[movieking]

I haven't lived in FL since 2000, back then insurance wasn't too expensive... just how bad is it now? I am not going to be buying a $500,00 house, much less (ready to take advantage of a "motivated seller")... thinking of the west coast (Ft. Myers/Naples or St Pete/Tampa area).

[macguy]

Originally Posted by movieking

I haven't lived in FL since 2000, back then insurance wasn't too expensive... just how bad is it now? I am not going to be buying a $500,00 house, much less (ready to take advantage of a "motivated seller")... thinking of the west coast (Ft. Myers/Naples or St Pete/Tampa area).

Probably quite a bit, but if you are coming here for the long haul, I think it is going the get better. I would not be afraid to buy if it was a great deal and where I wanted to live.

[movieking]

Is quite a bit $3,000 a year or $10,000?

[macguy]

Originally Posted by movieking

Is quite a bit $3,000 a year or $10,000?

I personaly do not know anybody paying $10,000 a year. Don't be surprised at like $4500. though. That seems to be a pretty middle of the road figure from the people I know.

[Christian11]

Originally Posted by movieking

I haven't lived in FL since 2000, back then insurance wasn't too expensive... just how bad is it now? I am not going to be buying a $500,00 house, much less (ready to take advantage of a "motivated seller")... thinking of the west coast (Ft. Myers/Naples or St Pete/Tampa area).

Expect to pay up to $20k per year, specially if you are 100 ft (or yards) from the coastline.

You sometimes pay for insurance and the company drops your coverage and take your $.

Cheers!

[chisoxfan]

In my neighborhood two miles from the coast (where Citizens, the insurer of last resort, is the only option), premiums are running anywhere from $2,000-$5,000. Those at the lower end of that scale are homes with shutters, high-impact garage doors and hip-shaped roofs, all of which you get discounts for (although the discounts aren't as much as they should be for well-protected homes).
These rates are scheduled to double next year, but I agree with a previous poster that things might get better in the long term. Also, southeast Florida's rates, on average, are the highest in the state. Moving to the west coast, you might do a bit better.

[kswen]

Hi! We just bought a 2,000 sq. ft. house about a half mile from the ocean in Satellite Beach. We were able to get private insurance, not Citizens, and we are paying 3,600 a year.for the maxium insurance, it could be about 600 cheaper if we had chosen a little less coverage. However, our old neighbors in South Florida who live 25 minutes from the ocean and have a1500 sq. ft. house just got an increase from 1900 a year to 3900...more than we pay beachside! South Florida insurance, home and auto, is much more than central and north florida. Hope this helps!

[Karla with a K]

you might want to look at NE Florida
the Insurance seems to be allot less up here
we are paying $932 for a 2100 sq ft house
You will be able to get a really really nice house for the money you want to spend

[willbo1]

Originally Posted by movieking

I haven't lived in FL since 2000, back then insurance wasn't too expensive... just how bad is it now? I am not going to be buying a $500,00 house, much less (ready to take advantage of a "motivated seller")... thinking of the west coast (Ft. Myers/Naples or St Pete/Tampa area).

I live in St. Pete, about a mile from the bayfront and 15 minutes from the Gulf, very close to downtown. I pay about $3200 via Citizens. I am not in a flood zone but additional flood coverage is about $300/year.

Also, I am a "motivated seller"! Need to relocate due to a family situation. 3 bedroom, 2 bath remolded in 2005. Price is in the $375k range. PM me if interested.

[verobeach]

If you buy a newer home and you are up to code, you don't put in frequent claims, you have an alarm system, and you choose a reasonable deductible, it will be reasonable. $1500 on a $400,000 home.