by barefootins | Jul 27, 2026 | Florida Insurance, Personal Insurance
Purchasing a luxury home in Florida is exciting, but insuring it requires more than selecting a standard homeowners policy.
Whether you own a waterfront estate in Palm Beach, a custom home in Parkland, or a high-rise condo overlooking the ocean in Sunny Isles Beach, your insurance needs can be very different from the average homeowner.
What Makes a Home High Value?
Many luxury homes include features such as:
Custom architecture
Premium roofing materials
Imported flooring
Outdoor kitchens
Wine rooms
Smart home systems
Detached guest homes
Pools and spas
Waterfront docks
And a TIV or Total Insured Value of $1 Million or more.
Replacing these features after a major loss can cost significantly more than standard construction.
Florida’s Coastal Risks
Luxury properties often face additional considerations, including:
Hurricane wind exposure
Flood risks
Higher rebuilding costs
Coastal construction requirements
Increased labor and material costs
Understanding how your Florida Home Insurance policy addresses these factors is essential before a claim ever occurs.
High-Rise Condo Owners Need Different Coverage
Condo owners in areas like Brickell, Aventura, and Sunny Isles Beach often assume the association covers everything.
In reality, owners may still need protection for interior improvements, personal belongings, liability, and certain assessments charged by the association.
Reviewing Coverage Before You Need It
Every property is different.
Reviewing your insurance before hurricane season, after renovations, or when purchasing a new home can help identify potential gaps and ensure your coverage reflects your property’s current value.
Kassy works with homeowners across Florida to review insurance options for luxury homes, waterfront properties, and high-rise condos.
About the Author
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.
đź‘Ł Go Barefoot All Year Long.
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.
đź‘Ł 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.
đź‘Ł 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
