A home warranty can protect Florida residents from paying out-of-pocket for expensive repairs and replacements when major home systems and appliances break down from normal wear and tear. Plus, when you file a claim, your provider will send a pre-vetted local contractor, expediting the necessary repair or replacement. Our team researched the best home warranties in the country and rounded up the top providers in Florida to help you choose the right plan.
Summary of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Florida
The table below shows how our top home warranty providers compare. We highlighted each provider’s standout feature, monthly cost, service fee, response time, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating.
Florida’s Top 4 Home Warranty Companies
The highest-rated home warranty companies in Florida include the following:
- American Home Shield: Best Coverage Caps
- Liberty Home Guard: Best Customer Ratings
- Select Home Warranty: Best Value
- First American Home Warranty: Best Appliance Coverage
Our team took plan options, pricing, coverage, customer reviews, claims processes, and various other factors into account when determining the best home warranty providers in Florida. Here are more details on our top four picks.
What Is the Cost of a Home Warranty in Florida?
According to the quotes we pulled for each provider above, you can expect to pay an average of $60 monthly or $720 annually for a home warranty in Florida. We found that most providers charge a service call fee between $75 and $125 per claim However, your pricing may vary depending on where you live in the state, the size and type of your home, the provider you choose, and your coverage selections.
Each provider differs in its number of covered items, coverage limits, and add-on selections. For instance, we found that companies with lower monthly premiums tend to have lower coverage limits. Our research also shows that companies that charge more per add-on tend to offer higher coverage limits per add-on.
Annual Home Warranty Cost Calculator
Our team created a calculator to break down the estimated annual cost of owning a home warranty. Enter your monthly premium, service call fee, and estimated number of claims to see your projected annual cost. It’s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.
Life span and repair cost data sourced from InterNACHI and The Home Depot
How Do Home Warranties Work in Florida?
A home warranty is a service contract you can purchase from a company to protect your home’s major systems and appliances. Home warranties work similarly to insurance policies. You must pay either a monthly or annual premium for coverage. When an item breaks down from normal wear and tear, you can file a claim with your home warranty provider.
After you submit a claim, your service provider will send a reputable contractor in your area within 24 to 48 hours to address your issue. However, if you submit a claim after normal business hours, on a weekend, or on holiday, there may be delays in processing your claim.
You must pay a service call fee each time you file a claim, which usually ranges from $75 to $125, based on quotes we pulled. If you file a claim for a previously repaired item within the workmanship guarantee period—typically 30 days, but sometimes longer—the technician should perform additional repairs for free.
Factors To Consider Before Buying a Florida Home Warranty
Due to the varied landscapes and climatic conditions across Florida, there is no one-size-fits-all home warranty. Here are some factors to consider before buying a plan:
Coverage Exclusions
Most home warranties won’t cover tampered items, such as an air conditioner you’ve attempted to fix. Home warranties usually only cover wear-and-tear breakdowns. This means they won’t cover breakdowns caused by preexisting conditions, lack of routine maintenance, or weather incidents, such as storms
Coverage Needs
Consider the home appliances and systems you use most, and select a provider that covers them. In addition, ensure the provider you choose covers your items’ full repair and replacement values.
Plan Costs
Finally, review your total budget before signing up for a home warranty. The monthly or annual fee isn’t the only cost to consider. We suggest coming up with a rough estimate of the number of claims you’ll file during the policy term. Multiply that number by the service call fee you pay. Then, add that number to your monthly or annual premium. This will roughly determine the total home warranty cost for the policy term.
What’s Covered in a Florida Home Warranty Plan?
Depending on where you live, you might have different coverage needs. For example, if you live in Jackson County, you may need roof-leak repair coverage due to the regular rainfall. Here is a list of the typical home systems and appliances a Florida home warranty covers:
Appliances:
- Built-in microwaves
- Clothes washers and dryers
- Dishwashers
- Garbage disposals
- Ovens
- Refrigerators
- Stovetops
- Trash compactors
Systems:
- Air conditioners
- Ceiling fans
- Central vacuum systems
- Ductwork systems
- Electrical systems
- Furnaces
- Garage-door openers
- Heating systems
- Plumbing systems
- Water heaters
Add-ons:
- Additional appliances or systems
- Pools and spas
- Roof-leak repair
- Septic systems
- Sump pumps
- Well pumps
Are Home Warranties Worth It for Older Florida Homes?
Home warranties are worth it for older homes with aged built-in systems and appliances. For example, if your air conditioning system is older than 10 years, it is nearing the end of its life expectancy, according to InterNACHI. A home warranty will greatly reduce the amount you’ll pay for air conditioner repair. Additionally, a home warranty saves you from searching for a reputable service technician near you.
Do Home Warranties Accept Claims Immediately?
No, home warranties do not accept claims immediately. When you purchase a home warranty, there is typically a 30-day waiting period before you can file a claim. However, coverage begins on closing day when you purchase a home warranty as part of a real estate transaction. Some companies may allow you to skip the initial waiting period if you provide proof of continuous coverage from a different provider.
How Are Florida Home Warranties Regulated?
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.
How To Read Home Warranty Contracts in Florida
We highly recommend reading your home warranty company’s sample contract to ensure it covers your needs. It also gives you a heads-up on the provider’s coverage exclusions and limitations, helping you avoid an unexpected claim denial. Here are a few tips to help you understand a home warranty sample contract:
- Find what’s covered: Read through the covered item sections carefully. Providers typically list their covered items and components in the same section. Ensure the company covers all the necessary components of the items you need coverage for.
- Understand exclusions: All home warranty companies have coverage exclusions and limitations they list within their sample contracts. For example, companies may cover refrigerators but not nonessential components, such as storage racks.
- Ask questions: We highly recommend contacting your home warranty company if you have questions about a section in the sample contract. A representative can clarify a clause or assist you further.
Expert Takes on Home Warranties
We sourced experts across various industries and asked them questions homeowners have about home warranties. Their answers are below:
- Are there things I should consider while shopping for the best Florida home warranty company? Arthur Chartrand, who is of counsel to the National Home Service Contract Association, says you should specifically look for fully transparent companies. “Look for a company who lists their full name, address, and who their management is.”
- Should I buy a Florida home warranty if I own an older home? Dave Bringer, owner and head technician of Bringer Appliance Repair, says, “Older homes need home warranties because their appliances and systems have most likely used their manufacturer’s warranty coverage.”
- What do I need to know before buying a Florida home warranty? Danny Margagliano, a World Impact Real Estate Realtor, emphasizes knowing if a home warranty provider offers multiple plans. “Depending on the age of your home appliances, the cheapest plan may be good,” he says. “A more expensive plan that covers more parts of the home may be a better choice for someone else.”
Our Conclusion
American Home Shield is our top recommendation due to its decades of experience and positive brand reputation. Its plans are also comprehensive, with generous coverage caps and flexible pricing. Liberty Home Guard is great for homeowners who want the flexibility to choose from a long list of add-on options. Select Home Warranty is worth considering for any homeowner seeking budget-friendly prices. First American Home Warranty is a solid pick for those who need comprehensive appliance coverage.
Before buying a home warranty and making a final decision, we encourage you to get quotes from several providers. Once you have quotes from a few companies, compare coverage options and try to price match with your favorite company to get the best deal possible.
Other Resources for Residents in Florida
- Best Homeowners Insurance in Florida
- Best Solar Companies in Florida
- Best Moving Companies in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Find the Best Home Warranty Company in My Area?
Find in-depth reviews on the best home warranty companies for each state and major U.S. city below.
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts from each company, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for coverage, value, trustworthiness and transparency, availability, and customer service to arrive at a final score out of 100.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.