuring a home in this upscale, master-planned community comes with unique considerations that go beyond what you'd expect in a typical Florida suburb.
You're dealing with hurricane exposure (like everywhere in South Florida), flood zones that are more nuanced than you might think, and property values that demand serious attention to coverage limits. The good news? Florida's insurance market is finally stabilizing after years of chaos, and Weston's inland location in western Broward County gives you some advantages. Let's walk through what you actually need to know to protect your investment.
Understanding Weston's Unique Insurance Landscape
Florida homeowners insurance runs about $8,770 annually on average across the state in 2025—one of the highest rates in the nation. Weston follows this trend, though your actual premium depends on factors like your home's age, construction type, and proximity to water. What makes Weston different is the combination of high property values and relatively moderate flood risk compared to coastal areas.
Most of Weston sits in FEMA Flood Zone X, which means you're outside the 100-year floodplain—technically a "moderate to low risk" zone. This is why flood insurance in Weston averages just $371 annually, dramatically lower than what you'd pay in Fort Lauderdale or Miami Beach. But here's the catch: about 100% of buildings in Weston face some level of flood risk according to First Street Foundation's risk assessments. Climate change is increasing both coastal and inland flooding through sea level rise and more intense rainfall events. Nearly 25% of all flood insurance claims come from properties outside high-risk zones.
Translation? Even if you're not required to carry flood insurance, you probably should. For less than $400 a year, you're protecting a home worth over $600,000 from water damage that your standard homeowners policy won't cover. That's a no-brainer in a state where afternoon thunderstorms can dump inches of rain in an hour.
New Flood Insurance Requirements You Need to Know
If you're insured through Citizens Property Insurance—Florida's state-backed insurer of last resort—pay attention to these upcoming changes. Starting in 2026, you'll need flood insurance to get Citizens wind coverage if your home is insured for at least $400,000. In 2027, this requirement extends to homes of any value.
Given Weston's property values, most homes will hit that $400,000 threshold easily. This means if you're with Citizens and don't have flood insurance yet, you'll need to add it within the next year or two. The silver lining? At Weston's average flood insurance rate, this won't break the bank. And Citizens is actually reducing rates across the board—Broward County homeowners are seeing average decreases of 14.1% in 2026, translating to about $359 in annual savings for many policyholders.
Florida's Insurance Market Is Finally Stabilizing
After years of rate hikes and insurers fleeing the state, Florida's homeowners insurance market is showing real signs of improvement. Citizens Property Insurance is cutting rates for the first time since 2015, with an average statewide reduction of 8.7% approved for 2026. Private insurers are also filing for rate decreases—17 new insurance companies have entered Florida since tort and insurance reforms were enacted to reduce frivolous litigation.
Citizens' policy count has dropped to 395,144 as of January 2025—a 50% reduction from the prior year and the lowest level in 14 years. That's actually good news. It means private insurers are taking on more policies, which increases competition and stabilizes pricing. The Citizens Depopulation Program successfully transferred more than 546,000 policies to private carriers in 2025 alone.
For Weston homeowners, this means more options when shopping for coverage. You're no longer stuck with limited choices or astronomical premiums. It's worth getting quotes from multiple carriers—rates can vary significantly, especially for newer homes with updated roofs, impact-resistant windows, and hurricane shutters.
Coverage Limits Matter More Than You Think
With median property values around $644,100, one of the biggest mistakes Weston homeowners make is underinsuring their homes. Your dwelling coverage needs to reflect the full replacement cost of your home—not what you paid for it, not the market value, but what it would actually cost to rebuild it from scratch if a hurricane leveled it.
This is especially important in Weston, where many homes feature high-end finishes, custom details, and premium construction. After Hurricane Ian in 2022, construction costs spiked dramatically, and many homeowners discovered they were underinsured by $100,000 or more. Don't let that happen to you. Work with your agent to get a detailed replacement cost estimate that accounts for everything—the tile work, the custom cabinetry, the hurricane-resistant features, all of it.
Also consider your liability limits. With home values this high, you're likely entertaining guests regularly. If someone gets injured on your property and sues, your homeowners liability coverage is your first line of defense. The standard $100,000 or $300,000 limits might not be enough. Many Weston homeowners add an umbrella policy for an extra $1-5 million in liability protection—it typically costs just a few hundred dollars annually and provides crucial peace of mind.
Taking Advantage of Weston's Flood Protections
Here's something many Weston residents don't know: the city is certified as a Class 6 community under FEMA's Community Rating System. This means you're already getting a discount on flood insurance—up to 20% if you're in a Special Flood Hazard Area, and 5% if you're outside it. These discounts are automatic, but they're the result of Weston's investments in flood mitigation, stormwater management, and public education.
The city also provides comprehensive flood protection resources, including updated FEMA flood maps (effective July 31, 2024) and an interactive flood zone map where you can check your specific property's designation. If you're serious about understanding your risk, start there. Knowing your exact flood zone helps you make informed decisions about coverage limits and whether additional flood insurance beyond the standard $250,000 building coverage makes sense for your situation.
How to Get the Best Coverage at the Right Price
Start by getting multiple quotes. With the Florida insurance market stabilizing and more carriers entering the state, you have options you didn't have two years ago. Compare not just the premium but the coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Pay special attention to hurricane deductibles—they're usually a percentage of your dwelling coverage (typically 2-5%), not a flat dollar amount.
Ask about discounts. Many insurers offer significant rate reductions for homes with impact-resistant roofing, hurricane shutters or impact windows, burglar alarms, and newer construction. If your home was built in the last 10-15 years or has been updated with wind mitigation features, make sure your insurer knows. Get a wind mitigation inspection if you haven't already—it typically costs $75-150 and can save you hundreds annually on premiums.
Don't skip flood insurance just because it's not required. At $371 annually on average in Weston, it's one of the best insurance values you'll find. Climate data shows precipitation risks increasing, and even moderate storms can cause significant water damage. One flood event without coverage could cost you tens of thousands in repairs that come straight out of your pocket.
Bottom line: protecting your Weston home doesn't have to be complicated or outrageously expensive. The market is improving, your local flood risk is manageable, and you have more insurance options than you've had in years. Take the time to review your coverage, make sure your limits are adequate, and add flood insurance if you haven't already. Your home is likely your biggest investment—make sure it's properly protected.
