A recent Sun Sentinel article (August 16, 2025) raised a critical question: should high-rise residents stay during a Category 5 hurricane—or evacuate? While some concrete-and-steel buildings are designed to endure extreme winds, experts caution that evacuation is often the safest choice due to risks like flooding, power outages, debris, and limited emergency response access.
Why Evacuation Is the Safer Option
Category 5 winds exceed 157 mph, capable of causing catastrophic building damage—especially when combined with storm surge and flooding Wikipedia.
Even structurally sound high-rises can become unsafe due to broken glass, elevator failures, prolonged power loss, or compromised emergency systems.
Emergency officials consistently advise evacuating when warned, as delays can become life-threatening AP News.
Insurance: Know What’s Covered—and What’s Not
If you’re a high-rise condo owner in Florida, it’s crucial to understand how insurance works before disaster strikes:
Condo Association (Master) Policy Typically covers the building’s exterior and common elements, like walls, roof, and lobby. Windstorm and hazard coverage is mandatory for Florida coastal associations—though some may attempt to exclude wind coverage, this generally requires member approval Williams Law.
Your Individual HO‑6 (Unit‑Owners) Policy Covers what’s inside your bare walls—including walls, floors, ceilings, personal belongings, loss of use, liability, and assessments from damage to shared areas Slide InsuranceMerlin Law Group.
It’s vital to confirm that your policy includes windstorm damages, hurricane deductibles, and loss assessment coverage.
Hurricane Deductible Details Florida requires insurers to offer hurricane deducibles—often fixed dollar amounts ($500) or percentages (2%, 5%, 10% of dwelling limit) myfloridacfo.com. Know your deductible and how it applies to each claim.
Coverage Gaps Can Be Costly Without proper HO-6 coverage, you could be left footing the bill for interior repairs, replacement of belongings, temporary living expenses, or fees levied by your association.
What You Can Do Now
Review both your association’s policy and your HO-6 policy—especially coverage for wind, content, loss assessments, temporary living expenses, and liability.
Clarify your hurricane deductible: Understand its amount, how it’s applied, and if it resets each storm season.
Assess gaps or overlaps—for example, if your unit’s walls-in coverage is inadequate or if your personal property isn’t fully protected.
Let Barefoot Insurance Brokers Help
Improve your storm preparedness and peace of mind with expert guidance:
Schedule a policy review with Barefoot Insurance Brokers to ensure your HO-6 coverage aligns with your building association’s master policy.
We also offer tailored quotes for your condominium association’s insurance, helping you compare and secure the right scope and pricing.
Located in Florida, we specialize in hurricane-savvy coverage—our clients get clarity and confidence before the next storm hits.
In summary: Evacuating during a Category 5 storm is the prudent choice—even in well-built high-rises. But beyond evacuation, being insurance-ready is just as critical. Don’t wait until it’s too late—connect with Barefoot Insurance Brokers now to review and shore up your coverage.
About the Author Julia Dourvetakis is a Licensed Independent Insurance Agent with Barefoot Insurance Brokers, bringing over 30 years of experience to the insurance industry. She specializes in coastal property insurance, workers’ compensation, Condo Association Packages, general liability, and professional liability coverage. Julia is licensed to sell commercial insurance products in Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Colorado. To connect with Julia for tailored insurance solutions, email her at julia@barefootins.com or call/text 954-866-5723.
Florida boaters face more than just sunshine and salty air. From hurricane season to theft risks and boating injuries, the right boat insurance policy isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
At Barefoot Insurance Brokers, we work with leading carriers like Progressive, GEICO, Ahoy!, and American Integrity to help you find the best coverage at the best price. If you’re searching for boat insurance in Broward County, read on to learn what your policy should cover—and why it matters.
🛥️ So, What Does Florida Boat Insurance Actually Cover?
Here’s what most standard Florida boat insurance policies include:
✅ 1. Liability Coverage
Covers bodily injury or property damage to others if you’re at fault in a boating accident. Required by many marinas and highly recommended in high-traffic areas.
✅ 2. Physical Damage
Pays for repairs or replacement of your boat due to collisions, sinking, fire, vandalism, or theft. Can apply to the hull, motor, electronics, and more.
✅ 3. Theft & Vandalism
Florida has one of the highest boat theft rates in the country. Your policy can cover stolen boats, trailers, or onboard items, depending on the carrier.
✅ 4. Hurricane & Storm Damage
Yes—hurricane coverage is available through many of our insurers, but you need to act early in the season before storm restrictions apply.
✅ 5. Medical Payments & Guest Liability
Helps cover medical expenses if you or your passengers are injured while on the water.
✅ 6. Fuel Spill & Wreckage Removal
Covers cleanup costs if your boat leaks fuel or sinks—something not always included by default.
🌴 Serving Coastal Broward County Boaters
We’re proud to insure boat owners in the five most populated coastal areas of Broward County, including:
City
ZIP Codes
Fort Lauderdale
33301, 33304, 33305, 33308
Hollywood
33019, 33020, 33021
Pompano Beach
33060, 33062, 33064
Deerfield Beach
33441, 33442
Dania Beach
33004, 33312
South Florida Zip Codes with Affordable Pricing
Whether you’re docked at home, in a marina, or trailering your boat to the Keys, we’ll help make sure you’re covered from bow to stern.
💰 Rates Start at Just $75 Per Year
Yes, you read that right—boat insurance through Progressive starts at just $75 annually for eligible vessels. Premiums vary based on your boat’s value, age, use, and ZIP code, but we shop multiple carriers to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
📞 Ready for a Quote?
Let Zack Epstein at Barefoot Insurance Brokers help you compare quotes and find the perfect marine policy for your boat, lifestyle, and budget.
As we head deeper into 2025, technology errors and omissions insurance (Tech E&O) is quickly becoming a must-have for Florida-based technology providers, SaaS companies, MSPs, and even digital marketing firms. This surge is being driven by increasing contractual requirements, heightened cyber threats, and evolving privacy laws.
At Barefoot Insurance Brokers, we help business owners not only secure affordable Tech E&O coverage, but understand the why behind it.
So—what’s driving the demand? Our underwriting partners and carriers like Corvus have flagged three major trends that every business owner should know:
🔐 1. Credential-Based Attacks Are Surging
Ransomware is evolving—and attackers are getting smarter. One of the biggest threats in 2025 is credential-based attacks targeting:
Weak or reused passwords
VPNs without multifactor authentication (MFA)
Remote access tools with poor security
According to industry data, nearly 30% of ransomware incidents in late 2024 stemmed from compromised credentials. The MOVEit breach is a perfect example: over 2,700 organizations—including universities and hospitals—were affected, even if they never used the software directly.
Tech E&O policies with strong cyber endorsements can help cover these types of vulnerabilities and protect businesses from third-party liability.
⚖️ 2. Privacy Lawsuits Are Heating Up
In 2024, lawsuits under BIPA, CCPA, CIPA, and similar data privacy regulations increased dramatically—and that trend is continuing into 2025. Even without a data breach, companies are facing legal action due to:
Improper cookie use
Ad tracking without consent
Sharing video or behavioral data
What does this mean for your Florida-based business? You need:
Clear privacy policies
Consent management tools
Cyber insurance that covers regulatory defense and fines
Our team at Barefoot Insurance Brokers will work with underwriters who understand these exposures and can tailor coverage to your business’s actual risk.
👩💻 3. Specialized Underwriters Make a Big Difference
Tech E&O applications can be complex. Underwriters are now asking detailed questions about:
Data collection and retention practices
Whether users can opt out of tracking or sharing
Security protocols like MFA and endpoint protection
That’s why it’s crucial to work with specialized Tech E&O and Cyber underwriters—not generalists. At Barefoot Insurance Brokers, we partner with carriers who combine underwriting with cyber risk advisory and claims expertise to deliver smarter policies and faster responses when it counts.
🛡️ Secure Your Tech E&O Insurance with Confidence
Whether your business is in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, or anywhere across Florida, our team at Barefoot Insurance Brokers is here to help you navigate this rapidly changing market.
We offer custom Tech E&O and cyber liability insurance solutions that meet contract demands and protect your business from real-world risk—at competitive rates.
2025 is no time to leave your business exposed. Let us help you stay protected and compliant—before a cyber incident or privacy complaint becomes a costly problem.
If you’re lucky enough to boat in the Florida Keys, you already know the joy of island hopping, reef fishing, and sunset cruising. But there’s one question we hear often from Keys residents and visitors alike:
“Do I need boat insurance in Florida?”
The short answer: Boat insurance is not legally required by the state of Florida for recreational vessels. But just because it’s not mandatory doesn’t mean you should go without it — especially in a place as unique (and storm-prone) as the Florida Keys.
Why Boat Insurance Is Highly Recommended in the Florida Keys
While Florida law doesn’t require boat insurance, there are situations where it is required:
If you finance your boat — lenders usually require full coverage.
If you dock at a marina — many marinas require proof of liability insurance.
If you’re involved in an accident — you’ll want coverage for damage, injuries, or lawsuits.
And let’s not forget: hurricane exposure in the Keys is one of the highest in the country. A single storm can result in significant vessel damage or total loss. Without insurance, you could be on the hook for thousands out of pocket.
Boat Insurance Starts at Just $75/Year
At Barefoot Insurance Brokers, we work with top carriers including Progressive, Ahoy!, GEICO, and American Integrity, and can find policies starting at just $75/year for basic coverage. Whether you need liability-only protection or full hull and motor coverage, we’ll help you navigate your options.
The 5 Most Populated Coastal Areas in the Florida Keys (With Zip Codes)
We help boaters from Key Largo to Key West get covered quickly and affordably. If you live in or dock your boat near any of the following areas, we’ve got you covered:
1. Key West
Zip Codes: 33040, 33041
Known for sailboats, fishing charters, and day cruisers.
2. Key Largo
Zip Codes: 33037
Popular for center consoles and dive boats in Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
3. Marathon
Zip Codes: 33050
A boating hub with lots of marina traffic and offshore fishing vessels.
4. Islamorada
Zip Codes: 33036
The “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” where insurance is essential for high-value gear and vessels.
5. Big Pine Key
Zip Codes: 33043
Home to quiet backwaters, flats boats, and paddle craft—still worth insuring against theft or storm loss.
Protect Your Peace of Mind — Let Us Shop for You
Every vessel, every boater, and every budget is different. That’s why we shop across multiple marine insurance carriers to find you the best combination of price, coverage, and service. Whether you’re a weekend cruiser or a full-time liveaboard, we’ll get you the protection you need at a price you can afford.
📞 Call or Email Zack Epstein Today
Zack Epstein specializes in Florida boat insurance and knows the Florida Keys like the back of his hand.
Recent reports from Zillow show a decline in property values in Vero Beach, Florida for Q3 2025, which has many homeowners wondering: “Will my insurance premium go down too?”
Unfortunately, the answer is probably not—and here’s why.
Market Value vs. Replacement Cost: What Florida Homeowners Need to Know
When it comes to home insurance, what really matters isn’t your home’s market value (what you could sell it for), but rather its replacement cost value—what it would cost to rebuild your home from the ground up in today’s labor and materials market.
Even if Vero Beach home prices are softening, construction costs remain high, driven by inflation, supply chain issues, and a shortage of skilled labor. Insurance carriers use these costs to determine how much coverage your home requires—not what Zillow or the real estate market says your house is worth.
So even if your Zillow estimate is dropping, your insurance premium is based on the cost to rebuild, which could stay the same or even increase.
Why Insurance Premiums Often Stay the Same or Increase
Rising construction costs: Lumber, roofing, and skilled labor remain expensive across Florida.
Storm risk: Vero Beach is a coastal community vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding. These risks are priced into your premium.
Inflation Guard Endorsements: Many home insurance policies include clauses that automatically adjust your dwelling coverage upward each year to account for inflation.
What You Can Do to Take Control
While market values are out of your hands, your insurance policy isn’t. Now is a great time to review your coverage with a trusted local expert.
💬 Are you overinsured, underinsured, or just not sure?
👉 Contact Craig Appleman, an Independent Insurance Broker servicing Vero Beach, who specializes in:
Homeowner’s Insurance
Flood Insurance
Personal Lines (Auto, Boat, Motorcycle, Umbrella, and more)
Craig works with dozens of top-rated carriers to help local residents get the right coverage at the best price—even in a changing market.
📞 Call Craig today at (772)276-7200, x 4 📧 Or email craig@barefootins.com for a free policy review and quote.
Don’t let headlines or home estimates mislead you—get real answers from a real expert.
Florida is home to more registered boats than any other state—and with good reason. Whether you’re cruising the Gulf, exploring the Keys, or enjoying the Intracoastal Waterway, owning a boat is part of the Florida lifestyle. But the question we hear most often from Florida boaters is: “How much is boat insurance in Florida?”
The Quick Answer: Boat Insurance in Florida Starts at Just $75/Year
At Barefoot Insurance Brokers, we represent Progressive, Ahoy!, GEICO, and American Integrity, which allows us to compare rates and coverages across multiple top-rated insurers. With Progressive, annual boat insurance policies in Florida start at just $75/year, depending on your boat type, location, and desired coverage.
Why Your Zip Code & Boat Type Matter
The cost of your policy can vary based on:
Boat type (fishing boat, pontoon, sailboat, powerboat, personal watercraft, etc.)
Your zip code and where the boat is stored or used
Coverage limits (liability-only vs. full coverage)
Boating experience & claims history
That’s why it’s important to speak with a marine insurance specialist who can shop around on your behalf.
5 Most Populated Coastal Regions in Florida (With Key Zip Codes)
If you’re in one of Florida’s most populated coastal areas, chances are we’ve helped your neighbors secure better marine coverage at the best price.
1. Miami-Dade County
Main Zip Codes: 33139 (Miami Beach), 33133 (Coconut Grove), 33160 (Aventura)
Popular for center consoles, yachts, and sportfishing boats.
2. Tampa Bay Area (Hillsborough & Pinellas Counties)
Main Zip Codes: 33602 (Tampa), 33701 (St. Petersburg), 34698 (Dunedin)
Great for bay boats, deck boats, and sailboats.
3. Fort Lauderdale / Broward County
Main Zip Codes: 33316 (Harbordale), 33004 (Dania Beach), 33062 (Pompano Beach)
Known as the “Yachting Capital of the World.”
4. Jacksonville / Duval County
Main Zip Codes: 32210, 32223, 32207
Popular for bass boats and cruisers in the St. Johns River and Atlantic coast.
5. Palm Beach County
Main Zip Codes: 33480 (Palm Beach), 33410 (Palm Beach Gardens), 33401 (West Palm Beach)
High demand for coverage on center consoles, luxury vessels, and jet skis.
We Shop Rates for You — So You Don’t Have To
Whether you’re storing your boat in Fort Lauderdale, sailing from St. Pete, or trailering to the Keys, Barefoot Insurance Brokers will compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best protection at the lowest possible cost.
Our team understands that cost is a major concern — and we’re here to help you find coverage that fits your budget without cutting corners on protection.
📞 Call or Email Zack Epstein Today
Zack Epstein is your go-to Florida marine insurance agent and is ready to help you compare policies and get covered fast.
