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New wildfire exclusions are hitting homeowners insurance policies—could Florida be next? Learn what this shift means and how to protect your property today.

Could Wildfire Exclusions Be Coming to Florida? What Homeowners Need to Know to Stay Protected

Whether it's hurricane winds, torrential rains, or the sweltering humidity that makes mold bloom overnight, Florida homeowners are no strangers to the threats Mother Nature throws our way. But there's another risk on the horizon—one you might not expect here in the Sunshine State: wildfire exclusions on your homeowners insurance policy.

A new law in Nevada recently opened the door for insurance companies to exclude wildfire coverage entirely from policies. That’s a huge shift. It moves away from the traditional standard where “fire” is considered one of the most basic covered perils in homeowners insurance. And while this is happening out West, many experts believe this could set a precedent for other states—including Florida.

So what does this mean for you, the Florida homeowner trying to protect your most valuable asset?

Let’s take a deeper dive.

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What’s Happening in Nevada—and Why Florida Should Pay Attention

Nevada's new law (A.B. 376) allows insurance carriers to offer homeowners policies without wildfire coverage. In other words, a policy that once offered baseline protection for any kind of home fire can now draw a sharp line between structure fires (like from faulty wiring or kitchen mishaps) and wildfires.

Why would a state do this?

Insurers argue it’s a response to increasing wildfire claims and associated costs. They say that removing wildfire liability lets them stay financially stable and remain in high-risk markets.

But here’s the kicker: fire damage has traditionally been one of the most foundational coverages in a homeowners insurance policy. It's like buying a car and being told tires aren't included.

Now imagine if that sort of policy shift comes to Florida.

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Florida Isn't a Wildfire State… Or Is It?

Florida may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of wildfires, but we’re no stranger to them. Our dry winter months and periods of extended drought create ideal conditions for brush fires, particularly in inland or rural areas like Ocala, Polk County, and the Panhandle.

And wildfires aren’t just confined to wide open spaces. High winds can carry embers into suburban neighborhoods, igniting roofs, decks, and landscaping.

Example: Consider a homeowner in Clermont who lives bordering a nature preserve. A dry season, a lightning strike, and suddenly there’s a fast-moving brush fire scorching nearby properties. If insurers start excluding wildfire coverage here, that homeowner could face total loss—with no insurance recovery.

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Fire vs. Wildfire: Aren’t They the Same?

At first glance, fire is fire, right? But in insurance terms, how the fire starts can change everything.

• Standard Fire (Typically Covered): Electrical fires, stove flare-ups, or lightning strikes
• Wildfire (May Be Excluded Under Newer Policies): Fires that begin outdoors in natural vegetation and spread across land

It’s like this: You’re covered for flooding from a burst pipe in your home (plumbing), but not from a storm surge unless you have flood insurance. The same logic may soon apply to fires.

And once insurers start parsing out perils this way, you risk finding yourself with coverage gaps at the worst possible moment.

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What This Could Mean for Florida Homeowners

Even though this law is currently limited to Nevada, insurance trends have a way of going national—especially when insurers discover ways to reduce risk and increase profitability. Here are the red flags for Florida residents to look out for:

1. Policy Language Changes

Keep an eye on how your insurer phrases coverage descriptions. If you get a renewal notice or new policy that starts using more precise terms like “domestic fires” or “interior-originating fires,” that’s a clue wildfire coverage may be slipping through the cracks.

2. Increased Use of Endorsements or Exclusions

It’s common in Florida for insurers to itemize windstorm coverage—or require separate deductibles for hurricane damage. Don’t be surprised if wildfire coverage starts moving in that direction too. The key is to read the endorsements (add-ons) and exclusions like a hawk—or better yet, let a Public Adjuster in Florida do that for you.

3. Premium Hikes Without Added Protection

Some insurers may raise rates while offering less comprehensive fire protection. That’s a lose-lose for homeowners, especially in hurricane-prone regions where secondary fire risks are real. (Think downed power lines after a storm sparking neighborhood fires.)

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The Real-World Impact: Why This Matters Beyond Paper Policies

In Florida’s humid climate, water damage is often visible within hours—sometimes followed quickly by mold. Fire damage, especially wildfire, is similar in urgency.

Example situation:
A homeowner in Cape Coral evacuates due to an approaching wildfire sparked in a nearby pine forest. They return to find their home intact but the exterior—including the A/C unit, roof, and pool equipment—damaged by radiant heat and soot.

Now imagine trying to file a claim, only to discover fire damage is “limited” or “excluded” based on the fire's origin.

That’s not just a headache. That’s a financial disaster that could have been avoided with policy awareness and expert help.

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What Florida Homeowners Should Do Right Now

✅ Get a Policy Review

Don’t wait until you smell smoke. Have your current homeowners policy reviewed by a Florida Public Adjuster or independent agent with claim experience. Ask directly: “Do I have full fire coverage—no matter how the fire starts?”

✅ Look for the Fine Print

Wildfire exclusions may not be printed in bold. They’re often nested under "Named Perils" sections or buried in endorsements.

✅ Take Inventory of Vulnerability

Even if you live in a suburban or coastal area, consider your surroundings. Do you back up to wooded land? Do high seasonal winds regularly sweep through your area? These are wildfire risk indicators insurers may use later.

✅ Prepare a Contingency Plan for Denied Claims

If the unthinkable happens and your claim is denied or underpaid, get professional insurance claim help immediately. Public adjusters work for you—not the insurance company—and know how to fight back effectively.

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Call Us Before the Fire Starts

Insurance is supposed to be your safety net—not a surprise trapdoor. If you’re unsure whether your policy truly protects you from all forms of fire damage—or if you’re already in the middle of a confusing claim—don’t wait to get help.

Call us today at [Insert Phone Number] for a free, no-obligation policy or claim review. We’ll help you understand what your policy really covers and fight to get you the compensation you deserve if the worst happens.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do Florida homeowners policies currently exclude wildfire coverage?

No, wildfire is typically covered under standard Florida homeowners policies. However, the trend in other states could influence future policy changes here.

2. How can I tell if wildfire is excluded in my policy?

Look for exclusions under the "Perils Not Covered" section or for any endorsements modifying fire coverage. When in doubt, consult a Public Adjuster in Florida.

3. Are wildfires a real risk in coastal Florida?

While inland Florida sees more brush fires, strong winds can carry embers even to coastal or suburban areas, making wildfire damage a growing concern statewide.

4. Will filing a fire-related claim raise my insurance premium?

It can, depending on your insurer and claim history. However, the cost of not filing when eligible can be much higher. Always speak with a claim expert before filing.

5. What's the difference between a public adjuster and an insurance agent?

An insurance agent works for the insurance company. A public adjuster works for you, helping document losses, file claims, and negotiate a fair payout.

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Reference: This article was inspired by a piece from Derek Chaiken. You can read the original post here.