American Home Shield is our choice for the best home warranty company in Florida, offering rare coverage for preexisting conditions—a benefit for homeowners with aging air conditioning (AC) systems. Choice Home Warranty is another strong contender, delivering comprehensive system and appliance coverage at a budget-friendly price.
Florida’s unique weather can cause wear and tear on your home systems and appliances over time. The state’s year-round humidity and frequent rainfall can lead to roof leaks, while the intense summer heat can push your AC system to its limits. A home warranty can offer peace of mind, helping you save money on unexpected repairs and ensuring your home stays in top shape year-round.
We evaluated 13 companies to identify the best home warranty providers in the Sunshine State. See our full breakdown of Florida’s best home warranty options and choose the right coverage for your property.
Top Home Warranty Companies in Florida
After evaluating 13 leading home warranty providers, we chose the following companies for Florida homeowners:
- American Home Shield: Best Comprehensive Coverage
- Choice Home Warranty: Best Basic Plan Coverage
- Elite Home Warranty: Best for Customized Coverage
- First American Home Warranty: Best for High-End Items
- AFC Home Warranty: Best Technician Flexibility
Comparing Top Providers
When looking at the best home warranty providers in Florida, we focused on the features that matter most to homeowners. Key considerations included monthly plan costs and service call fees, which customers owe each repair visit. Coverage for major systems and appliances, such as air conditioning and electrical systems, stood out due to Florida’s sweltering heat, heavy humidity, and frequent storms. Roof leak repair was another must-have coverage option, offering protection against the damage caused by Florida’s intense rainfall over time.
The table below highlights our top providers, comparing overall scores given by our team, costs, Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, and workmanship guarantees on repairs. We collected sample quotes for a 1,831-square-foot, single-family home in Tampa, Florida, to provide accurate pricing.
| Provider | Our Score (Out of 5) | Service Call Fee* | State Availability | BBB Rating** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$100–$125 | 49 states (ex. AK) | B | ||
$100 | 48 states (ex WA & CA) | B | ||
$70 ($150 for after hours and weekends) | 47 states (ex. CA, TX, & WI) | B | ||
$100–$125 | 35 states | B | ||
$75–$125 | 48 states (ex. CA & HI) | B |
*Pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, and type and your plan choices.
**The BBB is an independent organization that evaluates businesses’ credibility and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of January 2025.
Our Reviews of Top Providers in Florida
Below is an overview of our top Florida home warranty providers.
American Home Shield
Monthly Cost: $29–$89
Service Fee: $100–$125
Workmanship Guarantee: 30 days
Coverage Overview
- Bundles free roof-leak protection with its highest-tier plan, ShieldPlatinum
- Covers HVAC systems with a $5,000 limit
- Includes coverage for preexisting conditions and damaged items, which is a rare benefit in the industry
Keep in Mind
- Charges slightly higher rates for its comprehensive plans than some providers we’ve reviewed
- Has the smallest add-on catalog in this review
Our Review
American Home Shield (AHS) is a good option for Florida homeowners who want comprehensive protection for their home systems and major appliances. It offers a $5,000 annual limit for HVAC system coverage, which is higher than the typical $2,500 limit you’ll find with most providers. With higher coverage limits, you’ll likely pay less out of pocket if your air conditioning needs repairs—a big deal in Florida, where the heat and humidity can strain your systems. The company also covers undetectable preexisting conditions if something was already damaged before your coverage started, a benefit for anyone with older systems or appliances. In addition, AHS offers discounts on tune-ups and filter replacements, which can help keep your HVAC running smoothly and prevent breakdowns before they happen.
However, AHS offers a smaller selection of add-ons than some other companies, with just six options available. Having fewer additional coverage options means you might miss out on tailoring a plan to suit your home’s unique needs. It’s also worth noting that AHS’s comprehensive plans, which cover both systems and appliances, come at a higher price point than many competitors. While the coverage is solid, the cost might not work for every budget. For example, companies such as First American Home Warranty or Choice Home Warranty offer similar comprehensive plans at a lower cost, making those options worth exploring if price is a priority.
Choice Home Warranty
Monthly Cost: $46–$55
Service Fee: $100
Workmanship Guarantee: 90 days on parts, 60 days on labor
Coverage Overview
- Covers repairs with a 90-day guarantee on parts and 60 days on labor
- Includes a $3,000 coverage cap for systems and appliances
- Offers one of the lowest comprehensive plans in this review
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t cover some key items under its lowest plan, including air conditioning
- Only offers one service call fee option
Our Review
If you’re a Florida homeowner looking for an affordable home warranty plan that still offers solid coverage, Choice Home Warranty is a good option. The company extends a $3,000 coverage cap for systems and appliances for under $60 a month, which is a good deal compared to other providers in the state. Plus, it backs repairs with a 90-day parts guarantee and a 60-day labor guarantee. So, if a covered repair fails again, you’re covered at no extra cost. This is a major benefit, especially if a major system such as your air conditioning needs additional repairs.
However, the company’s Basic Plan doesn’t cover essential systems such as refrigerators, laundry appliances, and air conditioners—pretty important in Florida’s climate. You’ll need to upgrade to the Total Plan for an additional $9 per month to get coverage for these items. Also, Choice is facing a lawsuit from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office over claims of deceptive practices. We recommend doing your research before signing up with any home warranty provider.
Elite Home Warranty
Monthly Cost: $44–$59
Service Fee: $70
Workmanship Guarantee: 90 days
Coverage Overview
- Includes a 90-day workmanship guarantee for repairs
- Offers the largest add-on catalog in this review
- Provides an option to build your own protection plan
Keep in Mind
- Charges a higher service call fee for weekend and after-hour service calls
- Imposes a $15,000 aggregate or overall limit for claim payouts per year
Our Review
Elite Home Warranty is a good option for Florida homeowners who want to create a plan that fits their specific needs. While many other providers offer only a few pre-set plans, Elite lets you customize your coverage, so you only pay for what you need. Plus, with 30 add-on options available, including extended sewer line protection, HVAC maintenance, and higher coverage limits for appliances and systems, you have plenty of choices to tailor your plan.
The company charges a service call fee of $70 for most repairs, but if you need work done on the weekend, after hours, or for a high-end appliance, the fee jumps to $150. This could add up if you’re dealing with multiple repairs outside of regular hours or for pricier items. Elite also has a $15,000 annual aggregate claim limit in addition to individual caps. So if you need a refrigerator repair that costs $1,500, that amount will count towards both the item’s coverage limit and the overall plan limit. If you hit that cap because of expensive repairs, you’ll have to cover any additional repair costs out of pocket until your plan renews.
First American Home Warranty
Monthly Cost: $42–$82
Service Fee: $100–$125
Workmanship Guarantee: 30 days
Coverage Overview
- Doesn’t set coverage limits for HVAC and plumbing systems
- Protects items damaged by improper installation and modifications, which is a rare benefit based on our review
- Provides up to $7,000 in appliance coverage with its highest plan
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t offer appliance-only or system-only plan options
- Excludes coverage for some essential systems and appliances from its lowest plan
Our Review
For Floridians with high-end appliances, consider First American Home Warranty for your home protection. It offers up to $7,000 in appliance coverage, the highest in this review. Plus, it doesn’t cap coverage limits for most systems, including heating, cooling, and plumbing. This means you won’t have to worry about hitting a coverage limit if a major breakdown occurs, a benefit for Florida homeowners with expansive homes or complex HVAC systems. Its First American Advantage upgrade is also a unique perk, as it covers items damaged due to poor installation or faulty modifications—something not often found in the home warranty industry.
However, if you’re only looking to cover appliances or systems, note that First American doesn’t offer separate plans for those options. Additionally, its Starter Plan doesn’t cover air conditioning, water heaters, or laundry appliances. You can add AC coverage as an add-on, but for water heaters and laundry appliances, you’ll need to upgrade to a higher-tier plan.
AFC Home Warranty
Monthly Cost: $49–$89
Service Fee: $75–$125
Workmanship Guarantee: Plan lifetime
Coverage Overview
- Allows you to choose your own service technician
- Includes an unlimited workmanship guarantee on repairs
- Doesn’t set a coverage limit for certain systems, including your HVAC
Keep in Mind
- Issues reduced payouts for items five years and older
- Requires claims submission within 24 hours of noticing an issue
Our Review
AFC Home Warranty offers flexibility for Florida homeowners by letting you choose your preferred technician for repairs. This is a perk that many home warranty providers only allow when service providers from their network aren’t available. Choosing a trusted local provider lets you work with someone you know, offering peace of mind during repairs. AFC Home Warranty also backs its repairs with an unlimited workmanship guarantee, which is the longest in this review. As long as your plan is active, you can rest easy knowing the company will cover any additional work if a repair fails. Plus, the company doesn’t cap coverage for valuable systems such as your HVAC and water heater.
However, AFC Home Warranty has a depreciation policy that can impact coverage for items older than five years, meaning potentially reduced payout for repairs on older systems and appliances, such as a six-year-old clothes washer. You also must submit claims within 24 hours of discovering an issue, which is a potential challenge if you’re juggling multiple repairs or need extra time to address the problem.
Our Experience Filing Claims
To give homeowners a better understanding of what to expect from our top Florida providers, a home warranty tester from our team submitted a claim with AFC Home Warranty. Here’s a recap of her experience.
Testing AFC Home Warranty
Our AFC Home Warranty tester filed a claim online for a constantly running toilet, saying it was quick and easy and only took about five minutes. The online portal was simple to use, but the company issued frequent and sometimes conflicting text messages that made communication a bit frustrating. AFC did a good job finding a contractor in her rural area, though the first repair didn’t fully fix the problem. A second visit was needed, but the next contractor arrived promptly, fixed the issue, and there were no additional out-of-pocket costs. Despite the hiccup, our tester was pleased with the overall process.
Home Warranty Costs in Florida
The average home warranty cost in Florida ranges between $42–$74 per month, or $504–$888 annually. The median price for a plan is about $58, slightly higher than the national average of $56. Factors such as your location, selected plan, and add-on fees will affect your final home warranty costs. It is also important to consider service call fees, which typically range from $65–$125 per appointment. To save money, we recommend choosing a plan that balances your coverage needs with manageable service fees, especially if you anticipate frequent repairs.
| Provider | Monthly Cost | Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| American Home Shield | $29–$89 | $100–$125 |
| Choice Home Warranty | $46–$55 | $100 |
| Elite Home Warranty | $44–$59 | $70 |
| First American Home Warranty | $42–$82 | $100–$125 |
| AFC Home Warranty | $49–$89 | $75–$125 |
Advice From Homeowners
Keeping your HVAC system in top shape is important for Florida homeowners, especially with the state’s summer heat. Daniel V., a homeowner living in Kissimmee, Florida, experienced an AC breakdown when a clogged exhaust pipe caused the coils to freeze. Without a home warranty, Daniel was lucky to have an AC repair technician nearby, and the repair cost him just $150. However, he acknowledges that with a bit of preventive maintenance, he could have avoided the problem entirely.
Daniel recommends “flushing the pipe regularly” as an important step in AC maintenance. This involves using distilled vinegar to clean out your system’s exhaust pipe. In Florida’s humid climate, cleaning the exhaust pipe every month can help avoid clogs and keep your system running smoothly.
If you’re considering a home warranty, it’s important to remember that most providers require regular maintenance to qualify for system repairs. Some companies, such as American Home Shield, even offer discounts on HVAC tune-ups and air filter replacements, making staying on top of your system’s care easier and more cost-effective.
Expert Insights About the Best Home Warranty in Florida
How can a home warranty benefit homeowners?
What should you consider when selecting a home warranty?
What special considerations exist for Florida homeowners?
FAQs About Home Warranties in Florida
What are the top-rated home warranty companies in Florida?
Based on our research, we choose American Home Shield, Choice Home Warranty, and Elite Home Warranty as some of the top-rated providers in the state. We also recommend First American Home Warranty and AFC Home Warranty for Florida residents.
Who should buy a Florida home warranty?
Florida homeowners with aging systems and appliances, first-time buyers, or those with busy lifestyles could benefit from a home warranty. A plan can provide peace of mind by covering unexpected repair costs, especially for those with older homes or busy households.
What does a home warranty cover in Florida?
Home warranties in Florida typically cover repairs and replacements of major home systems such as air conditioning and plumbing, as well as appliances such as refrigerators and cooktops, if breakdowns occur from normal wear and tear.
How We Evaluated Home Warranty Providers
We back up our Florida home warranty recommendations with thorough research to provide the most relevant advice for homeowners in the state. Our process includes speaking with home warranty industry experts, requesting sample quotes, and reviewing sample contracts for each provider. We also contact customer support teams, analyze company websites, and read customer reviews from third-party websites such as the BBB and Trustpilot. To gain a full customer experience understanding, we have purchased home warranty plans with 11 providers to evaluate coverage, claims processes, and overall reliability firsthand.
We then score each provider against our detailed rating methodology on six rating factors, giving each one a final 5-star score.
Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed Florida home warranty providers:
- Coverage: Florida’s humid climate and heavy rainfall can strain air conditioning and other systems and cause issues over time such as roof leaks, making comprehensive coverage important. Providers offering plans with high coverage caps for these critical systems and major appliances, including optional roof leak repair, scored higher in our review. Companies that exclude essential covered items or impose low coverage limits didn’t make our list.
- Cost: Florida homeowners can benefit from options for affordable plans that offer good value for money. Providers with a range of plan pricing, reasonable service fees, and flexible payment options ranked higher on our list. Home warranty companies that charge high monthly fees in Florida or excessive surcharges were not considered.
- Trustworthiness: Trust is essential for Florida homeowners, who have to rely on providers to keep promises regarding home warranty services. We assessed BBB ratings, customer reviews, and workmanship guarantees as part of our review. Providers excelling in these areas earned higher scores.
- Plan Transparency: It’s important that companies provide clear, detailed contracts so homeowners know exactly what is and is not covered, especially for customers with unique needs. Home warranty providers that clearly disclosed service call fees, exclusions, and coverage caps in their contracts and online tools received higher ratings. Those with vague or confusing policies were rated lower.
- Customer Support: Accessible, responsive customer support is important for Florida homeowners, particularly in emergencies. Providers offering 24/7 claims support, multiple communication channels (phone, chat, and a mobile app), and quick response times were rated higher. Companies with limited support hours or slow response times were rated lower.
- Flexibility: Flexibility allows Florida homeowners to customize their coverage to suit their specific needs, whether with additional coverage or choosing a service technician. Providers offering multiple plan options, add-ons such as pool coverage, and the ability to choose service call fees or technicians received higher ratings. Providers with limited customization options scored lower.
