Wildfire Risk in Florida: How Your HO-3 Home Insurance Protects You

Florida may be famous for its tropical rainstorms, but in 2025, we’re facing something very different — a serious drought. Across the state, dry conditions are intensifying, leaving our landscapes brittle and vulnerable. These drought conditions dramatically increase the risk of brushfires and wildfires, especially in suburban and rural communities where vegetation is dry and plentiful.

At North Broward Insurance Solutions, we want every Florida homeowner to understand how their insurance policy — specifically an HO-3 homeowner’s policy — can protect them in the event of a devastating wildfire.

Key Coverages on Your HO-3 Policy That Could Help After a Wildfire

1. Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A)
   This is the heart of your homeowner’s insurance. If your home is damaged or completely destroyed by fire, your dwelling coverage helps pay for the cost to rebuild or repair your home, up to your policy limit. With the extreme fire risk we’re now facing in Florida, ensuring you have adequate dwelling limits is more important than ever.

2. Other Structures Coverage (Coverage B)
   Do you have a detached garage, shed, or fence? These structures are also vulnerable to wildfire damage. Your HO-3 policy extends protection to other structures on your property, typically for up to 10% of your dwelling limit.

3. Personal Property Coverage (Coverage C)
   Fires don’t just destroy the building — they destroy what’s inside, too. Personal property coverage helps replace your furniture, electronics, clothing, and other belongings lost to a fire. You’ll want to ensure your policy is written with replacement cost coverage, not depreciated value.

4. Loss of Use / Additional Living Expenses (Coverage D)
   If your home becomes uninhabitable due to wildfire damage, your HO-3 policy covers the cost of temporary housing, food, and other living expenses while repairs are made. In today’s market, where rental costs are high, this coverage can make a huge difference in getting your life back on track.

5. Liability Protection (Coverage E)
   Wildfires can spread unpredictably. If a fire originating on your property damages a neighbor’s home or injures someone, your personal liability coverage can help protect you from lawsuits and claims.

6. Medical Payments to Others (Coverage F)
   If a guest is injured on your property during a wildfire-related event, your HO-3 policy can help pay for their medical expenses, regardless of fault.

Why It Matters Right Now

Florida’s drought conditions in 2025 are among the worst we’ve seen in years. Counties across the state are issuing burn bans and warning residents about the risk of fast-moving brushfires. With winds picking up and vegetation drying out, fires can spread rapidly — even into well-developed neighborhoods.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Now is the time to review your homeowner’s policy to make sure you’re properly protected. Are your dwelling limits enough to rebuild at today’s construction costs? Do you have full replacement cost coverage for your belongings? Are your additional living expenses limits realistic?

At North Broward Insurance Solutions, we’re here to help you answer all these questions and more.

👉 Contact Allie Horblitt today to schedule a free policy review: 📞 786-440-8242
📧 [email protected]

In this unpredictable season, make sure your home — and your family — are fully protected.