Security First Insurance Florida: Complete Homeowners Guide (2026)

Security First Insurance Florida: What Homeowners Need to Know in 2026

Security First Financial & Insurance Company has been a fixture in the Florida property insurance market since 2005. As a Florida-only insurer based in Ormond Beach, the company has built its entire business around providing homeowner coverage in one of the most challenging insurance markets in the country. This guide covers everything Florida homeowners should know about Security First in 2026, from their policies and claims process to common issues and when to seek legal help.

Company Overview and History

Security First Financial & Insurance Company was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Ormond Beach, Florida. The company was created specifically to serve the Florida residential property insurance market, and it has never written business outside the state. This Florida-only focus has given Security First two decades of experience navigating the state's unique insurance challenges, including frequent hurricane seasons, water damage claims, litigation trends, and regulatory changes.

Security First distributes policies through a network of independent insurance agents throughout Florida, providing homeowners with local access to purchase and service their coverage. The company serves homeowners, condo owners, and landlords across the state.

Financial Strength and Ratings

Security First maintains financial stability ratings from Demotech, which rates many Florida domestic property insurers. Homeowners should check the current rating before purchasing or renewing a policy. As a Florida-only carrier, Security First's financial stability is closely tied to the state's hurricane and storm activity. The company maintains reinsurance programs to manage catastrophe exposure, which is essential for any insurer concentrated in a single hurricane-prone state.

Florida Market Position

Security First is a mid-sized Florida property insurer, smaller than the largest carriers like Universal Property & Casualty and Citizens but larger than many of the smaller Florida domestics. The company has maintained a presence through multiple hurricane seasons and regulatory shifts, which speaks to its resilience. However, homeowners should evaluate the company's current financial position before relying on it for coverage, as conditions in the Florida insurance market change rapidly.

Policy Types Available in Florida

• Homeowner Insurance (HO-3): Comprehensive coverage for owner-occupied single-family homes, providing dwelling coverage, other structures coverage, personal property protection, loss of use benefits, and personal liability coverage.
• Condo Unit Owner Insurance (HO-6): Coverage for individual condo unit owners, protecting interior improvements, personal property, loss of use, and personal liability. Designed to complement the condo association's master insurance policy.
• Rental Property Insurance (DP-3): Coverage for investment properties and rental units, providing dwelling structure protection and landlord liability coverage.

Key Coverage Features

• Wind and hurricane coverage with separate percentage-based hurricane deductibles
• Water damage coverage for sudden and accidental events
• Replacement cost or actual cash value settlement options for dwelling and personal property
• Additional living expense coverage when your home is rendered uninhabitable by a covered loss
• Optional endorsements such as water backup coverage, equipment breakdown, identity theft protection, and scheduled personal property

Key exclusions include flood damage (separate policy required), earth movement, gradual deterioration and wear, and limited mold coverage. Some policies may include cosmetic damage exclusions for roofs. Review your specific policy endorsements carefully.

How to File a Claim with Security First Insurance

Step 1: Report the Loss Promptly

Contact Security First as soon as possible after discovering damage. You can file a claim by calling their claims department, through your independent insurance agent, or online. Provide the date of loss, description of the event, and initial photos or documentation.

Step 2: Prevent Further Damage

Take reasonable steps to mitigate additional damage. Tarp a damaged roof, stop active water leaks, board up broken windows. Save all receipts for emergency repairs, as these costs are typically covered under your policy.

Step 3: Document Thoroughly

Before making permanent repairs, take comprehensive photos and video of all damage. Create a detailed inventory of damaged personal property. Save all receipts, contractor estimates, and communications with Security First.

Step 4: Cooperate with the Adjuster

Security First will assign an adjuster to inspect your property. Be present during the inspection and point out all damage, including hidden damage behind walls, under flooring, or in attic spaces. Request a copy of the adjuster's complete report and estimate.

Step 5: Review the Coverage Determination

Under Florida law (F.S. 627.70131), Security First must make a coverage determination within 90 days of receiving your claim. Review their estimate carefully and compare it to independent contractor estimates. Note any differences in scope, pricing, or line items.

Step 6: Accept, Negotiate, or Escalate

If you agree with the determination, accept payment. If you disagree, your options include direct negotiation with Security First, invoking the appraisal clause in your policy, hiring a public adjuster, or consulting a Florida insurance attorney.

Common Claim Issues with Security First Insurance

• Repair estimate disputes: Security First's damage estimates may not align with current Florida contractor rates, resulting in payments that are insufficient to fund proper repairs.
• Wear and tear denials: Security First commonly attributes damage to long-term deterioration, particularly for older roofs, plumbing, and exterior components, even when a covered event caused the loss.
• Water damage classification: Claims involving water intrusion are often disputed based on whether the cause was sudden and accidental (covered) versus gradual (excluded).
• Hurricane deductible confusion: The percentage-based hurricane deductible can result in unexpectedly large out-of-pocket costs. On a $300,000 dwelling limit with a 2% hurricane deductible, you would owe $6,000 before coverage kicks in.
• Depreciation holdback: Under replacement cost policies, Security First withholds depreciation until repairs are completed and documented. This can create cash flow challenges for homeowners who need upfront funds to begin repairs.
• Post-storm delays: Like all Florida insurers, Security First experiences high claim volumes after major storms, which can lead to extended wait times for inspections and payments.

How Security First Compares to Other Florida Insurers

• Security First vs. Citizens: Citizens is Florida's state-backed insurer of last resort with the broadest availability. Security First competes in the private market, potentially offering lower premiums for qualifying properties, but without Citizens' state financial backstop.
• Security First vs. Universal P&C: Universal is significantly larger and publicly traded. Both use independent agents and focus on Florida, but Universal has more financial resources and a longer operating history.
• Security First vs. Kin: Kin is a newer, tech-driven, direct-to-consumer insurer based in Chicago. Security First has operated in Florida since 2005 and uses traditional agent distribution, which provides local support that Kin's digital model does not.
• Security First vs. Clear Blue: Both are mid-sized Florida-only carriers. Comparison shopping between them on pricing, coverage details, and current financial ratings is advisable.
• Security First vs. Frontline: Both are Florida-focused carriers of similar scale. Differences in pricing, policy terms, and claims reputation can vary by area and property type.

When to Hire a Lawyer for a Security First Claim

Consider hiring a Florida property damage attorney if:

• Security First denied your claim and you believe the damage is covered by your policy
• The settlement offer is significantly below your documented repair costs
• Your claim has been pending beyond the 90-day statutory deadline
• Security First is not communicating or responding to your inquiries
• You suspect Security First is misapplying exclusions or policy conditions
• The damage is substantial and the financial stakes justify legal representation

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Security First been in business?

Security First Financial & Insurance Company has been operating in Florida since 2005, giving it nearly two decades of experience in the Florida property insurance market.

Is Security First Insurance only in Florida?

Yes. Security First is a Florida-only property insurer. The company has never written policies outside of Florida, which gives it deep state-specific expertise but also means its risk is concentrated in a single hurricane-prone state.

What is Security First's hurricane deductible?

Security First policies include a percentage-based hurricane deductible, typically 2%, 5%, or 10% of dwelling coverage. Your specific deductible is listed on your declarations page. This is separate from your all-other-perils deductible.

Does Security First cover flood damage?

No. Standard Security First homeowner policies exclude flood damage. Florida homeowners need a separate flood insurance policy through the NFIP or a private flood insurer.

Can I switch from Security First to another insurer?

Yes. You can change homeowner insurance carriers at any time, though the easiest time is at renewal. Ensure your new policy is active before canceling Security First to avoid a coverage gap. Your mortgage lender requires continuous insurance coverage.

How do I file a complaint about Security First?

You can file a complaint with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation or the Florida Department of Financial Services. For denied or underpaid claims, hiring a property damage attorney is generally more effective at obtaining a resolution than the complaint process alone.

Need Help With a Security First Insurance Claim?

If Security First Insurance has denied, delayed, or underpaid your Florida homeowner claim, Louis Law Group can help. Our attorneys have experience fighting Florida property insurers and will work to get you the full value of your covered loss. Contact us for a free consultation.

Call us at (833) 657-4812 or see if you qualify for a free case review.