Sol Title Asks Florida Insurance Broker 5 Questions That May Prevent Closing Delays
Homeowners insurance is one of the most important parts of the home buying process, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Insurance eligibility, roof age, electrical systems, and even permit history can affect whether a property qualifies for coverage and what a buyer will ultimately pay.
To help buyers better understand today’s insurance market, we spoke with Greg Leutheuser, Insurance Broker with Resource Group Insurance in Winter Park, Florida. Greg shared his insight on common mistakes buyers make, how the Florida insurance market has changed, and what homeowners should pay attention to before closing.
Q: What are the biggest mistakes Florida homebuyers make when shopping for homeowners insurance?
Greg Leutheuser: “Not checking permits prior to viewing the home or putting in an offer. Also, not looking more closely during the first walk-through at the plumbing, water heater, HVAC system, roof, and electrical panel. You don’t have to be a home inspector to notice obvious issues such as missing shingles on a roof.”
Sol Title Insight: Buyers often wait until the final weeks before closing to begin reviewing insurance options. Unfortunately, insurance concerns can delay a closing if issues are discovered late in the transaction. Identifying potential concerns early can save time, money, and frustration.
Q: How has the Florida homeowners insurance market changed over the last few years, and what should buyers know before they close on a home?
Greg Leutheuser: “The market was the hardest in a generation over the last handful of years. In 2025, things really started to turn around, and 2026 is continuing to see a significant softening of the insurance market. This is thanks to major legislative reform curbing assignment of benefits abuse and other issues.”
Sol Title Insight: While insurance rates remain an important consideration for Florida buyers, the market has become noticeably more stable than it was just a few years ago. Buyers should still obtain insurance quotes early in the contract period to avoid surprises before closing.
Q: What factors have the biggest impact on a homeowner’s insurance premium in Florida?
Greg Leutheuser: “Age of the home, age of the roof, distance to the coast, and the replacement cost of the home.”
Sol Title Insight: Many buyers focus exclusively on the purchase price and monthly mortgage payment. However, insurance costs can vary significantly between two homes with similar values. Understanding these factors can help buyers budget more accurately.
Q: What coverages do homeowners often assume are included in their policy, but actually are not?
Greg Leutheuser: “Flood insurance and sinkhole insurance.”
Sol Title Insight: This is one of the most common misconceptions among Florida homebuyers. Standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not provide flood coverage. Depending on the property’s location, separate flood insurance may be recommended or required by a lender.
Q: If you could give one piece of insurance advice to someone buying a home in Central Florida, what would it be?
Greg Leutheuser: “Be very aware of the age and condition of the four major items reviewed during a 4-point inspection: roof, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. Keep trees off your roof, maintain an HVAC service contract, ensure your electrical panel is updated, and consider installing an automatic water shut-off device.”
Sol Title Insight: The condition of these systems can impact both insurance eligibility and future maintenance costs. Buyers who understand these components before purchasing often avoid expensive surprises after moving in.
Why Insurance Matters During a Real Estate Closing
Most lenders require proof of homeowners insurance before closing. Delays in obtaining coverage can potentially delay funding and closing timelines. That’s why buyers, Realtors, lenders, insurance professionals, and title companies all play an important role in ensuring a smooth transaction.
At Sol Title, we work closely with buyers, sellers, Realtors, lenders, and insurance professionals throughout Florida to help transactions close smoothly and on time.
Additional Resources
- What Is Title Insurance For?
- What Are Closing Costs in Florida?
- What Is an Estoppel Certificate?
- Free Florida Net Sheet Calculator
About the Contributor
This article features insights from Greg Leutheuser of Resource Group Insurance, an independent insurance agency serving Florida homeowners and homebuyers.
Areas Served
- Lake County Title Company
- Clermont Title Company
- Minneola Title Company
- Groveland Title Company
- Montverde Title Company
- Howey-in-the-Hills Title Company
- Leesburg Title Company
- Tavares Title Company
- Mount Dora Title Company
- Eustis Title Company
- Umatilla Title Company
- Lady Lake Title Company
- Mascotte Title Company
- Yalaha Title Company
- Winter Garden Title Company
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- Oakland Title Company
- Davenport Title Company
