Homeowners in Florida who have received a notification from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, the state-supported insurer of last resort, must be aware of a critical deadline. By November 5, they need to choose a new insurance provider as part of a policy transfer program. Failing to respond might result in Citizens selecting a private insurance company on their behalf.
The official schedule, updated on March 26, 2026, outlines that the deadline of November 5 pertains to policies scheduled for transfer on November 17. Citizens sent out the selection letters on September 28, urging recipients to carefully review the details and make a timely decision.
It's important to note that this deadline isn't a blanket policy for all Citizens policyholders nor is it a new insurance law. It is part of the Depopulation Program aimed at shifting policies from Citizens to private market insurers.
Understanding the Depopulation Program
This program allows private insurers to offer to take over policies currently managed by Citizens, which serves as Florida's insurer of last resort. Homeowners receive information packages detailing available offers, estimated renewal premiums, and coverage comparisons.
If a homeowner does not reply by the November 5 deadline, Citizens will assign their policy to the private company with the lowest estimated premium. If there's only one offer, the policy may be transferred to that insurer, provided all conditions are met. Not responding doesn’t mean the policy remains with Citizens.
Choosing to Stay with Citizens
Not every policyholder has the option to stay with Citizens. If a private offer is within 20% of Citizens' estimated renewal premium, the policy may no longer be eligible to remain with the state insurer. For example, if Citizens' renewal estimate is $3,000, a private offer of $3,600 falls within the acceptable range.
The selection must be expressly registered before the deadline if staying with Citizens is an option. Failure to do so might lead to future transfer offers, requiring further decisions.
How to Make Your Selection Online
Homeowners can access Citizens' online portal to make their insurance selection. They’ll need their policy number and registration code from the letter. Alternatively, a policyholder can contact their insurance agent for assistance in reviewing offers and submitting their decision.
Before deciding, Citizens advises analyzing coverage comparisons, not just premium prices. Consider deductibles, indemnity limits, exclusions, hurricane protections, and other policy terms. Renewal premiums are estimates and not guaranteed to remain unchanged.
After the Policy Transfer
The assumption date is when a private insurer takes over the selected policy, distinct from the annual renewal date. Once a transfer is complete, it is final, with no 30-day period to return to Citizens.
However, if a scheduled transfer doesn't proceed, the policy stays with Citizens, but it could be reconsidered in future rounds. Another deadline on December 4 involves a new group receiving letters on October 28, with decisions due by December 4 and transfers scheduled for December 15, 2026.
Given these timelines, owners might receive communications with varying deadlines. Confirming with an agent which company proposes to take over the policy and the real options for staying is crucial before deciding.
For assistance, Citizens offers support at 866-411-2742 and further information on their residential policy transfer program online. This initiative is part of Florida's efforts to shift policies from Citizens to the private market, reducing the state's insurance burden.
This situation is separate from flood claim issues or measures during hurricanes. The focus here is on homeowners making informed decisions about policy transfers, as non-response can impact which insurer takes over their policy.
The transfer of Citizens' policies comes amidst changes in Florida's insurance market. In October, Kin Insurance announced rate reductions over 20% for South Florida, and Citizens' policy numbers dropped from 1.4 million in 2023 to 266,231 by August 2026. Recently, two more insurers have reduced home and condo insurance rates, although these changes don't ensure lower premiums for transfer program participants.
Key Information About Citizens Insurance Transfers
What is the deadline for choosing a new insurance provider if I received a letter from Citizens?
The deadline to select a new insurance company is November 5, 2026. Failing to respond by this date may result in Citizens assigning your policy to a private insurer.
Can I choose to remain with Citizens Property Insurance?
Not all policyholders can stay with Citizens. If a private offer is within 20% of the Citizens' estimated renewal premium, the policy may lose eligibility to remain with the state insurer.
How can I register my insurance choice online?
You can register your choice on Citizens' official selection portal using your policy number and registration code found in the letter. Alternatively, contact your insurance agent for assistance.
What happens if I don't respond by the deadline?
If you don't respond, Citizens will assign your policy to the private company with the lowest estimated premium. If only one offer exists, the policy may go to that insurer, given conditions are met.