Being a landlord is more than collecting rent—it's about protecting your investment and minimizing risk. One of the most important aspects of that protection is landlord insurance. But what are the actual requirements for landlord insurance? Is it required by law? What do mortgage lenders expect? What kind of coverage do you need if you're working with a property manager for a long-term rental vs a short-term rental?
In this article, we review what you need to know about landlord insurance requirements in 2025, with a detailed checklist to help you stay compliant and protect your rental property.
Is Landlord Insurance Legally Required in Florida?
No, landlord insurance is not legally required in Florida. However, if you have a mortgage or rent through certain platforms or property managers, you may be contractually required to carry it.
Even when not legally required, landlord insurance is a smart way to protect yourself from property damage, tenant disputes, and rental income loss.
Who Might Require Landlord Insurance?
While not always required by law, many other entities and agreements require landlords to have specific coverage. Here’s who might insist on it:
- Mortgage Lenders
If you have a loan on the property, your lender will likely require:
Dwelling coverage (fire, wind, hail, etc.)
Liability insurance
Loss of rental income insurance (in some cases)
Failing to maintain proper coverage could violate your loan terms and put your financing at risk.
- Property Management Companies
Professional property managers often require:
Proof of landlord insurance
Minimum liability limits
Naming the property management company as "additional insured"
This protects both you and them in case of tenant injury or property damage.
- Homeowners Associations (HOAs) or Condo Boards
If your rental is in a community with an HOA or condo board, they may have additional insurance requirements, including:
Liability coverage
Proof of policy
Proper naming of all relevant parties
- Short-Term Rental Platforms (like Airbnb and Vrbo)
Platforms like Airbnb may offer basic host coverage, but this does not replace proper landlord insurance. Most STR-friendly insurers require:
Vacation rental endorsement
Higher liability limits
Special provisions for guests rather than long-term tenants
What Coverage Is Recommended or Required for Landlords?
To meet most insurance requirements and best protect your investment, your landlord insurance policy should include the following:
- Dwelling Coverage
Covers physical damage to the building caused by fire, storms, vandalism, or other named perils.
Why it matters: Lenders often require this, and is essential to protecting your core asset.
- Liability Insurance
Protects you if a tenant or guest is injured on the property and sues.
Why it matters: Most property managers and HOAs require this—minimum recommended coverage: $300,000.
- Loss of Rental Income
Covers lost rent if your property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event.
Why it matters: This may be required by lenders or STR insurers, and it's a financial safety net for you.
- Personal Property (Landlord Belongings Only)
Covers your appliances, tools, or furnishings used for maintenance.
Why it matters: Tenants’ belongings are not covered. This protects your equipment and furnishings.
- Legal Expense Coverage
Some policies cover attorney fees and court costs related to evictions, tenant disputes, or liability claims.
- Vacancy Coverage
Not all policies cover your rental when it’s vacant between tenants. Make sure to:
Ask your insurer if vacant periods are covered
Add a vacancy endorsement if necessary
Why it matters: Properties are more vulnerable when empty. You don’t want a lapse in coverage.
- Flood Insurance (Optional but Smart in Florida)
Standard landlord insurance does not include flood coverage.
Why it matters: Florida is prone to flooding. Flood insurance may be required in some high-risk zones, especially with FHA loans.
Your 2025 Landlord Insurance Requirements Checklist
Here’s a quick-reference checklist to help you ensure you're meeting your landlord insurance requirements this year:
Requirement | Recommended | Required By |
Dwelling Coverage | Yes | Lenders, PMs |
Liability Insurance (>$300k) | Yes | PMs, HOAs, STRs |
Loss of Rental Income | Yes | Some Lenders, STRs |
Personal Property (Landlord-owned) | Yes | Optional |
Legal Expense Coverage | Recommended | Optional |
Vacancy Period Coverage | Yes | Optional |
Flood Insurance | Highly Recommended | FEMA zones, some lenders |
Property Manager Named as Insured | If applicable | PMs |
HOA/Condo Board Coverage Terms | If applicable | HOAs, Condo Boards |
Common Mistakes Landlords Make with Insurance
Avoid these common mistakes that could result in denied claims or non-compliance:
Assuming homeowners insurance is enough for a rental
Not naming your property manager as an additional insured
Letting your policy lapse between tenants
Skipping loss-of-income coverage
Not verifying STR-specific policies when listing on Airbnb
Final Thoughts
Landlord insurance may not be required by law in Florida, but it is often required by lenders, HOAs, property managers, and STR platforms. Even when not required, it’s one of the smartest protections you can invest in. Use the checklist above to ensure you're compliant and fully covered.
David Sigler is a Florida native who grew up in Fort Lauderdale Florida. He attended the University of Central Florida where he received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. David has since become a licensed General Contractor & Real Estate Broker. He has been active in Florida real estate and construction for over 15 years. During the Great Recession he was forced to refocus his ambitions and landed on property management. Starting with a handful of homes that could not be sold, he grew his portfolio and eventually bought the brokerage. With his experience, knowledge, and resources, his company prides themselves on successful turn-key residential investment solutions. He now manages hundreds of homes covering 5 counties and his construction company provides maintenance services to his management company as well as other local managers. David is an active member of the National Association Residential Property Managers and has served on the Florida State Board for over 6 years in many different roles; most recently as the NARPM Florida Chapter President (2019). Active in the GTR community, he has served on the property management subcommittee for over 4 years and recently as chair of the group. He is also active in local and state legislation that affects the property management industry. His unique understanding and perspective of property management and its associated maintenance has provided him with numerous public speaking opportunities. Outside of work, not only is he an avid outdoors man and a board member for several local Non-Profit organizations, but first and foremost a Father and Husband.