Best Home Warranty Companies In Florida 2024

Our Picks: 5 Best Home Warranty Companies For Florida Residents

After meticulously evaluating various home warranty providers, we've identified the top 5 companies specifically suited for Florida homeowners. These companies offer comprehensive coverage and reliable service year-round, keeping your Florida home running smoothly and worry-free.

Highly Rated By Customers

4.7 |

Excellent

$150 Off + 2 Months Free

Monthly Cost

$45 - $60

Service Fee

$70

Response Time

24 - 48 hours

Pros & Cons

Pros

Coverage for Major Systems and Appliances
Provide 24/7 emergency assistance
There is no waiting period for new homes accompanied by an inspection report

Cons

Charges $150 service fees on weekend visits

Plans, Cost & Coverage

Elite Home Warranty offers three plans: Elite Complete for comprehensive coverage, Elite Appliances for focused appliance protection, and Elite Systems for essential home system safeguards.

	Elite Appliances	Elite Systems	Elite Complete
Monthly Plan	$44.99	$49.99	$59.99

Elite Appliances

Covers eight essential household appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens
Suitable for homeowners looking for coverage primarily for their major appliances

Elite Systems

Offers coverage specifically for seven major home systems
Suited for homeowners who prioritize coverage for home systems over appliances
Prompt and efficient service response times for covered system repairs

Elite Complete

Includes value-added benefits such as emergency service, preventative maintenance, and discounts on appliance purchases or upgrades
Safeguards fifteen major systems and appliances, including HVAC, plumbing, refrigerator, dishwasher, and more

Why We Picked It?

Elite Home Warranty offers extensive coverage for major home systems and appliances, providing peace of mind knowing that a wide range of household items are protected against unexpected breakdowns. The company has a strong reputation for reliability and customer service, backed by positive reviews or recommendations from trusted sources.

Best For Add-ons

4.7 |

Excellent

Monthly Cost

$50 - $60

Service Fee

$90

Response Time

Up to 48 hours

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers emergency service and home visits
Offers a 60-day work guarantee
Provides extensive add-on coverage

Cons

Higher premiums compared to some competitors

Plans, Cost & Coverage

Liberty Home Guard offers three plans – Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Here’s an overview of the three plans offered by Liberty Home Guard, along with their cost and coverage:

	Appliance Guard	Systems Guard	Total Home Guard
Under 5,000 sq. ft.	$49.99	$54.99	$59.99
Over 5,000 sq. ft.	$63.99	$69.99	$75.99

Appliance Guard

Coverage for 9 essential household appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and washers/dryers
Homeowners can opt for additional coverage for specific appliances
Cost depends on the level of coverage selected, location, and any additional add-ons chosen

Systems Guard

Provides coverage for 6 major home systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, water heaters, and more
Protection against unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs for their major home systems

Total Home Guard

Comprehensive coverage for both major systems and appliances
Provides homeowners with extensive protection for their entire home

Why We Picked It?

Liberty Home Guard is known for its reputable service. It offers comprehensive coverage plans tailored to your needs and budget. Customizable options and competitive pricing protect your home while providing convenient customer support and additional benefits like emergency service and preventative maintenance.

The Industry Leader

4.5 |

Excellent

Monthly Cost

$29 - $89

Service Fee

$100 & $125

Response Time

Up to 48 hours

Pros & Cons

Pros

Covers damage due to unknown pre-existing conditions
Offer additional perks like discounted upgrades and free maintenance checks
24/7 customer service for assistance with claims and inquiries

Cons

Offers limited options for add-on coverage

Plans, Cost & Coverage

American Home Shield offers three plans – ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of American Home Shield’s plans and associated costs.

	ShieldSilver	ShieldGold	ShieldPlatinum
Cost at $125 Service Call Fee	$29.99	$49.99	$79.99
Cost at $100 Service Call Fee	$39.99	$59.99	$89.99

ShieldSilver

Basic coverage for 14 essential home systems and appliances
Suitable for homeowners seeking budget-friendly coverage for vital home components

ShieldGold

Expanded coverage compared to ShieldSilver, including additional systems and appliances
An affordable option for comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive protection for 23 essential home systems and appliances

ShieldPlatinum

Highest level of coverage for a wide range of home systems, appliances, and additional items
Additional benefits like $1,000 for roof-leak repairs
Higher starting price at $79.99/month

Why We Picked It?

American Home Shield is one of the industry’s oldest and most established home warranty companies, with over 50 years of experience. AHS offers customizable plans that allow you to tailor your coverage to suit your specific needs and budget. Whether you need coverage for just appliances, just systems, or both, AHS provides flexibility in selecting the right plan.

Best For Comprehensive Plans

3.7 |

Excellent

1^st month free + Free roof coverage

Monthly Cost

$46 - $55

Service Fee

$75 - $125

Response Time

Up to 48 hours

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers round-the-clock customer service and support
Flexible plan options and add-on coverage
Offers a 60-day guarantee on covered repairs

Cons

Limited plan options

Plans, Cost & Coverage

Choice Home Warranty offers two plans: Basic and Total. Here’s an overview of the two plans offered by Choice Home Warranty, along with their typical coverage.

	Basic Plan	Total Plan
Cost/Month	$46.83	$54.75
Cost/Annually	$532.00	$627.00

Basic Plan

Coverage for 14 major home systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, water heaters, and more
Offers add-on coverage for specific appliances or additional items

Total Plan

Comprehensive coverage for both major home systems and appliances
Option to add on coverage for additional items or systems

Why We Picked It?

Choice Home Warranty provides peace of mind with its affordable pricing and comprehensive coverage options. Their transparent terms and a wide network of service providers ensure reliable assistance whenever needed.

With 24/7 customer service and value-added benefits, such as free home inspections, Choice Home Warranty stands out as a reliable choice for homeowners seeking protection against unexpected repair costs.

Best For Customer Services

3.3 |

Good

$200 Off + 2 Months Free*

Monthly Cost

$37 - $52

Service Fee

$75

Response Time

48 hours

Pros & Cons

Pros

Protects against unexpected breakdowns of major home systems and appliances
Affordable plan options with competitive pricing
24/7 customer service availability

Cons

No option for appliance- or system-only plans

Plans, Cost & Coverage

ServicePlus Home Warranty provides two plans: Gold and Platinum. Starting at $37 per month, these plans offer a range of coverage options for an extra fee per item.

Property Size	Gold	Platinum
Less than 5,000 sqft	$37.46 per month	$43.71 per month
Above 5,000 sqft	$45.79 per month	$52.04 per month

Gold Plan

Offers coverage for 15 essential home systems and appliances
Affordable option for basic home warranty needs

Platinum Plan

Coverage for a wider range of home systems and appliances
Ideal for homeowners seeking maximum protection
Includes all items covered in the previous plan and additional items, such as AC, refrigerator, and others

Why We Picked It?

ServicePlus Home Warranty stands out for its competitive pricing, diverse coverage options, and the flexibility to include extra coverage. The company’s dedication to customer satisfaction and streamlined claims processing is also noteworthy. In summary, ServicePlus delivers outstanding value and dependability, making it the top choice for homeowners needing comprehensive home protection.

Are Home Warranty Plans Beneficial For Florida Homeowners?

A home warranty helps Floridians easily maintain their systems and appliances amidst the climate and geographic challenges that hasten its wear and tear. Home warranties protect Floridians from the following issues:

Excessive pressure on the HVAC systems due to scorching heat
Overheated electrical components in household items
Florida receives heavy rainfall, which can damage the plumbing systems
Rusting, corrosion issues, and roofing issues are also common issues in Florida homes during the rains
There can be problems with the major household items because of the 74% humidity.
High moisture can destroy the working of electronic devices like refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, and others.
Washers and dryers may become less efficient because of the humid and scorching heat.

How Much Does A Florida Home Warranty Cost?

Here's a general cost range for home warranties in Florida:

Average Annual Cost

$400 - $750

Average Monthly Cost

$33 - $63

Average Service Fee (Deductible)

$75 - $125

In Florida, the cost of a home warranty can vary depending on several key factors:

Coverage Level: Plans with more comprehensive coverage, with both major systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) and appliances (kitchen and laundry), will generally cost more than basic plans. It's like choosing between covering your entire home or just the essentials, similar to deciding between full coverage car insurance and liability only.
Deductible: This is the amount you pay out of pocket for each service call before the warranty coverage kicks in. Like your car insurance deductible, opting for a higher deductible can lower your monthly premiums, but remember, you'll pay more upfront for repairs. Consider it a trade-off between lower monthly costs and potentially higher upfront repair expenses.
Home Size & Age: Larger and older homes typically require more maintenance and have a higher risk of breakdowns. This can lead to higher premiums compared to smaller, newer homes. A sprawling Florida ranch house often has a higher potential for repairs, influencing the warranty cost.
Location: Depending on your location within Florida, average costs might vary slightly due to factors like local service provider availability and the associated costs. Areas with higher service provider density might have slightly lower costs compared to remote areas where travel distances for technicians could be greater.
Additional Coverage Options: Some companies offer add-on options like pool or well pump coverage, which will increase the plan's overall cost. Consider whether these additional coverages are necessary before adding them to your plan.

Home Warranty Coverage In Florida

In Florida, home warranty plans typically cover various essential systems and appliances within your home, protecting you from unexpected repair costs. Here’s a breakdown of the common inclusions:

General Coverage Of Florida Home Warranty

Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC) This covers repairs for essential components like your air conditioner, furnace, heat pump, and ductwork, ensuring your home stays comfortable year-round in Florida’s diverse climate.
Plumbing Coverage typically extends to repairs for leaks, clogs, and malfunctions in pipes, faucets, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures, safeguarding your home from potential water damage.
Electrical Repairs for electrical wiring, outlets, switches, and breaker panels are often covered, ensuring the safety and functionality of your electrical system.
Kitchen Appliances This might include essential appliances like refrigerators, ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, and garbage disposals, preventing disruptions to your daily routine due to unexpected breakdowns.
Laundry Appliances Washing machines and dryers are commonly covered, protecting you from the costs of repairs needed to keep your laundry routine running smoothly.

Additional Coverage Options

Some companies offer optional add-on coverage for specific needs, such as:

Pool & Spa Coverage Addressing repairs related to pumps, filters, and heaters for your pool or spa.
Well Pump Coverage Ensuring the functionality of your well water system, if applicable.
Roof Leak Coverage Providing financial protection for repairs related to roof leaks and potential water damage.

Common Exclusions

Pre-Existing Conditions Any issues existing before the warranty coverage begins are typically not covered.
Cosmetic Repairs Repairs that solely address the appearance of an appliance or system without impacting functionality are usually excluded.
Maintenance Routine maintenance activities like cleaning filters or changing furnace belts are generally not included.
Acts Of God Damage caused by natural disasters like hurricanes or floods is typically excluded, though some companies might offer separate coverage for specific events.

Who Regulates Home Warranty Companies In Florida?

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR): This office, under the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS), oversees the licensing, registration, and consumer protection aspects of home warranty companies operating in the state.

They ensure companies comply with state laws and regulations governing financial solvency, advertising practices, and claim settlement procedures. Here's a breakdown of the OIR's role in regulating home warranty companies:

Licensing Home warranty companies must obtain and maintain a license from the OIR to operate legally in the state.
Financial Solvency The OIR monitors the financial health of home warranty companies to ensure they have sufficient reserves to meet their obligations to policyholders.
Consumer Protection The OIR investigates and addresses complaints against home warranty companies, ensuring they handle claims fairly and efficiently.
Regulations The OIR sets and enforces regulations governing home warranty contracts, including coverage limitations, claim procedures, and cancellation rights.

While the OIR plays the primary role, other entities might contribute to the overall regulatory landscape for home warranty companies in Florida:

Florida Attorney General's Office They can take legal action against companies engaging in deceptive or unfair practices.
National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) This non-profit organization establishes a code of conduct for home warranty companies, promoting industry-wide standards and ethical practices. While not a regulatory body, it can influence the industry's overall conduct.

Final Word

Choosing the best home warranty company in Florida depends on your needs and budget. Consider coverage level, customer service reputation, and affordability when comparing plans. By understanding the options and regulations, you can decide to protect your Florida home and its essential systems and appliances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Does A Home Warranty Cover In Florida?

A home warranty in Florida generally includes repairing or replacing major home systems and appliances affected by normal wear and tear. Covered items may encompass HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, water heaters, kitchen appliances, etc. However, the specific coverage details can differ among plans and providers, underscoring the importance of reviewing the terms and conditions of the selected warranty policy.

How Long Is The Waiting Period Before A Home Warranty Claim Can Be Made?

The waiting period before a home warranty claim can be made varies depending on the specific terms of the warranty policy. Typically, it ranges from 30 to 60 days after the policy’s effective date.

What Are The Most Common Appliance Repairs In Florida?

In Florida, particularly in cities like Miami and Orlando, common appliance repairs often include air conditioning units due to the warm climate. Refrigerator malfunctions, dishwasher issues, and washing machine problems are also frequently reported. Given the state’s coastal areas, repairs related to saltwater corrosion on appliances may be more prevalent in cities like Miami.