If you're a homeowner in Florida, you know how heat, humidity, and storms are regular hazards to endure. This can increase wear and tear on your home appliances and system, and repairs or replacements can hit your budget hard if you don't have a home warranty provider.
In this article, Sunday Odudu, a renovations and insurance specialist, shares which home warranties can best bear surprise repair costs. Since providers vary widely in coverage, service, and customer service, we researched and evaluated our best home warranty companies in Florida to help you find the right one.
» Check out our picks for the best home warranty companies for plumbing coverage.
Our Top 5 Best Home Warranty Companies in Florida in 2024:
- Choice Home Warranty - Best home warranty company in Florida overall
- Select Home Warranty - Best for affordable full coverage
- American Home Shield - Best for quick claims and unique benefits
- Liberty Home Guard - Best for various coverage options
- Home Warranty of America - Best for comprehensive appliance coverage
How We Reviewed the Best Home Warranty Companies in Florida - Our Methodology
Guided by Sunday Odudu, a licensed lead insurance producer, renovations specialist, and home warranty professional, our methodology facilitates an in-depth review of our best home warranty companies in Florida.
Evaluation Process
Our experts evaluate each provider and read extensive customer reviews to ensure our reviews reflect real policyholder experiences and service quality. We researched each provider's coverage, combining home insurance industry insights, academic studies, and the needs of Floridian homeowners.
Finally, we compared our top picks' unique strengths and key differentiators for a comprehensive evaluation.
Evaluation Criteria
- Coverage details: We scrutinized each provider's policy coverage, payout limits, add-ons, and exclusions.
- Claims process: We assessed policyholder reviews to determine the ease and speed of the claims process.
- Service quality: We analyzed service provider quality and timeliness based on customer feedback.
- Reputation: We examined each company's reputation and accreditation using industry standards.
- Pricing: We evaluated premium costs, looking for affordability and value.
- Customer satisfaction: We compiled policyholder reviews and complaints to gauge satisfaction.
A Closer Look at Our Best Home Warranty Companies in Florida in 2024: Our Quick Reviews
1. Choice Home Warranty
Best home warranty company in Florida overall
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Offering affordable coverage and responsive service
- Best for - Round-the-clock support
- Average annual premium - $420-$720
- Contractors - 25,000 licensed contractors
- Service call fee - $100
- Service requests - 24/7 online and by phone
Choice Home Warranty covers old appliances as long as you regularly maintain them. This is ideal for Florida, where colonial- and precolonial-era houses with older appliances are common in places like Key West, Miami, and St. Augustine.
Compared to other providers, Choice Home Warranty's $720-a-year Total Plan is one of the most affordable top-tier policies that covers air conditioners. ACs struggle to keep up with the hot South Florida climate and are more likely to break down after prolonged use.
Why we chose Choice Home Warranty: We like Choice Home Warranty for its 24/7, year-round service availability. You also don't have to pay additional service fees for follow-up appointments for faulty repairs.
Client perspective: Allan (38) from Tampa found the customer service "courteous and helpful" in resolving his claim. After an online query, he received consistent follow-ups by phone, leaving him "confident the issue would be resolved."
Choice Home Warranty Plans and Coverage
Pros
- Offers a 30-day guarantee on covered repairs
- Low annual price for the complete protection plan
- Easy to file an online claim
Cons
- Expensive base cost for service fees
- Limited add-on coverage
2. Select Home Warranty
Best for affordable full coverage
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Facilitating easy repair claims
- Best for - Roof leak coverage
- Average annual premium - $432–$765
- Contractors - 10,000 in-network
- Service call fee - $60–$75
- Service requests - 24/7 online and by phone
Select Home Warranty offers competitively priced plans and discounts, such as two free months of coverage when paying upfront. It also offers free roof leak coverage, which is crucial for anticipating Florida's heavy rains.
Florida has one of the country's highest numbers of people living in mobile homes. This makes Select Home Warranty ideal for low-income residents. For just $36/month, you get affordable coverage on essential appliances like refrigerators and microwaves with the Bronze Care plan.
Why we chose Select Home Warranty: You can file as many claims as you need with Select Home Warranty; it provides unlimited repairs on your home's systems and appliances.
Client perspective: According to Jeff (46) from Orlando, "Select Home Warranty always works with great reputable companies that arrive and repair the covered item in most cases the same day." Overall, he finds Select Home Warranty technicians to be "efficient and effective."
Select Home Warranty Plans and Coverage
Pros
Many add-ons available
Discounts on multiyear contracts
Free roof leak coverage
Cons
Low coverage limits
Doesn't cover preexisting conditions
3. American Home Shield
Best for quick claims and unique benefits
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Preventing your appliances from breaking down in the first place
- Best for - Flexible plans
- Average annual premium - $479.88–$1,080
- Contractors - 17,000 vetted contractors
- Service call fee - $75–$125
- Service requests - 24/7 online and by phone
American Home Shield covers repairs even if they're caused by a lack of maintenance, which is often a requirement with many other providers. This means you don't need to perform the recommended regular upkeep for appliances and systems, like changing furnace filters or servicing an HVAC system.
American Home Shield is one of only a few providers that covers rust and corrosion. Florida is the most humid state in the country, and the increased moisture in the air can shorten the lifespan of electronics through rust and corrosion.
Why we chose American Home Shield: American Home Shield uniquely provides sample contracts that show precisely what you can expect from their services. It's often difficult to get transparency on your home warranty contract without getting a quote or speaking to a sales representative.
Client perspective: Long-time American Home Shield member from Coral Gables Esther (57) always found the service request process "user-friendly and contractors professional, knowledgeable, and thorough in cleaning up after service calls."
American Home Shield Plans and Coverage
Pros
Covers preexisting conditions
Over 50 years of industry experience
Covers rust and corrosion damage
Cons
No appliance-only plan
Limited add-on options compared to competitors
» Get affordable coverage with these American Home Shield alternatives.
4. Liberty Home Guard
Best for various coverage options
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Provides flexible plans tailored to Florida homeowners
- Best for - Quality service
- Average annual premium - $600–$750
- Contractors - 10,000 in-network
- Service call fee - $65–$125
- Service requests - 24/7 online and by phone
Liberty Home Guard has many add-ons for appliances and systems that aren't part of their base plans. For example, it has optional pest control coverage for cockroaches, which are especially common in Florida due to the hot and tropical climate.
Why we chose Liberty Home Guard: With a 60-day workmanship guarantee on repairs, it has a dedicated 24/7 emergency service to handle urgent AC and plumbing issues promptly.
Client perspective: Celine (32) from Miami had "a great customer service experience with Liberty Home Guard representatives." They answered her questions "respectfully and remained patient throughout the interaction."
Liberty Home Guard Plans and Coverage
Pros
Provides round-the-clock assistance through their emergency service
Excellent customer service reviews
You can get two free months with annual billing
Cons
Pest control plan doesn't include termite damage
Doesn't cover preexisting conditions
5. Home Warranty of America
Best for comprehensive appliance coverage
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Putting your needs first with high coverage limits
- Best for - Comprehensive policies
- Average annual premium - $553–$720
- Contractors - N/A
- Service call fee - $50–$100
- Service requests - 24/7 online and by phone
Home Warranty of America covers up to 30 major appliances and systems, including cooling necessities like air conditioning units, ductwork, and ceiling fans. You can also add optional coverage for your pool and spa, which is vital in a state with the most swimming pools in the country.
For a small monthly fee, you can add Green Plus to your plan and get an ENERGY STAR-certified appliance if you need a replacement. This will help you save even more money on electricity bills for replaced refrigerators, dishwashers, and water heaters.
Why we chose Home Warranty of America: Some of the Home Warranty of America's plans cater specifically to condos and smaller townhomes popular in coastal areas like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Tampa. Home Warranty of America also doesn't require a home inspection for you to qualify for a policy.
Client perspective: When Craig (43) from Fort Lauderdale's heater stopped working, he called Home Warranty of America, and it was fixed and working again within 6 hours. He felt the "online claims process was easy, and the service was well worth the cost."
Home Warranty of America Plans and Coverage
Pros
30-day money-back guarantee
Covers unique items like saltwater pools
High coverage limits
Cons
- May offer cash Instead of repair or replacement
- Mixed customer reviews
Compare the Best Home Warranty Companies in Florida:
What Is a Home Warranty?
Home warranties fill in the gaps by including the things not covered by home insurance, such as failures from regular use. A home warranty is a policy that protects you from large, unexpected home repair expenses, such as the cost of dealing with water damage from plumbing issues.
As the homeowner, you pay a monthly premium to the warranty provider. In return, they send a repair technician and cover the cost of items that break down in your home. You just have to pay a preset deductible amount per claim.
Unlike home insurance for external damage, a home warranty covers breakdowns of appliances and systems from normal wear and tear. Depending on your contract, plans can cover items like kitchen appliances, air conditioners, and electrical systems.
The best home warranties for homeowners cover repair and replacement costs. It shields you against expensive breakdowns of your AC, water heater, garage door opener, and more.
Why You Need a Home Warranty in Florida
Florida experiences 80 thunderstorms per year, and the warm climate causes higher-than-average wear and tear on home appliances and systems. And when appliances fail or pipes leak, repairs can cost a small fortune without coverage. While consistent maintenance helps avoid common home repair costs, a home warranty can handle unexpected repairs.
Regulations and Specifics for Florida
In Florida, home warranties fall under the jurisdiction of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, and providers must follow the Home Service Contract Act, which is enforced by the state's Department of Financial Services.
Under the Act, providers must be licensed and be clear about item coverages and exclusions. They also have to prove they're financially stable and follow state rules on advertising and sales. These regulations promote transparency and accountability in the Florida home warranty industry.
» Look out for these red flags when buying a new home.
How to Choose a Home Warranty in Florida
As the customer, you should carefully review a contract to confirm it has the coverage you need. Here are some tips for choosing a good home warranty company in Florida:
- Check coverage for AC units: Florida's heat means frequent AC repairs, so robust AC coverage is a must. Look for companies that cover older units if you have one.
- Look for coverage of pest damage: Bugs thrive in Florida and can cause costly damage, so pest coverage is essential. Some pests you should get home warranty coverage for include termites, ants, roaches, and more.
- Ensure quick emergency repairs: In Florida heat, you can't wait long without AC or other vital systems, so look for rapid emergency service.
- Read recent policyholder reviews: This gives insight into current customer service, response times, and claims experiences specific to Florida.
How Much a Home Warranty Costs
Florida's home warranty costs vary depending on several factors, including:
Coverage Level
Basic plans typically cover major appliances like HVAC and plumbing systems, while more comprehensive plans might include pool, roof, or septic protection. Naturally, broader coverage increases costs.
Deductibles
This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before the warranty kicks in. Higher deductibles translate to lower monthly premiums, but you'll shoulder more repair costs initially.
Home Size and Age
The cost of coverage is higher for a larger and older home, but the benefits of a home warranty for an older home are clear. A home warranty provides valuable protection by covering repairs for costly failures of appliances, HVAC, plumbing, and more.
Location
Costs often differ across Florida's diverse regions, with urban areas generally seeing higher prices. Major urban centers like Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville, with higher populations and housing density, tend to have higher home warranty costs. In contrast, more rural areas and small towns generally have lower prices.
Warranty Provider
Final costs depend on the company you choose and your unique needs. Compare quotes from multiple providers, as each company has its unique pricing structure. You can expect to pay between $540 to $660 annually ($45 to $55) for a home warranty plan while service call fees vary between $60 and $125.
Invest in Peace of Mind
When protecting your home and budget in Florida's harsh climate, a home warranty is a wise investment. Choose one that offers comprehensive coverage, quality service, and responsive support.
With the proper coverage from a reputable provider, you can enjoy true peace of mind knowing you're prepared for whatever breakdowns and repairs come your way.
» Check out these tips to follow when buying expensive appliances.
FAQs
Why get a Florida home warranty?
Florida's hot climate and hurricanes take a toll on homes, causing extra wear and tear on essential systems like air conditioning and appliances that have to work overtime. A home warranty can help you save on repair bills by covering the cost of fixing or replacing whatever breaks down, and it covers what regular home insurance doesn't.
What’s the average home warranty cost in Florida?
The average cost for a home warranty in Florida ranges from $45 to $55 per month or $540 to $660 annually. This cost varies by area within the state.
What’s the typical home warranty coverage period?
Home warranty plans typically last for one to two years, with the exact length depending on the provider. Most contracts have a 30-day waiting period before coverage kicks in, as preexisting issues are not usually covered.
What is statute 634.346 in Florida?
Florida law requires home warranty providers to offer optional additional coverage for air conditioning units, even if wear and tear failures are excluded. This supplemental AC coverage, as specified in Section 634.346 of Florida Statutes, covers the replacement of working AC components by charging an extra premium.
