Florida Homeowners Are Being Forced Off Citizens and Into Private Carriers Like Patriot Select
If you’re a homeowner in Florida, especially in storm-prone areas like Naples, there’s a high chance your policy with Citizens Property Insurance Corporation could be transferred to a private insurer — whether you like it or not.
This process, known as “depopulation,” is ramping up in 2025 and putting thousands of homeowners in a tough spot. Here’s what you need to know — and what you can do if you’re impacted.
Citizens Was Supposed to Be the Insurer of Last Resort
Citizens Property Insurance was created by the Florida Legislature in 2002 to provide coverage when no private insurers would. But due to rising litigation and hurricane risks, Citizens has ballooned into Florida’s largest property insurer, holding over 1.4 million policies at one point.
The state now wants to shrink Citizens’ policy count to reduce financial exposure — and that means your policy could be handed off to a private company.
Enter Patriot Select and Other Private Insurers
Florida regulators have authorized several private companies to assume policies from Citizens — including Patriot Select, a relatively new insurer with political connections and financial backing.
Recent updates show:
-
Patriot Select has already assumed over 12,000 Citizens policies and is expected to take on over 30,000 more in 2025.
-
Other companies like Mangrove and Slide are also aggressively acquiring Citizens policies.
-
In Tampa Bay alone, Citizens has dropped more than 90,000 policies this year — over 30% of its local market.
What This Means for You
If you’re a Citizens policyholder, you may receive a “takeout notice” stating your policy is being transferred to a private insurer. Florida law allows this to happen if the new insurer’s premium is within 20% of your current Citizens rate.
That means:
-
You may be forced to switch insurers, even if you prefer Citizens’ coverage.
-
Some private insurers offer hurricane deductibles as low as $1,000 — but premiums and exclusions could cost you far more.
-
If the new policy exceeds Citizens’ cost by more than 20%, you may have the right to reject the offer and stay with Citizens.
Why Homeowners Should Be Concerned
Many of the private insurers taking over Citizens policies are less experienced, less capitalized, and in some cases, politically connected. This can lead to:
-
Higher premiums after your first year
-
Narrower coverage limits
-
More complicated claims processes
-
Risk of insolvency in the event of a major storm
If Florida is hit by another catastrophic hurricane this year, will these new insurers be able — or willing — to pay your full claim?
Why You Need a Public Adjuster on Your Side
Florida’s insurance market is becoming more unpredictable by the month. As a Florida-licensed Public Adjuster with extensive education in law, business, and the insurance industry, David Dwyer and the team at Experienced Public Adjusters can help guide you through this chaos.
Why Trust David Dwyer?
-
Decades of experience in corporate leadership and public adjusting
-
Holds insurance licenses across multiple states, including Florida
-
Background in law, legislative policy, and consumer advocacy
-
Recognized expert in insurance claims and property damage settlements
We understand policy language, deductible structures, storm coverage limitations, and — most importantly — how to fight for what you’re owed.
Don’t Let the System Take Advantage of You
If your Citizens policy is being transferred, you need to:
-
Review the new policy line by line
-
Compare actual coverage and limitations
-
Consult a trusted professional before accepting
Call Now for Help Navigating the Change
If you’re in Naples or anywhere in Florida, Experienced Public Adjusters is here to protect your home, your finances, and your rights.
📞 Call 888-881-8416
🌐 www.ExperiencedPublicAdjusters.com
We’re ready — before, during, and after the storm.