We’re Entering Peak Hurricane Season: Why Florida & Georgia Homeowners Should Quote Flood Insurance Now
Even if August felt “quiet,” hurricane season is only now reaching its busiest stretch. Historically, the Atlantic peaks around September 10, with the most activity from mid-August through mid-October. (NOAA)
This year’s outlook reinforces the point: NOAA’s August update continues to call for an above-normal season with 13–18 named storms, 5–9 hurricanes, and 2–5 major hurricanes. (NOAA, Climate Prediction Center) In August alone we saw Dexter, Erin, and Fernand—systems that mostly stayed offshore but underline how quickly conditions can ramp up as we enter the seasonal peak. (Yale Climate Connections, New York Post, AccuWeather)
And the National Hurricane Center continues to monitor new disturbances in the tropical Atlantic as warm sea-surface temperatures fuel development—recent outlooks showed medium-to-high formation odds within a week. (National Hurricane Center, FOX 13 Tampa Bay, Miami Herald)
Why Consider Private Flood Insurance Today?
Whether you live on the coast or well inland in places like Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Port St. John/Cocoa, Jacksonville, Savannah, or the Atlanta suburbs, flood risk is spreading with heavier rain events and rapid-onset flooding. Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood.
Barefoot Insurance Brokers represents 23+ flood insurance carriers across multiple states—including Florida and Georgia—so we can shop options quickly and match coverage to your property and budget.
Neptune Flood Advantage: Shorter Waiting Periods
A key reason to act now: Neptune Flood (one of our private-market partners) generally has a 10-day waiting period, with no wait if you’re purchasing for a real estate closing or rolling over an existing flood policy. The NFIP typically requires 30 days. That difference can mean everything if a storm forms next week. (Neptune Flood)
Who Needs Flood Insurance?
Homes in Special Flood Hazard Areas (AE, VE): Your lender may require coverage, but you still choose which policy.
“X-zone” & inland properties: A “low-to-moderate” map label doesn’t mean “no risk.” Many claims come from outside high-risk zones.
Condominium & townhome owners: An HOA master policy (if any) may not fully protect the interior of your unit or personal property.
Landlords & investors: Protect rental income and unit interiors; some private policies include optional enhancements.
What Can Private Flood Insurance Cover?
While details vary by carrier, private flood options commonly include:
Dwelling/Building coverage (often with higher limits than NFIP)
Contents coverage (replacement cost options may be available)
Additional living expenses (when a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable)
Loss of rent for investment properties (where available)
Flexible deductibles to tailor price vs. protection
Because coverage terms vary by insurer, we’ll compare forms from multiple carriers (including NFIP) to find the right fit for your property and risk tolerance.
Timing Matters: Don’t Wait for the Cone
Recent systems—Dexter, Erin, and Fernand—developed and intensified over open water with shifting tracks. That’s typical this time of year; storms can spin up and turn quickly, and policy waiting periods still apply once a disturbance is on the map. Secure coverage before there’s a named threat near Florida or Georgia. (Yale Climate Connections, New York Post, AccuWeather)
Quick FAQs
Is flood insurance required? Lenders often require it in high-risk zones, but many owners choose coverage voluntarily due to growing inland and urban flood risks.
How long is the waiting period?
Neptune Flood: typically 10 days; 0 days for closings or policy rollovers. (Neptune Flood)
Why is everyone saying the season was ‘quiet’? A slower early season is normal. The long-term climatology shows activity peaks now, around September 10. (NOAA)
What’s the current forecast? NOAA’s August 7, 2025 update still expects 13–18 named storms, 5–9 hurricanes, and 2–5 major hurricanes this season. (NOAA, Climate Prediction Center)
Get a Flood Quote in Minutes
Barefoot Insurance Brokers can quote private flood (including Neptune Flood) and NFIP side-by-side for homes and condos across Florida and Georgia. With 23+ flood carriers, we’ll help you compare coverage, waiting periods, deductibles, and pricing—so you’re protected before the next advisory.
Service area: Florida & Georgia (and additional states via our carrier network)
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Craig Appleman is a Licensed Independent Insurance Agent with Barefoot Insurance Brokers, bringing 12 years of experience in personal lines coverage to Florida homeowners and families. His areas of expertise include flood insurance, homeowners insurance, personal umbrella policies, and auto insurance. Craig is known for helping clients navigate complex risk exposures with clarity and confidence. You can reach him directly at craig@barefootins.com or call/text 954-637-3481 to discuss your insurance needs.
FR-44 Insurance Made Simple with Barefoot Insurance Brokers
If you’ve been convicted of DUI in Florida and need an FR-44 filing to reinstate your driver license, Barefoot Insurance Brokers can help—quickly and affordably. We shop a broad network of Florida carriers that file FR-44s so you get a competitive price without the hassle. Based in Broward & Brevard, we serve drivers in Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, and Margate every day.
What is an FR-44?
An FR-44 is a certificate your insurer files with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) to prove you carry higher-than-standard liability limits after certain alcohol-related convictions (like DUI). In Florida, FR-44 policies must carry at least $100,000 / $300,000 for bodily injury liability and $50,000 for property damage (or a $350,000 combined single limit) and must be maintained for 3 years after license reinstatement.
SR-22 vs. FR-44: Both are proof-of-insurance filings, but an FR-44 requires higher liability limits than an SR-22 because it’s tied to DUI convictions. In some states, an alcohol related conviction is handled through an SR22 but Florida requires the heightened FR44 insurance requirement.
Who needs an FR44 Insurance Filing in Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek & Margate?
If a Broward County court record shows a DUI conviction and your license is suspended, you’ll need an FR-44 on an active Florida auto policy (or a qualifying non-owner policy if you don’t own a car) before FLHSMV will reinstate your driving privilege. This needs to be maintained for 3 continuous years to satisfy the requirement.
What affects your FR-44 price?
Driving record & violation history
Vehicle type and garaging ZIP (e.g., 33065, 33071, 33076, 33063, 33066, 33068)
Coverage selections & deductibles
Prior insurance and any lapses
Because rates vary widely between companies, shopping multiple FR-44 carriers is the #1 way to save. That’s where we come in. We work with Bristol West, Kemper, Progressive, National General, GEICO and Dairyland — all of the most competitive insurance providers of the FR44 filing in Florida.
Why Barefoot Insurance Brokers
We shop the market: We compare rates across many Florida carriers that file FR-44s to target the most competitive price for your situation.
Fast filing: We coordinate the FR-44 electronic filing to help you move from quote → bind → filing with minimal downtime. (Processing times vary by carrier.)
Owner & non-owner FR-44 options: Whether you own a vehicle or just need to satisfy the requirement to drive, we’ll guide you to the right policy type.
Local guidance: Clear, judgment-free help from a Florida independent agency that knows Broward and the surrounding areas.
What you’ll need to get started
Driver license number and DUI details (conviction/reinstatement dates)
Vehicle information (if you own one)
Address in Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, Margate or elsewhere in FL
Prior insurance info (if any)
FAQs
How long do I need to keep the FR-44? Three years from the date you reinstate your privilege. If you cancel or lapse during that period, your license can be suspended again.
What limits are required? At least 100/300/50 or a $350,000 combined single limit, per FLHSMV. Choosing higher limits can better protect your assets.
Is a non-owner FR-44 available? Yes—if you don’t own a car, a non-owner liability policy can often satisfy the filing requirement. (Availability/eligibility vary by carrier; we’ll advise case-by-case.)
Ready to file your FR-44 in Broward?
Call Barefoot Insurance Brokers at 954-368-0060 or start at barefootins.com. We’ll compare the market for you and file the FR-44 fast—so you can focus on moving forward.
Sources: Key FR-44 requirements from FLHSMV (liability limits and 3-year maintenance) flhsmv.gov
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.
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.
After nearly a decade of financial instability, Florida’s property insurance market is finally posting profits—for the first time in eight years. According to a recent article from PropertyCasualty360, insurers across the state have reported positive net income, reflecting improved underwriting discipline, rate adequacy, and fewer catastrophic losses in recent years.
One particularly eye-catching headline is the reported $21 million salary of Slide Insurance CEO Bruce Lucas in 2024, signaling renewed profitability and confidence among private insurers in Florida’s volatile property insurance landscape.
While increased profitability is a positive sign for the long-term health of the industry, many Florida homeowners and business owners are left wondering: Why aren’t my insurance premiums going down?
The answer lies in the larger economic context. Several factors are currently keeping property insurance costs elevated in 2025:
📦 Trade tariffs and global economic uncertainty are driving up the cost of building materials.
🧱 Labor shortages and inflation are impacting repair and replacement costs.
🔍 Insurers continue to account for litigation risk and reinsurance expenses, especially in coastal markets like Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, and Margate.
These pressures are keeping premiums from dropping—even as carriers improve their bottom lines.
What Can Florida Policyholders Do?
At Barefoot Insurance Brokers, we understand how confusing and frustrating the current insurance environment can be. That’s why our licensed agents work with clients across Brevard County, Broward County, and the Treasure Coast to help navigate:
📄 Property insurance policy sublimits and exclusions
🌊 The difference between water damage and flood coverage
📊 Premium comparisons across multiple carriers
🛠️ Coverage options that align with local construction and replacement costs
Whether you’re in Cocoa, Port St. John, Margate, Coral Springs, or Hutchinson Island, we’re here to help you make sense of your policy and identify opportunities to optimize your coverage and costs.
📞 Contact Us for a Personalized Policy Review
If you’re concerned about rising insurance premiums or want to better understand what your current policy covers, reach out to Craig Appleman at craig@barefootins.com. We’re happy to offer a no-obligation review of your Florida homeowners or property insurance policy.
