Few insurance markets have changed as quickly as Florida's. Three years ago homeowners were watching carriers leave and the state-backed insurer of last resort swell. In 2026 the story is different: capacity is returning, Citizens is shrinking and rate filings have flattened. For independent agents, that shift creates real opportunity, but only for those with the carrier access to act on it.
The reforms
Florida lawmakers passed significant property insurance and litigation reforms in a December 2022 special session and the 2023 regular session. The changes targeted claims litigation and fraud that had driven up costs and contributed to carrier insolvencies. Since then, state regulators have pointed to a steady stream of new and expanding carriers as evidence the market is stabilizing.
What the numbers show
| Indicator | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Citizens policies in force, fall 2023 peak | About 1.4 million | Industry reporting |
| Citizens policies in force, Dec 31, 2025 | 395,337 | Citizens Property Insurance Corporation |
| Citizens policies in force, May 31, 2026 | 293,772 | Citizens Property Insurance Corporation |
| P&C companies entering Florida since the reforms | 20 | Florida OIR, May 20, 2026 |
| Residential filings for decreases or 0% since the reforms | More than 190 | Florida OIR, May 20, 2026 |
Much of the Citizens decline came through depopulation, where approved private carriers offer to take over Citizens policies. Every one of those households still needs an agent who can explain the offer, compare it with alternatives and handle the change.
Why this favors independent agents
Homeowners need comparison, not a single quote
When new carriers enter and others adjust appetite, the best option for a given home can change from one renewal to the next. A captive agent can offer one company's answer. An independent agent can compare several, which is exactly what a homeowner coming out of Citizens or facing a non-renewal needs.
The independent channel is already the majority
The Big "I" 2026 Market Share Report, released in June 2026 using 2025 premium data, found that independent agents wrote 62.0% of all U.S. property and casualty premium, 39.5% of personal lines and 87.7% of commercial lines. Personal lines share has been rising, from 36.7% in 2021.
Commercial clients follow the same logic
Florida's growing small business economy needs property, liability, auto and workers compensation coverage. Commercial buyers overwhelmingly use independent agents, and Florida's coastal property exposures make market access even more important.
What agents should do now
- Review every property renewal. Clients placed during the hard market may have better options today.
- Be the guide on Citizens offers. Explain takeout offers clearly, including coverage differences, so clients make informed decisions.
- Use mitigation credits. Wind mitigation and four-point inspections can meaningfully change premium. Make sure clients know about them.
- Round out accounts. A homeowner who trusts you with a difficult property placement is a strong prospect for auto, umbrella and business coverage.
- Keep carrier access current. New entrants are only useful if your agency can quote them. See why multi-carrier access matters.
A note of caution
Market conditions can change quickly, especially after an active hurricane season. Today's softer pricing is not guaranteed to last. The lasting advantage is not any single rate; it is the ability to keep serving clients well when conditions change.
Insurance Warehouses is headquartered in Orlando and has watched these cycles from the inside. Learn our story or explore the franchise opportunity.
