Fort Lauderdale, Florida Condo Insurance: What You Need to Know

Fort Lauderdale is known for its sunny beaches, busy canals, and lively neighborhoods. Condos are a big part of the city’s lifestyle, whether along the waterfront or in high-rise towers downtown. Yet with this beauty comes the need for the right protection. That’s where condo insurance in Fort Lauderdale becomes essential.

Living near the coast means exposure to hurricanes, tropical storms, and flooding. Condo owners also face risks like fire in multi-unit buildings, theft, or accidents that might happen in shared spaces. Repairs, replacement costs, or even temporary living expenses after a disaster could add up quickly without the right coverage.

Many condo associations carry a master policy just like a homeowners policy, but those policies often leave gaps. They might cover the building’s exterior and common areas, but not the inside of your unit, your personal property, or any kind of liability if someone is injured. HO-6 condo insurance in Fort Lauderdale, Florida helps fill those gaps, helping you protect your investment.

Quick Summary

• Fort Lauderdale condos face higher risks from hurricanes, flooding, and coastal storms.
• Master policies only cover exteriors and common areas, leaving unit interiors and belongings unprotected.
• Average condo insurance costs in Fort Lauderdale are higher than the state average due to location risks.
• Standard policies cover dwelling, personal property, liability, medical payments, and loss of use.
• Exclusions include flood damage, hurricane deductibles, mold, wear and tear, and limits on expensive items.
• Costs can be lowered by increasing deductibles, adding safety features, bundling policies, and comparing insurers.

Is condo (HO-6) insurance mandatory in Fort Lauderdale Florida?

Condo insurance is not required by Florida law. However, many condo associations in Fort Lauderdale require unit owners to carry it under their bylaws. Lenders also often require it if the unit is financed. This means that while state law does not make it mandatory, in practice most condo owners may need to purchase a policy.

A condo association usually holds a master policy that covers the building’s structure and shared spaces. Yet this policy does not extend to the inside of your unit, your personal belongings, or liability if someone is injured inside your home. That responsibility falls on the condo owner. Without HO-6 coverage, repairs or replacement costs would come out of pocket.

How is condo insurance different from home insurance?

In Fort Lauderdale, risks from hurricanes, tropical storms, and multi-unit living make coverage even more important. An HO-6 policy typically covers:

• Personal belongings such as clothing, electronics, and furniture
• The interior of your condo unit, including walls, floors, and ceilings
• Liability if a guest is injured inside your unit
• Additional living expenses (ALE) if the unit becomes uninhabitable

On the other hand, home insurance, or HO-3, covers the entire property, including the building’s structure and land. Condo owners rely on association policies for shared areas, while homeowners are responsible for the entire property.

How much is condo (HO-6) insurance in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?

The cost of condo insurance varies significantly by location, even within the same state. In Florida, the average annual premium for an HO-6 policy is approximately $962 [1]; however, rates in Fort Lauderdale are often higher due to its coastal location.

Insurance providers determine your specific rate by evaluating several key factors, including:

• The building's construction type, age, and overall condition
• The amount and type of coverage you select for your unit
• Your chosen deductible amount
• The condo's exact location and its proximity to emergency services
• Your personal claims history and credit-based insurance score
• Specific amenities like a swimming pool or ownership of certain dog breeds

Coastal locations like Fort Lauderdale face unique risks that heavily influence insurance costs. The primary factor is the increased exposure to hurricanes and windstorms, which results in substantially higher premiums compared to inland areas.

To provide a clearer picture, here’s how condo insurance costs could break down in different areas of Florida:

Coastal Cities

Premiums in coastal areas like Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Naples are typically the highest in the state. In Fort Lauderdale, you could expect an average annual cost ranging from $1,990 [2]. This is due to the direct risk of hurricane wind damage, flooding, and storm surge.

Inland Metropolitan Areas

While still susceptible to storms, these areas generally see lower rates than the immediate coast. Annual premiums in Orlando often range from $985 [3] , whereas in Tampa, they are around $995. 

Lower-Risk Inland Areas

Cities in northern or central Florida, farther from the coast, typically have the most affordable rates. Annual premiums in one of the regions, like Gainesville, could average $700 [4].

What does condo insurance cover in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?

Condo insurance covers areas and risks that are not included in your condo association’s master policy. In Fort Lauderdale, this matters due to risks such as hurricanes, flooding, and the shared nature of condominium living. Let’s look at what condo insurance covers:

• Dwelling coverage: Dwelling coverage protects the inside of your unit. It usually applies to walls, ceilings, floors, cabinets, and built-in fixtures. If a storm breaks windows or a fire damages your kitchen, this part of the policy helps cover the cost of repairs. 
• Personal property coverage: Personal belongings such as electronic appliances, furniture, and clothing fall under this section. In Fort Lauderdale, where heavy rain and wind could damage items inside a condo, personal property coverage is valuable.
• Personal liability coverage: Accidents could happen in any home. Liability coverage provides security for you if someone gets injured in your condo or if you cause damage to another unit. For example, water leaking from your bathroom into a neighbor’s condo would be covered here, depending on your policy. This protection also helps with legal costs if a claim is filed against you.
• Loss of use coverage: Loss of use, also known as additional living expenses, applies if your condo becomes uninhabitable following a covered event. In Fort Lauderdale, strong storms or fires might leave a unit unsafe to occupy. This coverage pays for temporary housing, meals, and related costs until repairs are complete.

Florida condo insurance coverage exclusions

Condo insurance in Florida provides important protection, but not everything is included. Each policy contains exclusions, which are events or damages that the insurer does not cover.

• Flood damage: Standard condo insurance does not include flood damage. In Fort Lauderdale, where many condos are near the coast or waterways, flood risk is high. This makes it important to purchase separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private provider. Without this coverage, damage from rising water is not reimbursed.
• Earthquake damage: Earthquake damage is another exclusion. While Florida does not experience frequent earthquakes, the exclusion remains standard in most policies. If coverage is needed, it must be purchased separately.
• Wear and tear: Insurance does not include normal wear and tear. If flooring, appliances, or plumbing fail due to age or poor maintenance, the cost of repair is the owner's responsibility. Insurance responds only to sudden and accidental damage, not gradual deterioration.
• Mold and water damage limits: Mold damage is mostly excluded or limited in coverage. Water damage might also have restrictions, especially if it results from repeated leaks or poor maintenance. 
• High-value items: Policies might limit coverage for expensive items such as jewelry, fine art, or collectibles. Standard limits often fall below the actual value of these items. Owners could add endorsements or scheduled personal property coverage for full protection.
• Acts of war or intentional damage: Insurance does not cover acts of war, terrorism, or damage caused intentionally by the policyholder. These exclusions apply across nearly all property insurance policies in the United States.

Tips on how to reduce costs of condo insurance in Fort Lauderdale Florida

Condo insurance in Fort Lauderdale often feels pricey because of the city’s risk of hurricanes and flooding. Still, you could take steps to lower your costs without losing important coverage. Even small changes in your coverage, home safety, or finances could reduce your premiums.

• Increase deductibles: If you raise your deductible, your monthly premiums usually go down since you agree to pay more if you file a claim. This works best if you have some savings set aside for emergencies.
• Improve safety features: Add safety features to your condo to qualify for discounts. Things like smoke detectors, fire alarms, smart home devices, or water leak sensors lower your risk. In Fort Lauderdale, wind-resistant windows, storm shutters, and sturdy doors could also reduce insurance costs by helping to protect against hurricanes.
• Review coverage needs carefully: It’s important to look over the master policy from your condo association. This policy usually covers some parts of the building, so you might not need to pay for the same coverage twice. Make sure your own policy matches the master plan, which could help you avoid extra costs.
• Bundle policies: Many insurance companies offer discounts if you buy more than one policy from them. If you need auto or life insurance too, bundling them with your condo insurance could save you money.
• Maintain good credit and claims history: Insurance companies review your credit score and past claims when deciding your rates. Pay your bills on time and handle small claims yourself to keep your premiums lower in the long run.
• Compare quotes: Rates vary widely between insurers. Requesting insurance rates could be very different from one company to another. Get quotes from a few companies to find the best price. An independent agent who knows Fort Lauderdale could also recommend policies that meet your condo’s specific needs.

Still have questions?

Here are answers to common questions about condos and condo insurance in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Is it better to own a condo or a house in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?

A condo often requires less maintenance and might cost less upfront, but monthly association fees add to expenses. A house offers more privacy and control but comes with higher maintenance responsibilities. That’s why the better choice depends on lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals.

How much should you save before buying a condo in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?

Buyers should save enough for the first payment, the costs to finish the purchase, and at least three months of emergency money. Lenders often ask for 10 to 20% as a first payment. It is also important to have extra money for monthly fees, insurance, and unexpected repairs.

Does condo insurance cover water damage?

Condo insurance typically covers sudden water damage, such as a burst pipe or water overflow. It does not pay for flooding from heavy rain or storms, which requires a different flood insurance policy. Damage from slow leaks or neglect of the condo is also not covered.

Are condos in Fort Lauderdale, FL, more expensive to insure?

Yes. Condo insurance in Fort Lauderdale often costs more than in cities farther from the coast due to the risk of hurricanes, flooding, and severe storms. The location of the condo, the type of building, and the amount of coverage you choose all affect the final price.

Do condominiums in Fort Lauderdale, FL, hold their value?

Condominiums in Fort Lauderdale typically retain their value, especially in popular areas near the coast or downtown. The housing market, the condition of the building, and the management of the condo association could all impact the potential sale price later on. Condos close to the beach or water often remain in high demand for a long time.

Sources

1. Information gathered from Worth Insurance Services. 
2. Information gathered from NerdWallet.
3. Information gathered from NerdWallet.
4. Information gathered from NerdWallet.

Figures reflect averages from publicly available sources as of December 2025. 

This article is for informational purposes only and was compiled from sources not affiliated with Hippo. While we believe this information to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. For any insurance-related decision, please consult your licensed insurance producer.