6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Florida (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.
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:
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.
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 |
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.
*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.
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.
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.
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
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
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Enter your monthly premium
- Enter your service call fee
- 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.
Appliance | Average Repair Cost | Average 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?
Find in-depth reviews on the best home warranty companies for top cities throughout the state.
Find Home Warranty Providers in FL
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