Home insurance in Port St. Lucie

The average annual cost of home insurance in Florida is approximately $9,426^*. However, the average cost of coverage in Port St. Lucie may be slightly lower due to the city’s inland position and newer housing developments, which often have hurricane-resistant construction.

^{*Based on the average cost of coverage for a home with a $350,000 replacement cost value, based on Consumer Federation of America data.}

How much you pay for home insurance in Port St. Lucie depends on a range of factors, including:

• Roof age and type (newer roofs may qualify for discounts)

• Hurricane mitigation features like impact windows or shutters

• Construction year and compliance with updated building codes

• Local windstorm exposure

• Your claims history, as well as that of the home and location-specific loss trends

• Amount and type of coverage you choose
• Distance from emergency services and fire departments

Your exact coverage needs will depend on your property, risk tolerance, and any locationally relevant risks. However, when selecting a coverage amount, remember the following tips. 

• Dwelling coverage should be equal to 100% of the home’s rebuild cost.

• Personal property coverage should cover the value of insurable belongings in your home, and it is typically set to around 50–70% of the dwelling coverage limit.

• Liability protection limits should be high enough to protect your assets (e.g., real estate, vehicles, savings, investment accounts) should you be sued after a covered incident. 

• Loss of use coverage is generally set at 20% and can help you cover the cost of living essentials, like lodging and meals, if your home is uninhabitable after a covered event. 
• Medical payments coverage is often set at $1,000 or $5,000 and will cover minor medical expenses if a guest is injured on your property, regardless of who is at fault. 

Home insurance exclusions and limits can vary by policy and provider, but a standard policy typically does not cover: 

• Flood damage

• Sinkhole or earthquake damage 

• Replacement of systems, materials, or components due to gradual deterioration and wear

• Damage from pests such as termites or rodents

• Most cases of mold, mildew, and rot

Given the risks of flooding, tropical storms, and hurricane-related wind damage in Port St. Lucie, homeowners should consider:

• Flood insurance. Covers damage caused by overflowing bodies of water, storm surges, and severe storms. 

• Water backup and sump overflow. Pays for damage caused by a backed-up sewer or failed sump pump. 

• Ordinance or law coverage. Will help cover the additional costs of repairs required to meet building codes after a covered loss. 

• Extended replacement cost coverage. Extends your dwelling coverage to accommodate labor and material cost surges that typically occur after a natural disaster. 

Home insurance isn’t legally required anywhere in Florida, but mortgage lenders often mandate it as part of a loan agreement. Flood insurance may also be required if the home is in a designated high-risk flood zone.

Maintaining a policy is usually a good idea even if you don't need home insurance. After a significant loss, a home insurance policy can help you pay to repair, rebuild, or otherwise replace your property.  Without it, you'll need to cover those costs out of pocket.