by barefootins | Jul 23, 2026 | Florida Insurance, Personal Insurance
Florida Auto Insurance for Coastal Communities
While Sanibel and Captiva are known for their relaxed island lifestyle, residents still depend on reliable transportation. Whether commuting to Fort Myers or exploring Southwest Florida, drivers need dependable Florida auto insurance coverage.
Barefoot Insurance Brokers helps drivers compare policies from multiple carriers to find competitive coverage.
Auto Insurance Options Available
Residents may obtain:
• Standard Florida auto insurance policies through major A rated carriers like Progressive Insurance, GEICO, National General, an Allstate Company, Traveler’s Insurance, Clearcover, ROOT, Mercury Insurance, Kemper, Bristol West of the Farmers Group of Insurance Companies, The General, and more.
• SR-22 insurance filings
• FR-44 insurance policies
• High-risk auto insurance programs
• Owner and non-owner policies
Why Work with an Independent Broker?
Florida Independent insurance brokers like Barefoot Insurance Brokers can compare multiple insurance carriers at once, helping drivers find competitive pricing and coverage options.
Contact Allie Horblitt
Drivers living on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can contact Allie Horblitt for a free auto insurance quote.
About the Author
Alexandra “Allie” Horblitt is a Licensed Independent Insurance Agent with Barefoot Insurance Brokers., bringing over 14 years of industry experience to her clients. She specializes in marine artisan insurance, workers’ compensation including USL&H, general liability, and commercial auto coverage. Allie is licensed to sell commercial insurance products in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Colorado, Indiana, Ohio, Texas and Virginia. To connect with Allie for customized coverage solutions, email her at allie@barefootins.com or call/text 786-440-8242
by barefootins | Jul 20, 2026 | Florida Insurance, Personal Insurance
If you’ve recently been told you need FR44 or FR-44 insurance in Florida, you’re probably asking the same questions we hear every week at Barefoot Insurance Brokers.
“What is FR44?”
“Why do I need it?”
“How can I get my license reinstated?”
The good news is you’re not alone.
What Is FR44 Insurance?
Despite the name, FR44 isn’t actually a type of insurance policy.
An FR44 is a certificate your insurance company files with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) showing that you carry the required liability insurance after certain DUI-related convictions.
Why Is FR44 Different?
Florida requires much higher liability limits for drivers who must carry an FR44 than for standard auto insurance policies. You typically need a $100,000/$300,000 split limit liability on your auto insurance in Florida to satisfy the FR-44 insurance requirement.
This added financial responsibility is one reason premiums may increase after a DUI conviction.
Can You Switch Insurance Companies?
Yes.
Many Florida drivers believe they’re stuck with their current insurance company after an FR44 requirement.
In many cases, you can compare other insurance options—as long as the required filing remains active without a lapse. You must carry the FR-44 insurance filing for 3 years in total once your license or driving privledge is reinstated.
How Long Will I Need FR44?
Most Florida drivers are required to maintain continuous FR44 coverage for several years.
Allowing your policy to lapse could result in additional penalties or another license suspension.
Barefoot Insurance Brokers Can Help
Every driver’s situation is different.
Whether you’re in Fort Lauderdale, Margate, Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Boca Raton, Titusville, Melbourne, Stuart, or anywhere else in Florida, Barefoot Insurance Brokers can help you review available FR44 insurance options and explain the filing process.
If you’ve been told you need FR44 insurance, our team is here to answer your questions and help you get back on the road.
About the Author
Alexandra “Allie” Horblitt is a Licensed Independent Insurance Agent with North Broward Insurance Solutions, Inc., bringing over 14 years of industry experience to her clients. She specializes in marine artisan insurance, workers’ compensation including USL&H, general liability, and commercial auto coverage. Allie is licensed to sell commercial insurance products in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Colorado, Indiana, Ohio, Texas and Virginia. To connect with Allie for customized coverage solutions, email her at allie@northbrowardinsurance.com or call/text 786-440-8242.
👣 Go Barefoot All Year Long.
by barefootins | Jul 13, 2026 | Florida Insurance, Personal Insurance
Buying a home in Fort Lauderdale is exciting. Whether you’re relocating from another state or purchasing your first Florida property, homeowners insurance is one of the most important parts of protecting your investment. Afterall, your home is usually your highest valued asset.
One of the biggest surprises for new Florida homeowners is learning that homeowners insurance doesn’t cover everything.
What Does Florida Homeowners Insurance Typically Cover?
Most homeowners insurance policies help protect against:
Fire and smoke damage
Wind damage from many storms
Theft and vandalism
Liability claims
Damage to personal belongings
Additional living expenses after a covered loss
Coverage varies by carrier and policy, so reviewing your specific protection is important.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hurricanes?
This is one of the most common insurance coverage questions we receive at Barefoot Insurance Brokers.
In many cases, wind damage caused by hurricanes may be covered under your homeowners policy. However, Florida policies often include a separate hurricane deductible that works differently than a standard deductible on your home insurance policy.
Understanding this deductible before hurricane season can help prevent surprises during a claim.
Is Flood Insurance Included in your homeowner’s insurance policy?
Usually not.
Most homeowners insurance policies in Florida do not cover flood damage caused by rising water, storm surge, heavy rainfall, or overflowing canals and drainage systems.
Many Florida homeowners choose separate private market or NFIP flood insurance to help fill this gap.
What About Roof Damage?
Roof damage may be covered when caused by a covered event, such as certain windstorms.
However, roof age, condition, and maintenance history can affect how coverage applies and what insurance options are available.
Questions Every New Florida Homeowner Should Ask
Before closing on a Florida home and buying Florida Homeowner’s Insurance, consider asking your broker:
What is my hurricane deductible?
Is flood insurance recommended?
Does my roof qualify for insurance discounts?
Are wind mitigation credits available?
Do I have enough coverage to rebuild my home?
Helping Florida Homeowners Understand Their Coverage
Whether you’re moving to Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Port St. Lucie, Jacksonville, or anywhere else in Florida, understanding your homeowners insurance before you need it can make a significant difference.
Kassy helps Florida homeowners review their coverage options, identify potential gaps, and better understand how their policy works before hurricane season arrives.
About the Author
Kassandra “Kassy” Mendez is a Licensed Independent Insurance Agent with Barefoot Insurance Brokers, bringing years of industry experience in personal lines coverage to Florida homeowners and families. Her areas of expertise include flood insurance, homeowners insurance, high-valued and coastal home insurance, wind-only coverage, personal umbrella policies, and auto insurance throughout Florida. Kassandra Mendez is known for helping her insurance clients navigate complex risk exposures with clarity and confidence. You can reach Kassy Mendez directly at kassy@barefootins.com or call/text 754-233-0637 to discuss your insurance needs.
👣 Go Barefoot All Year Long.
by barefootins | Jul 8, 2026 | Florida Insurance, Marine Insurance, Personal Insurance
Sanibel & Captiva Flood Insurance Guide
Flood Insurance for Coastal Homes in Southwest Florida
Flooding is one of the most significant risks for homeowners living on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Even properties outside high-risk flood zones can experience flooding from heavy rainfall or storm surge. Did you know that 38% of floods occur in zones that are considered “low risk?”
Barefoot Insurance Brokers helps homeowners obtain reliable Florida flood insurance coverage at affordable prices throughout the state.
Flood Insurance Options
Homeowners may choose between:
• FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies
• Private flood insurance with higher limits and additional coverage
Private flood insurance programs often provide higher building limits and coverage for additional living expenses, loss of use coverages and offer coverage in areas that the NFIP would otherwise exclude, like CBRA
Protecting Homes in Coastal Communities
Flood insurance is particularly important for homes located in:
• Gulf-front properties
• Canal communities
• Low-lying coastal areas
Work with Allie Horblitt
Florida insurance broker Allie Horblitt helps property owners compare flood insurance options to find the best protection for their homes.
Contact Barefoot Insurance Brokers today for a flood insurance quote.
About the Author
Alexandra “Allie” Horblitt is a Licensed Independent Insurance Agent with Barefoot Insurance Brokers., bringing over 14 years of industry experience to her clients. She specializes in marine artisan insurance, workers’ compensation including USL&H, general liability, and commercial auto coverage. Allie is licensed to sell commercial insurance products in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Colorado, Indiana, Ohio, Texas and Virginia. To connect with Allie for customized coverage solutions, email her at allie@barefootins.com or call/text 786-440-8242
by barefootins | Jul 2, 2026 | Florida Insurance, Personal Insurance
Insurance for Jewelry, Art, Guns and Collectibles in Sanibel and Captiva Island, Florida
Many homeowners in Sanibel and Captiva own valuable personal property such as jewelry, artwork, collectibles, and specialty equipment. You may have a garage full of fishing gear, hunting gear or beaded costumes for your dogs.
Standard homeowners insurance policies often limit coverage for these items and further, some homeowner’s insurance policies even exclude personal property on the policy or exclude causes of loss.
What Is a Personal Article Floater?
A personal article floater insurance policy provides additional protection for valuable items beyond the limits of a homeowners policy. The limits of your personal article floater can be based on appraisal and policies are fully customizable to fit your needs.
These policies commonly cover:
• Jewelry
• Watches
• Artwork
• Collectibles
• Musical instruments
• Gun Collections
• Fishing poles, reels and gear
• Hobby technology like sewing machines, 3D Printers, Engravers and more
Why Homeowners Choose Personal Article Floaters
These policies often provide:
• Broader coverage
• Lower deductibles
• Protection for accidental loss
• Customizable terms for handling claims
Speak with Allie Horblitt
Florida insurance broker Allie Horblitt helps homeowners insure their valuables with specialized coverage. I’m reachable on my cell @ 786-440-8242 and offering coverage for your valuables across Florida by phone and email through major insurers including BriteCo Insurance.
About the Author
Alexandra “Allie” Horblitt is a Licensed Independent Insurance Agent with Barefoot Insurance Brokers., bringing over 14 years of industry experience to her clients. She specializes in marine artisan insurance, workers’ compensation including USL&H, general liability, and commercial auto coverage. Allie is licensed to sell commercial insurance products in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Colorado, Indiana, Ohio, Texas and Virginia. To connect with Allie for customized coverage solutions, email her at allie@barefootins.com or call/text 786-440-8242
