Going "Bare" in Florida: What Homeowners Need to Know About Dropping Insurance

Going Bare in Florida What Homeowners Need to Know About Dropping Insurance

Florida homeowners are facing a tough decision: keep paying skyrocketing homeowners insurance premiums or go without coverage—what’s known in the industry as “going bare.”

With rates doubling (and even tripling) in some areas and several insurance providers pulling out of the state entirely, thousands of homeowners are left wondering: Is it worth it? Can I even afford it?

At Sandy Buys Houses, we talk to homeowners every day who are caught in this dilemma. Whether you’re considering dropping insurance or already have, it’s important to understand the risks—and the options—available to you, especially if you're thinking about selling your home.

What Does It Mean to “Go Bare” in Florida?

“Going bare” means owning your home without an active homeowners insurance policy. It’s completely legal in Florida—if your home is paid off. Mortgage lenders typically require homeowners insurance, but once your mortgage is paid in full, it’s up to you.

Why Are So Many Homeowners Going Bare?

Florida’s insurance market has been in crisis. Here’s why so many homeowners are ditching their policies:

• 🌀 Hurricanes and storm risk driving up claims

• 🔧 Roof replacement scams and lawsuits inflating costs

• 💼 Insurance companies pulling out of Florida

• 📈 Premiums rising 40–100% year-over-year

• 💸 Some homeowners paying $6,000–$12,000+ annually

For many, it’s simply become unaffordable.

The Risks of Going Without Homeowners Insurance

While going bare might save money in the short term, it comes with serious risks:

• ❌ No protection if a hurricane, fire, or flood damages your home

• ❌ You’re on the hook for any liability if someone gets injured on your property

• ❌ Decreased property value or marketability if you decide to sell

• ❌ Difficulties if you change your mind—insurers may be hesitant to reissue policies

If you're considering going bare, it's a good idea to have a plan for how you’ll handle unexpected repairs or disasters.

What If You Want to Sell a Home Without Insurance?

Selling a home without insurance can be tricky, especially if there are issues with the roof, foundation, or other systems that a buyer might expect to be covered. Traditional buyers using financing will likely require the home to be insurable.

That’s where Sandy Buys Houses can step in.

How Sandy Buys Houses Helps Uninsured Homeowners

We work with Florida homeowners who are:

• Going bare due to rising insurance costs

• Owning older homes that can’t easily get insured

• Facing repairs they can’t afford

• Looking to sell fast, without the stress of inspections or repairs

We buy houses as-is, even if there’s no insurance on the property. You don’t need to fix a thing—we handle it all and close on your timeline. Whether your house needs a new roof, has storm damage, or is just too expensive to keep up with, we’re a trusted cash home buyer in Florida ready to help.

Benefits of Selling to Sandy Buys Houses:

✅ Sell your house fast—even without insurance✅ No repairs, inspections, or appraisals✅ Skip the stress of the traditional market✅ Get a fair cash offer within 24 hours✅ Close in as little as 7 days

Florida’s Homeowners Insurance Crisis Isn’t Going Away Soon

Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix. Premiums are expected to keep rising in 2025, and many homeowners may find themselves priced out of coverage completely. If you're tired of pouring money into an unprotected property—or worried about what could happen without coverage—it might be time to consider your options.

Selling now, before further damage or storms hit, can save you money, reduce risk, and offer peace of mind.

Ready to Talk About Your Options?

If you're going bare—or thinking about it—and want to explore what selling might look like,

Sandy Buys Houses is here to help.

We’re a local, trusted Florida home buyer that works directly with homeowners dealing with high insurance premiums, code violations, storm damage, and more.

📞 Call Sandy today at (813) 690.4979🌐 Or visit www.SandyBuysHouses.com to get your free, no-obligation offer.

Even if you’re not ready to sell, we’re happy to talk and offer advice. You don’t have to navigate this alone.