Coverage basics
Condo damage in Florida: your policy, the association’s and assessments
How a Florida condo owner’s HO-6 policy works with the association’s master policy, what loss assessment coverage is, and the deadlines to keep in mind.
By Ricardo Arevalo, Florida Public Adjuster · Published
Two policies around one unit
In a Florida condominium, the association insures the building under its master policy, and each owner insures what that policy does not, usually with a unit owner policy known as HO-6. Which parts of the unit fall on each side depends on the declaration of condominium, Florida’s condominium law and both policies.
What an HO-6 policy commonly covers
Unit owner policies vary, but they often include:
- Interior finishes and improvements the association’s policy does not cover, such as flooring, cabinets and fixtures, depending on the declaration
- Your personal property
- Loss of use while the unit cannot be lived in
- Loss assessment coverage, for your share of an association assessment after a covered loss
Florida law makes the unit owner’s policy excess over any other policy that covers the same property.
Loss assessment coverage
When the association’s insurance does not pay a loss in full, for example because of a large hurricane deductible, the association may levy a special assessment on the owners. Section 627.714 requires unit owner policies to include at least $2,000 of loss assessment coverage, with a deductible of no more than $250, for losses of a type the owner’s policy covers. Higher limits are often available.
Notice of a loss assessment claim must be given within 1 year after the date of loss or within 90 days after the association votes the assessment, whichever is later, and no later than 3 years after the date of loss.
Water from another unit
Leaks often start in one unit and damage others or the common areas. Write down where the water came from, notify the association and the neighbor in writing, and report the loss to your insurer. Your insurer, the neighbor’s insurer and the association’s insurer may each have a role, so keep copies of every report and letter.
Documents to gather
A condo claim review usually starts with:
- Your HO-6 declarations page and policy
- The insurance and maintenance sections of the declaration of condominium
- Association notices, meeting minutes and any assessment letter
- Photos, plumbing or mitigation reports and repair estimates
Frequently asked questions
Who pays for water damage in a Florida condo?
It depends on where the water came from, which parts were damaged, the declaration of condominium and the policies involved. Often the association’s policy, your HO-6 policy and sometimes a neighbor’s policy each cover part of it.
What is loss assessment coverage?
It pays your share of a special assessment the association levies after a covered loss. Florida requires at least $2,000 of this coverage in unit owner policies.
How long do I have to claim a condo assessment?
Under section 627.70132, notice must be given within 1 year after the date of loss or within 90 days after the association votes the assessment, whichever is later, and no later than 3 years after the date of loss.
General information only, based on Florida law at the date shown. It is not legal advice, and initial guidance does not replace an evaluation by a licensed public adjuster.
