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6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Florida (2024)

Author Icon Written by Dana Getz + 1 other Reviewer Icon Reviewed by Mike Qiu Updated 03/26/2024

We researched the top home warranty providers and chose Liberty Home Guard (LHG) as the best provider for Florida homeowners. LHG offers protection for multiple AC units and provides an extensive catalog of add-on selections. American Home Shield (AHS) is another top choice since the company includes HVAC protection on every plan level and offers generous coverage limits.

We evaluated nearly 60 home warranty companies using a combination of consumer research, industry expertise, and our secret shopping experiences to choose the best Florida companies. We then scored each company on 31 key factors and narrowed down our list to the top six options. We’ll reveal our complete list below and explain how to choose the best home warranty for your Florida home.

Did You Know?

In the last 30 days, more than 2,500 people bought home warranties from the above providers.


The 6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Florida

We evaluated 57 home warranty companies using a comprehensive scorecard. Here are the top six providers for Florida homes based on this analysis:

Liberty Home Guard: Best Customer Ratings
American Home Shield: Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Elite Home Warranty: Best for Flexible Coverage
First American Home Warranty: Best Appliance Coverage
Choice Home Warranty: Best Basic Plan

Compare Home Warranty Companies in Florida

We compared Florida home warranty providers across 31 key factors. Our table highlights some of our top-ranking factors, such as pricing, service fees, and response times.

Star Rating Monthly Cost in FL Service Fee in FL Response Time Link
Liberty Home Guard Liberty Home Guard
$49–$59 $65–$125 Up to 48 hours VISIT SITE
American Home Shield American Home Shield
$49–$109 $100–$125 Up to 48 hours VISIT SITE
Elite Home Warranty Elite Home Warranty
$44–$58 $70 Up to 48 hours VISIT SITE
Select Home Warranty Select Home Warranty
$44–$47 $60–$75 48-84 hours VISIT SITE
First American Home Warranty First American Home Warranty
$47–$87 $75–$125 4-48 hours VISIT SITE
Choice Home Warranty Choice Home Warranty
$46–$55 $100 4–48 hours VISIT SITE
Liberty Home Guard
Logo Liberty Home Guard
Star Rating
Monthly Cost in FL $49–$59
Service Fee in FL $65–$125
Response Time Up to 48 hours
VISIT SITE
American Home Shield
Logo American Home Shield
Star Rating
Monthly Cost in FL $49–$109
Service Fee in FL $100–$125
Response Time Up to 48 hours
VISIT SITE
Elite Home Warranty
Logo Elite Home Warranty
Star Rating
Monthly Cost in FL $44–$58
Service Fee in FL $70
Response Time Up to 48 hours
VISIT SITE
Select Home Warranty
Logo Select Home Warranty
Star Rating
Monthly Cost in FL $44–$47
Service Fee in FL $60–$75
Response Time 48-84 hours
VISIT SITE
First American Home Warranty
Logo First American Home Warranty
Star Rating
Monthly Cost in FL $47–$87
Service Fee in FL $75–$125
Response Time 4-48 hours
VISIT SITE
Choice Home Warranty
Logo Choice Home Warranty
Star Rating
Monthly Cost in FL $46–$55
Service Fee in FL $100
Response Time 4–48 hours
VISIT SITE
Company BBB Rating Monthly Cost in FL Service Fee in FL Visit Site
NR $49–$59 $65–$125 VISIT SITE
B $49–$109 $100–$125 VISIT SITE
A+ $44–$58 $70 VISIT SITE
B- $44–$47 $60–$75 VISIT SITE
B $47–$87 $75–$125 VISIT SITE
B $46–$55 $100 VISIT SITE
No results were found.

Note: We based the pricing information in this table and throughout the article on sample quotes we obtained for a 2,752-square-foot, single-family home in Ocala, Florida. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, type, and plan selections.


The 6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Florida

We’ve provided in-depth reviews of the top Florida home warranty providers below.

Liberty Home Guard

Best Customer Ratings
4.5 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend Liberty Home Guard for Florida homeowners who need added protection for a second air conditioning unit. The company offers over 40 add-on options, including multiple pool options and limited roof-leak coverage. 

Monthly cost: $49–$59

How We Scored Liberty Home Guard

We scored LHG 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how it rated in key categories:

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): The company received high scores for its specialized system and appliance plans and add-on variety.
  • Value (4.25 out of 5): LHG lost points for its vague service fee policy and limited service fee flexibility. 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.8 out of 5): LHG received high marks for its excellent customer support reputation. It has a 4.51 out of 5-star customer review score on the Better Business Bureau (BBB)* site but is currently not rated by the organization.  
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): We deducted points for its extended claims process, which can take up to 48 hours in many cases.

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes a 60-day workmanship guarantee, twice the industry standard Offers 42 unique add-ons, such as pool and roof-leak coverage Protects HVAC system under two of its three plans Cons Could take up to 48 hours for claims processing Lacks transparency with service call fee policy Offers some of the lowest plumbing caps in this review

Plans and Cost

LHG offers three service plan options: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Reading the LHG sample contract told us that Florida homeowners receive coverage for two air conditioning units. Most companies limit AC coverage to one unit per service contract. Most appliances and systems receive a $2,000 cap. However, electrical and plumbing systems only receive $500, offering limited protection. 

We’ve detailed the LHG plan options below:

  • Appliance Guard: This plan covers your major appliances, including refrigerators and freezers. 
  • Systems Guard: This system-only plan covers major home systems such as air conditioning, plumbing, and other built-in systems.
  • Total Home Guard: This combines the Appliance Guard and Systems Guard and offers the same coverage caps. 

LHG offers midrange plan pricing but has lower coverage caps than other providers. The company offers monthly and annual premiums. Our sample quote included two free months of service with an annual option. We spoke with an LHG representative about the vague service fee policy. She explained that service fees varied based on your plan, location, and add-on coverage options. Other home warranty providers offer two or more options to give you more control over your premiums. 

Here’s an overview of LHG premiums and service fees:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Appliance Guard

$49.99

$65–$125

$2,000

Systems Guard

$54.99

$65–$125

$2,000 (Plumbing & electrical: $500)

Total Home Guard

$59.99

$65–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

Liberty Home Guard offers 42 add-on options—the most of any other company in this review. Pricing ranges from $3.00 to $35.99 per month, which is average.  The company offers protection for professional appliances, second refrigerators, and stand-alone freezers. You can add roof-leak coverage for $11.99 per month. It offers the following options for pool coverage:

  • Pool and spa
  • Additional spa 
  • Saltwater pool

Our Experience With Liberty Home Guard

We noticed many customers commented on LHG’s efficient customer support methods when examining customer reviews. We tested each contact method to determine the best options. We were connected with a representative in under one minute when we tested the customer support line. The live chat feature initially connects you to a chatbot, but you can ask for a representative instead. When we did, we were connected within 30 seconds. 

American Home Shield

Best for Comprehensive Coverage
4.4 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend American Home Shield for older Florida homes since it protects items with physical damage and preexisting conditions. Plans include comprehensive protection for appliances and systems, plus options for roof leaks and pool protection. 

Monthly cost: $49–$109

How We Scored American Home Shield

We scored AHS 4.4 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how we rated it in key categories:

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): AHS received high scores for its three plans, all of which include cooling system coverage. 
  • Value (4 out of 5): We deducted points for its expensive premium costs and high service fees. 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.25 out of 5): We deducted points for the company’s lower third-party review scores.
  • Availability and Service (4.7 out of 5): AHS received higher scores for its convenient 24/7 claims line and online claims process.

Pros and Cons

Pros Bundles $1,500 of roof-leak protection with its highest plan Includes air conditioning coverage in every plan Provides coverage for preexisting conditions and damaged items, which is a rare benefit Cons Charges more for its bundled plans than other companies Offers monthly premiums only Provides fewer add-on options than other reviewed providers

Plans and Cost

AHS provides three plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. Examining an AHS sample contract told us that all plans offer air conditioning protection, but only two protect appliances. ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum offer comprehensive appliance and system protection, keeping your entire Florida home secure. ShieldPlatinum includes roof-leak coverage in its standard plan, while ShieldSilver and ShieldGold require an add-on. 

Here are more details about AHS’s coverage plans:

  • ShieldSilver: This system-only plan covers major home systems, such as air conditioning and plumbing.
  • ShieldGold: This combined system and appliance coverage plan includes major appliances, including refrigerators and water heaters.  
  • ShieldPlatinum: ShieldPlatinum extends the coverage of the ShieldGold plan by including roof-leak repairs and HVAC tune-ups. 

You can choose from a $100 or $125 service fee. Our monthly premium rate decreased when we adjusted our sample quote for the higher service fees. AHS is one of the few companies that doesn’t offer an annual premium. Its bundled plans are also priced higher than other reviewed providers. 

We’ve detailed the available AHS plans and service call fees below:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

ShieldSilver

$49.99–$59.99

$100–$125

$5,000

ShieldGold

$69.99–$79.99

$100–$125

Systems: $5,000

Appliances: $2,000

ShieldPlatinum

$99.99–$109.99

$100–$125

Systems: $5,000

Appliances: $4,000

AHS only offers six add-on coverage options, compared to other providers that offer eight or more on average. You can add roof-leak coverage for $10 per month and pool protection for $18. 

The company also provides the following add-ons:

  • Electronics protection plan
  • Guest unit
  • Septic pump

Our Experience With American Home Shield

AHS provided a next-day repair for one of our team members. He contacted the company for a leaky bathroom pipe. He used the online claims portal to report his issue and received text and email confirmation after submission. The service technician contacted him five minutes later and scheduled the appointment. The technician repaired the pipe and only charged the call service fee.

Elite Home Warranty

Flexible Coverage
4.6 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend Elite Home Warranty for Florida homeowners who need more flexible premiums and custom coverage. The company provides three main coverage plans and 27 add-on options to customize your policy.

Monthly cost: $44–$58

How We Scored Elite Home Warranty

We scored Elite 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how we rated it in key categories:

  • Coverage (4.6 out of 5): Elite scored well for its three coverage plans and extensive add-on catalog, the second largest in this review. 
  • Value (4.25 out of 5): Elite lost points for offering only one standard service call fee and charging a separate high fee for high-end appliance service calls. 
  • Trustworthiness and transparency (4.8 out of 5): Elite scored well for its excellent customer review scores on third-party sites and the BBB. 
  • Availability and service (4.5 out of 5): Elite lost points for not offering an online quote option like other reviewed providers.

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers HVAC systems under two of its plans Offers a 90-day workmanship guarantee Provides 27 add-on options, including HVAC annual maintenance Cons Charges higher service call fees for high-end appliances Doesn’t cover out-of-network contractors under its workmanship guarantee Does not provide options for an online quote

Plans and Cost

Elite offers three standard protection plans: Elite Appliances, Elite Systems, and Elite Complete. Reading through the Elite sample contract informed us that the company includes a $15,000 annual limit for its plans. You receive a $7,000 claim limit for appliances and $8,000 for systems. However, the company varies coverage caps between each item. Air conditioners receive up to $3,000 per plan term. However, if it’s part of an HVAC system, you receive a $4,000 maximum. You must add roof-leak coverage as an add-on option for every plan. 

Here’s a breakdown of Elite’s coverage plan options:

  • Elite Appliances: The appliance-only coverage includes eight appliances, including clothes washers and dishwashers. 
  • Elite Systems: The system-only plan covers eight systems, such as air conditioning, heating, and electrical systems. 
  • Elite Complete: The highest plan combines the Elite Appliances and Elite Systems plans for comprehensive protection. 

According to our sample quotes, Elite charges a monthly premium ranging from $44 to $58. It also has a standard service call fee of $70. Elite charges $150 for high-end appliance repairs and service calls that take place after hours or on the weekend.

We’ve detailed Elite’s pricing and service fees below:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Elite Appliances

$44.49

$70

$500–$3,000

Elite Systems

$49.99

$70

$750–$4,000

Elite Complete

$58.99

$70

Coverage caps remain the same

*Coverage caps vary by item

Elite provides an extensive selection of 27 add-on options. The coverage limits for Elite’s add-ons differ for each item. For example, you receive $1,500 per term for pool and spa equipment but only $1,000 for roof-leak coverage.  However, there is a total limit of $5,000 per term for all the add-ons combined.

We’ve listed some of Elite’s add-on options below.

  • Freestanding freezer
  • Geothermal heating and cooling systems
  • Septic system

Our Experience with Elite Home Warranty

A member of our team recently tested Elite’s claims process to repair his broken high-end dishwasher. He submitted his claim online and received a call from an Elite claims specialist within 30 minutes. The technician was scheduled for a next-day appointment for the repair.

The technician arrived on the assigned day, but he realized that the repair would require parts that were out-of-stock. The technician returned the following Monday morning with the required parts, and completed the repairs in an hour. 

It’s worth noting that Elite sends technicians who are in-network to complete repairs and backs its coverage with a 90-day workmanship guarantee. You won’t receive any workmanship coverage if you choose your own technician.

Select Home Warranty

Best Value
4.3 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend Select Home Warranty for its multiple AC unit coverage and free roof-leak protection. Select offers three plans with premiums under $50, making them perfect for Florida homeowners on tight budgets. 

Monthly cost: $44–$47

How We Scored Select Home Warranty

We scored Select 4.3 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how we rated it in key categories:

  • Coverage (3.7 out of 5): We deducted points for its lower coverage caps, which provide less protection than other reviewed providers.  
  • Value (5 out of 5): Select received a perfect score for its affordable premiums, annual options, and bonus months of coverage.  
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.5 out of 5): Select lost points for its lower customer review score on third-party sites such as the BBB and Trustpilot. 
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): The company lost points for extended claims processing times and its restrictive service technician policy.

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers additional refrigeration, stand-alone freezers, and AC units Offers coverage plans with monthly premiums under $50 Provides $400 of roof-leak coverage with every plan Cons Doesn’t cover items with unknown preexisting conditions Lacks service fee flexibility Provides lower coverage caps than other reviewed providers

Plans and Cost

Select offers three plan options: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. Reviewing the Select sample contract showed us that Select offers considerably lower coverage caps for most items. You receive $3,000 for HVAC coverage, but other items only receive $500. The industry standard is closer to $2,000 per covered item. We recommend Select for Florida homeowners who need low-cost HVAC system coverage. 

Here are more details about Select Home Warranty plans:

  • Bronze Care: The appliance-only plan covers major systems, such as refrigerators and freezers.
  • Gold Care: This system-only plan covers built-in home systems, such as HVAC and plumbing. 
  • Platinum Care: This plan offers comprehensive coverage for systems and appliances and adds luxury appliances. 

Select offers monthly and annual options to fit most budgets. Our quote for an annual plan included two free months of service and $150 off. However, we couldn’t select our preferred service fee since the company assigns fees based on your location, plan choice, and add-on options. However, its service call fees, which typically cost $60–$75 per claim, are cheaper than most providers. 

Here’s an overview of Select’s premium pricing and service fee costs:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Bronze Care

$44.42

$60–$75

$500

Gold Care

$44.42

$60–$75

$500 (HVAC: $3,000)

Platinum Care

$47.75

$60–$75

Coverage caps remain the same

You can choose from nine add-on options to customize your plan, with pricing under $9. However, the company doesn’t have options for additional refrigerators or cooling systems. The company charges $8.33 monthly for pool coverage, one of this review’s lowest rates. 

Some examples of add-ons are listed below: 

  • Septic system
  • Spa
  • Well pump

Our Experience With Select Home Warranty

Our secret shopping process showed us that Select has a restrictive service technician policy. Select uses its own network of preapproved technicians, which is similar to other providers in this review. You can choose your own if the company can’t provide a technician in your area. However, Select must approve your technician before they start the repair process.

First American Home Warranty

Best Appliance Coverage
4.6 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend First American Home Warranty for Florida residents who own high-end refrigerators and freezers. The company offers some of the highest appliance caps in this review, providing up to $7,000 of coverage on its highest plan. 

Monthly cost: $47–$87

How We Scored First American Home Warranty

We scored First American Home Warranty 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how we rated it in key categories:

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): It scored well for its three combined coverage plans and higher-than-average coverage caps. 
  • Value (4 out of 5): The company lost points for its higher premiums and service fees. 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.8 out of 5): First American Home Warranty scored higher for its positive customer reviews and industry reputation.  
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): The company lost points for its lengthy claims process and technician policy.

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers home systems and appliances regardless of age Doesn’t set a coverage cap for HVAC and ductwork Includes a $7,000 appliance coverage cap for its highest plan Cons Doesn’t include roof-leak coverage Lacks home system coverage in its basic plan Offers air-conditioning coverage as an add-on for its lowest plan

Plans and Cost

First American Home Warranty offers three plans: the Starter Plan, the Essential Plan, and the Premium Plan. Reviewing First American’s sample contract told us that the company’s basic plan lacks AC coverage and only offers protection with an add-on. However, most systems, including heating and cooling, receive unlimited coverage. The highest plan, the Premium Plan, includes coverage for window AC units. The First American Advantage upgrade allows you to extend protection to include items impacted by improper installations, modifications, and maintenance.

Here’s an overview of First American Home Warranty’s plans and coverage caps:

  • Starter Plan: This plan includes some systems, such as plumbing, but offers mostly appliance-only coverage. Appliances receive a $3,500 cap, and built-in systems have no coverage cap. 
  • Essential Plan: This plan extends the Starter Plan protection by adding major appliances plus air conditioners. Coverage limits remain the same. 
  • Premium Plan: This plan offers full appliance and system coverage plus protections for window air conditioning units and luxury appliances. Appliance coverage limits increase to $7,000 per item. 

Our sample quote showed us that First American Home Warranty doesn’t offer any bonuses for selecting an annual plan. You can choose a $75, $100, or $125 service call fee to help customize your costs. We recommend choosing a higher service fee for a lower monthly premium.

Here’s a breakdown of First American’s premium costs:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Starter Plan

$47–$62

$75–$125

Systems: Unlimited

Appliances: $3,500

Essential Plan

$57–$72

$75–$125

Systems: Unlimited (Water heaters: $1,000)

Appliances: $3,500

Premium Plan

$72–$87

$75–$125

Systems: Remain the same Appliances: $7,000

First American Home Warranty has 12 add-ons, such as HVAC tune-ups and coverage for up to three additional refrigerators. Add-on coverage for central AC adds an additional $8.33 to your Starter Plan costs. You can also add two pool coverage plans for $20.83 per item. Limited roof-leak coverage costs $8.33 per month. 

Additional add-ons include the following coverage:

  • Septic tank pumping/system 
  • Water softener
  • Well pump

Our Experience With First American Home Warranty

Our team member tested the First American Home Warranty claims process to resolve a broken garage door opener. He submitted his claim online and received a text confirmation with the technician’s information. A technician contacted him within 30 minutes and set an appointment for the repairs. The claim was filed on a Friday, and the appointment was set for the following Monday. The repairs took less than 30 minutes to complete, and he only paid for the service call fee.

Choice Home Warranty

Best Basic Plan
4.5 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend Choice Home Warranty for Florida homeowners seeking budget-friendly comprehensive protections. The company offers appliance and system protection under its two plans while keeping its premiums under $60 per month.

Monthly cost: $46–$55

How We Scored Choice Home Warranty

We rated Choice Home Warranty 4.5 out of 5 in our review standards. Here’s how we rated it in key categories.

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): Choice scored well for its coverage caps, which exceed the industry standard of $2,000. 
  • Value (3.75 out of 5): We deducted points for its limited service call fee selection. 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.7 out of 5): Choice received a high score thanks to its 90-day workmanship guarantee, three times the industry standard.  
  • Availability and Service (4.7 out of 5): Choice received a high score for its efficient claims process, which begins as soon as four hours after submission.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers $3,000 caps for most items, such as air conditioning and plumbing Provides comprehensive coverage for under $60 Starts its service request process within four hours of claim filing Cons Excludes coverage for air conditioners under its Basic Plan Has ongoing legal action in Arizona regarding alleged customer fraud Offers one service fee, which is slightly higher than other providers

Plans and Cost

Choice Home Warranty provides two coverage plans: Basic Plan and Total Plan. Our other reviewed providers offer at least three options. We read Choice Home Warranty’s sample contract and learned that certain essential items are excluded from the Basic Plan. These items include air conditioners, refrigerators, and clothes washers and dryers. Most providers include these particular items within their standard coverage. You must choose the Total Plan to receive protection for these items. However, Choice does offer a $3,000 cap for its covered items, which exceeds the average industry standard of $2,000.

We’ll review Choice’s coverage plans below:

  • Basic Plan: This comprehensive plan covers 14 systems and appliances, such as heating, stoves, and plumbing. 
  • Total Plan: The highest plan includes 18 appliances and systems, adding coverage for air conditioning, clothes washers, clothes dryers, and refrigerators.

Choice Home Warranty provides annual and monthly plan premiums. However, our sample quote included a $2.50 monthly fee for selecting a monthly option. In addition, the company offers only a $100 service call fee with every plan. Most providers offer two or more options for better pricing flexibility.

Here’s an overview of Choice Home Warranty’s pricing and coverage caps:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Basic Plan

$46.67

$100

Systems: $3,000
Appliances: $3,000

Total Plan

$55

$100

Coverage caps remain the same

Choice Home Warranty provides 11 plan add-ons, which is the typical average for most providers. Pricing ranges from $3.33–$15, which is less expensive than other reviewed providers. Some of its more affordable add-ons include roof-leak for $5.83 per month and second refrigerators for $3.33.

Additional add-on options include the following items: 

  • Central vacuum
  • Stand-alone freezer
  • Septic tank systems

Our Experience With Choice Home Warranty

Based on our research, Choice Home Warranty has received mixed reviews from homeowners. While the company currently holds a B rating with the Better Business Bureau, some customers have reported issues with long wait times for repairs and difficulty reaching customer service.

In 2019, the Arizona Attorney General filed a consumer fraud lawsuit against Choice. This ongoing case alleges that the company used contractual fine print to avoid covering repair costs.

Homeowners should carefully evaluate if Choice Home Warranty is a suitable provider for their needs.

*All BBB ratings are accurate as of February 2024.

Do I Need a Home Warranty in Florida?

A home warranty provides critical protection against unexpected repairs and breakdowns for Florida homeowners. Having a reliable cooling system is crucial because temperatures can reach up to 95°F and higher throughout the summer. An AC failure can make a Florida home unlivable during the hot months. A home warranty cushions the blow of these costly system replacements and helps get your system up and running sooner. 

In addition to humid conditions, Florida also gets heavy rainfall annually, particularly during its rainy season from May to October. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, nearly 70% of the state’s precipitation falls in these months.

Letting even a minor roof leak go unattended can lead to larger issues, such as mold or mildew, that require pricey repairs. AC breakdowns and roof leaks are just two of the many homeowner headaches in Florida. Below are five of the most common appliance and home repairs Florida residents deal with regularly.

Unexpected air conditioning failure could leave your home in very uncomfortable conditions. Not only will you need to find a reputable technician in a hurry, but your AC repairs could cost between $100 and $650. Your costs may increase to $2,500–$15,000 if the cooling system completely fails.
Losing your reliable cold storage appliance could cost you hundreds in spoiled food. You could face food safety issues and contamination even if you salvage your defrosted food. According to Fixr, simple repairs could cost $90–$500, while a freezer replacement could cost up to $2,900. 
Plumbing leaks often start small but can quickly become major issues. Leaking pipes waste water, driving up bills. The water can also cause mold or mildew, posing health risks. Untreated leaks may damage ceilings, floors, cabinets, and other structures requiring costly repairs. While minor leak fixes run $150–$450, major plumbing replacements can cost up to $5,000 out of pocket.
Refrigerator problems pose serious food safety risks, as items may become contaminated and cause illness. Hundreds of dollars in perishables could also spoil, creating food waste. Refrigerator repairs typically run $40–$350 without a home warranty, while a new fridge may cost up to $4,000 out of pocket.
A roof leak can escalate to major roofing damage if left untreated. Leaks cause mold and bacteria growth and slowly deteriorate your roof’s integrity. These problems could worsen if left untreated during Florida’s rainy season. Investing in roof repairs could cost $150–$2,000, depending on the extent of the damage. You could require partial or complete roof replacement for severe damage and cost ranging from $3,800–$10,000. 

How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in Florida?

Our sample quotes showed us that home warranty costs in Florida average about $56 per month or $672 annually. Service call fees typically range between $75 and $125 per claim, depending on the provider. Final home warranty costs depend on your coverage, add-ons, and service fees. Here are some additional factors that can impact your costs:

  • Coverage length: Most companies offer one-year plans. However, some offer free months of service and discounted rates for multiyear plans. We recommend comparing the savings of choosing a monthly or annual plan before committing to a provider. 
  • Home type and size: Coverage of larger homes will cost more. Typically, prices increase for homes over 4,000 square feet. Your home type could also impact costs. Costs and plan options vary for single-family homes, condos, or townhouses.  
  • Location: Home warranty costs vary between companies, cities, and regions in Florida. For example, premiums may be higher in Miami than in Tampa. Complete multiple quotes to find the best rates in your area.
According to our survey data, 92.7% of policyholders were satisfied with their current home warranty plan, and 92.5% were satisfied with the outcome of their most recent claim.

What Does a Florida Home Warranty Cover?

Florida home warranties cover gradual failures from normal wear and tear, not issues caused by external factors. They typically exclude coverage for systems or appliances that have been tampered with or have had previous repairs. So, breakdowns due to preexisting conditions, lack of maintenance, or a weather event such as a hurricane wouldn’t be covered.

We’ve compiled the guide below covering typical coverage, exclusions, and additional options to consider when shopping for a Florida home warranty.

Standard home warranty coverage in Florida often includes these appliances and systems:

  • Air conditioning
  • Built-in microwaves
  • Clothes dryers
  • Clothes washers
  • Cooktops
  • Dishwashers
  • Ductwork
  • Electrical systems 
  • Garbage disposals
  • Heating systems
  • Ovens
  • Plumbing systems 
  • Ranges
  • Refrigerators
  • Stoves
  • Water heaters

Home warranties in Florida generally only cover failures due to normal wear and tear. They usually exclude breakdowns caused by the following common situations:

  • Cosmetic issues that don’t affect appliance or system functionality 
  • Damage from improper installation or maintenance
  • Damage resulting from weather events such as hurricanes
  • Failures that occur during the home warranty waiting period, which is at least 30 days
  • Physical damage like rust or corrosion
  • Preexisting item conditions

Many providers offer supplementary coverage for additional items, such as pools, septic systems, and annual maintenance. Some typical add-on coverage includes these items:

  • Electronics protection
  • HVAC maintenance
  • Pools
  • Professional and high-end appliances
  • Roof leaks
  • Secondary appliances
  • Septic tank and pumping
  • Spas
  • Well pumps

Our Home Warranty Research Process

Why Trust Us? Our review and rating process for the best home warranty companies
57
Companies Considered We carefully considered 57 companies to find the best home warranty providers available.
2000
Home Owners Surveyed We surveyed 2,000 home owners to see what they care about most when in comes to home protection.
57000
Reviews Analyzed We went through 57,000 customer reviews of home warranty companies to see what people had to say about each provider.
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Coverages Compared We compared 31 policies to find the best home warranty offerings on the market.

We began with in-depth research into homeowners’ key concerns to select the top home warranty providers in Florida. We spoke with industry experts, including real estate agents, home builders, and repair companies. We contacted company representatives to discuss their plans, pulled sample quotes, and reviewed contract terms to find the top options. 

We then scored each provider against our review standards in four categories: coverage, value, trust and transparency, and availability and service. We ensured each company offered solid HVAC and roof-leak coverage through its base plans or add-on alternatives. We compared premium costs to the coverage value, including comprehensive and low-cost options. We researched each company’s brand reputation and read third-party customer reviews. Finally, we reviewed claims processing times, customer support availability, and each provider’s claims process.

Our Home Warranty Experts

We’ve spoken to more than 15 home warranty professionals throughout our research process to better understand the industry and common customer concerns. We consulted the following two home warranty experts for insights on this article:
David Tully: Tully is the founder and owner of LPT Realty.
Peter Evering: Evering is a Business Development Manager for Utopia Property Management.


Which Home Warranty Companies Didn’t Make the List?

During our review of top Florida home warranty companies, we eliminated some companies due to their limited plan selection, coverage and availability, and reputation. Although they didn’t make our list, these reputable companies may suit Florida homeowners with specific coverage needs.

AFC Home Warranty

AFC Home Warranty offers an unlimited coverage cap for HVAC systems and a plan-length workmanship guarantee with every plan. Appliances receive a $3,000 cap but could receive less based on age. We learned that AFC Home Warranty reduces your coverage cap for five years or older items. This means Florida homeowners with older items would receive reduced payouts. You should consider AFC Home Warranty if you want system-only coverage with unlimited workmanship coverage. 

American Residential Warranty (ARW Home)

ARW Home offers three coverage plans, with two including HVAC protection. They underwrite through various national companies such as Asurian and The Home Depot. However, this results in coverage limits varying by location and underwriter. ARW Home doesn’t provide roof leak coverage and has only four add-on options, one of the smallest catalogs we’ve seen. The company may be a fit if you want inexpensive system-only coverage backed by a well-known brand.

Cinch Home Services

Cinch offers HVAC coverage under two of its plans, but it limits coverage to a maximum of $1,500. The company also has a maximum term limit of $10,000 for all its plans. Unfortunately, Cinch doesn’t include roof-leak coverage in any of its plans, nor does it offer it as an add-on option. However, the company does provide three add-ons for pool coverage. Cinch may be a suitable provider if you’re a Florida resident who requires basic HVAC coverage but not roof leak protection.


How To Choose a Home Warranty in Florida

There is no one-size-fits-all home warranty for Floridians because of its varied landscapes and climatic conditions. Here are some factors to consider before buying a plan: 

  1. Consider your coverage needs: Consider the home appliances and systems you use most, and select a provider that covers them. Ensure the provider also covers your items’ full repair and replacement values. Be aware that most companies only offer pool and roof-leak coverage as add-ons.
  2. Determine your budget: Review your total budget before signing up for a home warranty. The monthly or annual fee isn’t the only cost to consider. Consider your service fees and add-on items in your budget. We suggest generating quotes with all add-ons included and the highest service fee you can reasonably afford. Then, compare at least three plans before making a final decision. 
  3. Review multiple quotes: We recommend requesting quotes from at least three companies before signing up for coverage. Check for any online specials, discounts, or promotions for additional savings. 
  4. Read sample contracts: Examine sample contracts to understand coverage caps, exclusions, add-on limits, and specific coverage details. Tully also recommends understanding the provider’s claims process, including how fast it responds to and completes repairs or replacements.
  5. Check customer reviews: You should learn more about a company’s business practices and how it treats its customers. Evering says, “Reading customer reviews and ratings can provide insights into the experiences of other homeowners and help you gauge the level of customer satisfaction.” You should also consult friends, family, and neighbors about their home warranty providers and which they recommend.

How Are Home Warranties Regulated in Florida?

Florida’s Department of Financial Services (DFS), under the state’s Office of Insurance Regulation, oversees home warranty companies. Florida requires companies to follow a set of requirements before selling service contracts. 

For example, a home warranty provider must issue its service contract to the customer within 45 days of purchase. A provider must also clearly label exclusions and limitations within its contract. Failure to do so means the DFS will revoke a provider’s license to sell service contracts within the state.
In addition, Florida’s Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) handles complaints. You may file a complaint directly with the DCA if your home warranty company neglects its contractual obligations.


Home Warranty Cost Calculator

We created a calculator to break down the estimated annual cost of owning a home warranty. 

Use the following steps to calculate your projected annual cost:

  1. Enter your monthly premium
  2. Enter your service call fee
  3. Enter your estimated number of claims 

It’s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.

Use the table below to compare your calculated cost to repair and replacement costs for common appliances.

ApplianceAverage Repair CostAverage Replacement Cost

Dehumidifier

$50–$200

$1,300–$2,800

Microwave

$50–$400

$60–$2,000

Dishwasher

$50–$500

$400–$3,000

Exhaust Fans

$16–$300

$250–$950

Electric Range

$100–$500

$230–$3,000

Gas Range

$100–$500

$230–$3,000

Dryer

$100–$400

$450–$2,300

Oven

$100–$430

$400–$3,000

Washer

$50–$450

$400–$2,300

Freezer

$90–$500

$160–$2,900

Refrigerator

$40–$350

$200–$5,000

Life span and repair cost data sourced from InterNACHI and The Home Depot.


Other Resources for Residents in Florida


FAQ About Home Warranties in Florida

Who needs a Florida home warranty?

Homeowners in Florida may need a home warranty if they’re not financially prepared for the repairs and replacements of their home’s essential systems and appliances. These plans prevent you from paying expensive, out-of-pocket costs by reducing or eliminating them. Home warranties also offer peace of mind if you have an older home or appliances and systems with expired manufacturer or extended warranty coverage. 

Who pays for a home warranty in Florida?

Homeowners pay for home warranties in Florida. You can negotiate an added home warranty when you’re purchasing a home, or you can add a home warranty as an incentive to prospective buyers when you’re selling a home. Generally, you can’t purchase a home warranty for a home you don’t own. 

Are home warranties worth it for older homes in Florida?

Yes, home warranties are worth it for older homes with built-in systems and appliances. For example, an air conditioning system older than 10 years is near the end of its life expectancy, and a home warranty will greatly reduce the amount you’ll pay for its repair. Additionally, a home warranty saves you from having to find a service technician. 

Do I need a home inspection if I get a home warranty in Florida?

No, you don’t need a home inspection before purchasing a home warranty in Florida. However, some providers will ask for your appliance and system maintenance records before they approve a repair.

Do any home warranties start immediately?

No, home warranties don’t start immediately.  Most companies include a 30-day waiting period before you can file a claim. If you purchase a home warranty as part of a real estate transaction, coverage usually begins on closing day. Some companies may allow you to skip the initial waiting period if you provide proof of continuous coverage from a different provider.


How Do I Find the Best Home Warranty Company in My Area?

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.