What the insurance-litigation report actually says
The Florida Realtors report says Florida represented nearly 5% of nationwide homeowners-insurance claims in 2025 but about 41% of related lawsuits. It also says Florida’s lawsuit share was more than 79% of the country’s claims lawsuits in 2020 and that at least 20 new insurance carriers have entered the state since reforms took effect.
Those figures describe a statewide market trend. The report also cautions that premiums and coverage options depend on the property, location, insurer, and level of risk. A Sarasota County address, a Manatee County address, and a barrier-island property can raise different questions.
Five insurance questions to raise before an FHA offer
- Can the exact address be quoted? Ask a licensed insurance professional for current coverage options using the property address and known construction details.
- What are the exclusions and deductibles? A policy’s headline premium is not the same as understanding wind, water, roof, or other limitations.
- Is the property in an association? Request the master-policy information, association budget, assessments, and any owner-responsibility items for a condo or planned community.
- What property facts may change the review? Roof age, flood exposure, prior damage, building materials, elevation, and mitigation features should be documented rather than guessed.
- Which documents are needed by the lender? Give the lender and insurance professional enough time to review the same address-specific facts before financing and inspection deadlines.
Why a statewide improvement is not a local guarantee
More carrier activity may make comparison easier, but it does not mean every Sarasota-area home will receive the same terms or remain insurable on acceptable conditions. FHA eligibility, appraisal, insurance, taxes, and the buyer’s finances are separate parts of the file.
For related property planning, read our Sarasota wind-mitigation guide and Sarasota FHA inspection guide.
Illustrative comparison
Assumption: two similar listings have the same asking price, but one has an older roof and a different wind or flood exposure. The buyer should not assume the homes carry the same insurance path or total ownership cost. The next step is an address-specific insurance conversation and lender review.
Frequently asked questions
Does fewer property-insurance lawsuits guarantee lower premiums?
No. The report says premiums and coverage options depend on the property, location, insurer, and risk. A statewide trend cannot determine one home’s policy.
Does FHA require a specific insurer?
This article does not select an insurer. Ask a licensed insurance professional for available coverage, then give the lender the policy information needed for the property review.
When should Sarasota buyers raise insurance questions?
As soon as an address is a serious candidate, ideally before an offer or before contract deadlines leave little time for an insurance and property review.
Source: Florida Realtors, “Florida property insurance lawsuits decline”.
Shopping for a Sarasota FHA home? Talk with Joe Pistone & Team about the address, insurance questions, and full scenario.