Florida Real Estate Falls As Homebuyers Deterred by Higher Insurance Costs

Home prices in Florida’s southwest coast are dropping, primarily driven by the steep rise in home insurance costs. This insurance crisis has led to a surge in inventory as potential buyers, particularly those looking to purchase winter homes, are deterred by the skyrocketing premiums. The Insurance Information Institute reports a 42% increase in insurance rates last year alone, placing the average insurance cost for Floridian homeowners at $6,000, in stark contrast to the national average of $1,700.