The Best Home Warranty Companies in Florida of 2023

Owning a house in Florida comes with a fair amount of responsibility, as the persistent threat of hurricanes and floods demands extensive preparation around the home. Routine maintenance and upkeep is equally important, though, as appliances and home systems can break down over time and require expensive repairs. Even with meticulous maintenance, HVAC systems, water heaters, refrigerators, ovens, and other equipment will stop working eventually due to normal wear and tear.

A home warranty can be a major boon in those situations, as it can help cover the cost to fix or even replace malfunctioning appliances and home systems. On top of that, customers don’t even need to worry about finding a qualified technician and setting up an appointment because home warranty providers will take care of that for them. The best home warranty companies in Florida offer a lot of benefits and perks to consider, and by weighing the pros and cons of each one, homeowners can find the right fit for their own particular situation.

1. BEST OVERALL: AFC Home Club
2. RUNNER-UP: American Home Shield
3. BEST ADD-ON COVERAGE: Liberty Home Guard
4. BEST CLAIMS PROCESS: Choice Home Warranty
5. ALSO CONSIDER: Select Home Warranty

What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Florida

When searching for the right home warranty, Florida homeowners may have their own set of priorities they want to consider. That being said, Florida residents could have an easier time narrowing down their list of potential home warranty providers by focusing on coverage options, cost considerations, and the actual process of submitting a claim and scheduling repair work.

Policies and Plans

Home warranty providers typically offer multiple plans for customers to choose from, and those coverage options may vary quite a bit from company to company. In some cases, there may be dedicated plans that exclusively cover home systems or appliances, while in others, plans may mix and match different combinations of appliances and home systems. Depending on the policy’s terms, the best home warranty plans in Florida may cover a wide range of items, including:

• Air conditioners
• Heating units
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing systems
• Refrigerators
• Ovens
• Dishwashers
• Laundry machines
• Garbage disposals
• Built-in microwaves

Florida residents may want to consider how the state’s environment may lead to more wear and tear with certain appliances or home systems, which may necessitate more extensive coverage. For instance, Florida homeowners may run their air conditioners throughout much of the year, so they may want to seek out a home warranty policy with generous coverage limits on HVAC repairs.

In addition, it’s common for home warranty companies to offer extra services that can be purchased and added to a policy. Florida residents may want to take into account these add-on options, as they can greatly expand coverage to include terms that wouldn’t otherwise be covered by a home warranty. For instance, home warranty companies may include pool or roof coverage as add-on services. Customers concerned about heavy rainfall may be interested in purchasing extra roof-leak coverage. If that’s the case, they may want to consider one of the best home warranties for roof coverage. It’s important for homeowners to look at every available option, including both standard policy terms and extra add-on services, when vetting the best home warranty companies in Florida.

Maximum Coverage Limit

Home warranty plans set coverage limits for different types of repairs, and those coverage limits can vary significantly depending on the company, policy tier, and covered item. For instance, HVAC repairs may be covered up to a higher amount than a roof-leak repair. Understanding what coverage limits are in place is often key to choosing the right home warranty company so homeowners know exactly how much their policy will pay to repair or replace various home systems and appliances. Some companies may present this information during the quote process, but customers are more likely to find coverage caps listed in the fine print of their contract or user agreement. It may require a little more legwork to determine coverage limits for multiple policies and providers, but that effort will likely be worth it to ensure homeowners get the right coverage for their needs.

Average Monthly Rate

Comparing rates across different home warranty companies can get a little tricky because there are often multiple plans available from each company, along with various add-on options and discount opportunities. Customers who are early in the selection process may want to look at the average monthly rate for home warranty providers they are considering to get a sense of which ones can offer affordable rates before accounting for variances in plans, add-ons, and discounts. It’s worth noting that depending on the type of coverage a homeowner is looking for, along with the size of any discounts they may qualify for, the total cost of a home warranty could be higher or lower than a company’s average monthly rate.

Discounts

When looking at rates across different home warranties, Florida residents may want to take into account any available discounts they may be eligible to receive. Many companies offer reduced rates to reward customers who select multiyear plans or switch providers. It’s also possible for homeowners to get a deal on an extended home warranty when renewing a policy for another coverage term. These discounts can be significant, potentially lowering the annual cost of a home warranty by hundreds of dollars, so it’s worth homeowners taking the time to check for any discounts before finalizing a policy.

Florida home warranty companies may also offer discounts on other services and products as extra perks to their home warranty members. For instance, home warranty providers may have exclusive partnerships with appliance manufacturers or parts suppliers that could offer customers great deals on new appliances or other purchases. These offers don’t impact the cost of the policy itself, but they can still provide significant value to the customer.

Service Fee

Service fees are another cost that Florida homeowners may want to consider when buying a home warranty. Customers will need to pay a service fee when they submit a claim before their home warranty provider will contact a technician and schedule repairs. In some cases, customers may see this expense referred to as a “technician fee” or “deductible.” Each company sets its own range of service fees, often allowing customers to choose from a few different options. Although selecting a lower technician fee might be tempting, homeowners will want to keep in mind that selecting the cheapest service fee will most likely lead to an increased monthly or annual rate. On the other hand, customers can reduce their rate by choosing a higher service fee. With that in mind, homeowners may want to weigh the up-front costs of a lower rate against the out-of-pocket expense of a higher technician fee.

While searching for the best-rated home warranty companies in Florida, homeowners may find that some providers don’t provide any flexibility when it comes to their service fee. These home warranty companies set the same charge for every policy and customer, no matter what coverage options they choose.

Waiting Period

Coverage rarely starts right away when someone buys a new home warranty. Companies typically impose a waiting period to prevent unscrupulous customers from purchasing a policy specifically to cover the cost of fixing an appliance or home system that’s already broken. Without waiting periods, homeowners could conceivably wait until their refrigerator or furnace breaks down, then purchase a home warranty and let their provider foot the bill for the repair work—minus the service fee.

The good news for homeowners is that these waiting periods are often relatively brief—30 days is a typical length of time homeowners need to wait before coverage begins. In some cases, though, companies may require a longer wait time, which could be a concern for homeowners who want their home warranty coverage to start as soon as possible. Under certain circumstances, new customers may be able to have their waiting period waived. For instance, companies may forgo a waiting period if a homeowner submits to an inspection to verify the condition of their covered appliances and home systems. Waiting periods may also be waived if new customers can show that they already have a warranty with another company and are simply looking to switch providers.

Claims Process

A good claims process can make all the difference for home warranty customers, allowing them to quickly find a technician and set up a repair appointment. In many cases, customers will be able to submit a claim online through a dedicated account or portal and wait for a representative to review their request and contact a contractor if their claim is approved. Companies may also take repair requests over the phone, but that won’t always be the case. If homeowners would prefer to speak directly to a representative and discuss their claim over the phone, then this feature may be worth considering when comparing the best home warranty services in Florida.

Another key factor for homeowners to weigh is the expected response time to a repair request. Some home warranty providers offer quick turnaround times, responding to a submitted claim in only a few hours—possibly even sooner. Companies may also have a wide range of expected response times depending on when a claim is received, so it can be important for homeowners to take into account any potential delays that can occur during the claims process.

Although not an industry standard by any means, it’s possible that home warranty companies will allow customers to select their own technician rather than use a contractor from the provider’s own network. This may be an appealing option to homeowners who have worked with local contractors in the past and trust the quality of their work.

Workmanship Guarantee

After a repair has been completed, many home warranty companies will guarantee the quality of the workmanship for a set period of time. If customers discover an issue with the covered repair during that time frame, they can request follow-up work without needing to pay an additional service fee. However, any problems that arise or are spotted after that point may be considered a separate repair and require another claim to be submitted, which means paying another service fee. This workmanship guarantee can vary quite a bit from one company to another, so it’s worth homeowners taking a look at what each provider can offer. Homeowners who want more peace of mind from knowing that any repair will be guaranteed for a long period of time may want to seek out a home warranty company with a lengthier workmanship guarantee.

Our Top Picks

What is the best home warranty company in Florida? The answer may depend on what individual homeowners look for in a policy and service provider. Each of the best home warranty companies in Florida offers its own set of perks and benefits that may appeal to homeowners. Florida residents may find that some home warranty providers are a better fit than others depending on their particular priorities.

Best Overall

AFC Home Club

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Why It Made the Cut:

AFC Home Club gives customers the option to choose their own repair technician, as well as offering a long workmanship guarantee and affordable add-ons for pool coverage.

AFC Home Club may stand out to Florida residents for a variety of reasons, including the way the company approaches the claims process. For instance, customers have the option to choose their own technician rather than use a contractor from the company’s network. This way, homeowners who have an established rapport with local contractors they trust can hire them for repairs covered by their home warranty. In addition, AFC Home Club’s workmanship guarantee runs the entire length of the home warranty, which can mean repairs are guaranteed for up to 3 years, depending on the customer’s policy. If an issue reappears during their policy’s coverage term, customers don’t have to worry about paying an extra service fee to schedule additional repairs.

Homeowners will want to keep in mind that if they plan on purchasing a multiyear policy or renewing an existing plan, they will need to schedule an annual HVAC tune-up to keep their home warranty in good standing. Routine maintenance is recommended, with or without a home warranty, and scheduling an HVAC tune-up once a year can help keep home systems running properly. Florida residents looking to get coverage for their swimming pools may be happy to hear that AFC Home Club’s rates for add-on pool coverage are low for the market, making this coverage relatively affordable. In addition, new customers who agree to have their covered home systems and appliances inspected can have their waiting period waived so coverage will start right away.

Specs

• Maximum coverage limit: $3,000
• Average monthly rate: $50
• Service fee: $75 to $125
• Claims process: Online, phone
• Workmanship guarantee: 1 or 3 years

Pros

• Customer-selected technician option
• Long 1- or 3-year workmanship guarantee
• Relatively low pool coverage rates
• Waiting period waived with home inspection

Cons

• Annual HVAC maintenance required

Runner-Up

American Home Shield

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Why It Made the Cut:

Florida homeowners looking for a home warranty with robust coverage may be interested in American Home Shield’s generous home system repair terms, free or discounted HVAC tune-ups, and standard coverage for geothermal AC units.

American Home Shield could be a great option for many Florida homeowners, especially those who are looking for high coverage limits on home system repairs. Every American Home Shield policy offers up to $5,000 of coverage on HVAC repairs, which is very high for a home warranty. This means that customers don’t need to worry as much about the company potentially denying a repair request on covered systems because the cost exceeds their maximum coverage amount—or needing to pay the difference out of pocket.

Although the company’s rates may be relatively high in the Florida market, customers can take advantage of extra perks and benefits that may offer more value and even save them money in other ways. For instance, the availability of discounted or even free HVAC tune-ups can add further value to a customer’s home warranty policy and help prevent more costly and disruptive problems from developing.

When requesting repairs, customers may want to note American Home Shield’s fairly short 30-day workmanship guarantee. American Home Shield policies also include geothermal air-conditioning unit repairs—repairs that may require specialized technicians—as part of their standard coverage. Such coverage may only be available—if it is at all—as a separate add-on with other home warranty providers.

Specs

• Maximum coverage limit: $5,000 (for HVAC repairs)
• Average monthly rate: $63
• Service fee: $100 or $125
• Claims process: Online, phone
• Workmanship guarantee: 30 days

Pros

• Relatively high $5,000 coverage limit on HVAC repairs
• Standard geothermal AC repairs coverage
• Free or discounted HVAC tune-ups

Cons

• Relatively high $63 average monthly rate
• Relatively short 30-day workmanship guarantee

Best Add-on Coverage

Liberty Home Guard

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Why It Made the Cut:

Liberty Home Guard customers can choose from numerous extra add-ons to build out their home warranty’s coverage, and those who pay for a full year of coverage up front can receive a generous discount on their home warranty.

Some homeowners may find standard home warranty coverage terms to be a bit limiting at times, in which case it makes sense to explore extra service add-ons that can expand the scope of coverage. This is an area in which Liberty Home Guard excels, as the company offers 42 service options that can be added to a home warranty policy. The most popular add-ons for Florida customers include coverage for pools and spas, septic system pumps, well pumps, ice makers, and certain types of roof leaks. Having these options available allows Florida residents to customize their policy to better suit their most pressing needs.

Service add-ons may even include coverage that’s not easy to find elsewhere. For instance, Liberty Home Guard offers a saltwater pool add-on, which can help cover the cost of repairs even when requiring specialized parts installed by expert technicians. Customers who review their policy terms may notice that repairs are capped at $2,000, but that limit is applied per item rather than per term. With that in mind, homeowners don’t need to worry about the total cost of covered repairs exceeding this limit should they need to submit repair requests for multiple home systems or appliances. Also, customers can get a sizable discount on their home warranty—equal to 2 months of free coverage—by paying for an annual policy in full up front.

Specs

• Maximum coverage limit: $2,000 (per item)
• Average monthly rate: $55
• Service fee: $60 to $125
• Claims process: Online, phone
• Workmanship guarantee: 60 days

Pros

• Wide variety of service add-ons
• Saltwater pool coverage option
• 2 months of free coverage with annual payment

Cons

• Relatively low $2,000 coverage limit per item

Best Claims Process

Choice Home Warranty

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Why It Made the Cut:

Choice Home Warranty can respond quickly to service requests and, thanks to the multiple representatives assigned to each claim, offer more extensive support during the claims process.

Some repairs covered by home warranties need to be addressed as soon as possible—broken refrigerators or air conditioners, for instance. To that end, Florida residents may find Choice Home Warranty’s quick response time on repair requests to be very appealing. The company notes that its representatives will begin contacting technicians to schedule an appointment within 4 hours of receiving a request in many cases. By doing so, Choice Home Warranty can get the claims process moving along so repairs can be completed in a timely manner.

Customers looking for a great deal of flexibility in their home warranty may find Choice Home Warranty’s policy and service fee options to be somewhat limiting, but the company excels in other areas. For instance, every claim has multiple representatives assigned to it, meaning that there isn’t a single source of failure that could cause delays because a claim fell through the cracks. Having more than one representative available and familiar with a particular claim could also translate into a more efficient and seamless repair process since there are multiple agents on hand to help out customers with their claims. Another potential perk may appeal specifically to homeowners who already have a home warranty with another company, as Choice Home Warranty will waive the waiting period for new customers looking to switch providers.

Specs

• Maximum coverage limit: $3,000
• Average monthly rate: $51
• Service fee: $85
• Claims process: Online, phone
• Workmanship guarantee: 60 days labor, 90 days parts

Pros

• Quick claim response within 4 hours of service request
• Hands-on claims support from multiple representatives
• Waiting period waived for customers with an existing home warranty

Cons

• Limited policy options
• No service fee flexibility

Also Consider

Select Home Warranty

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Why It Made the Cut:

Select Home Warranty offers limited roof leak coverage with every policy, as well as affordable rates on extra pool coverage and the opportunity to receive a large discount when paying in full.

Select Home Warranty could be a terrific option for many Florida homeowners, providing plenty of value with its policies. For instance, every home warranty comes with limited roof leak coverage as a standard term, so customers don’t need to pay extra for a service add-on to receive this type of coverage. Customers can further save on their home warranty by taking advantage of the company’s generous discount for customers who make annual payments on their home warranty. By paying for a full year’s worth of coverage up front, customers can receive a discounted rate equal to 2 months of free coverage.

Homeowners may want to be cognizant of when they submit a repair request, as claims that are received on weekends or holidays may require more time for representatives to send a response. Customers who file a claim during the week may not experience any delay in their repair request at all, though. Homeowners with swimming pools may be interested to know that Select Home Warranty’s add-on coverage rates are fairly low for the Florida market, which could help lower the total cost of a home warranty policy.

Specs

• Maximum coverage limit: $3,000
• Average monthly rate: $62
• Service fee: $75 to $100
• Claims process: Online, email
• Workmanship guarantee: 60 days

Pros

• Free limited roof coverage with every policy
• Relatively low pool coverage rates
• 2 months of free coverage with annual payment

Cons

• Relatively slow claim response of up to 96 hours after receiving service request

Our Verdict

The award for Best Overall goes to AFC Home Club due to the company’s long workmanship guarantee, low rates for pool service add-ons, and willingness to waive waiting periods in certain cases, as well as the option for customers to choose their own technician. We gave the Runner-Up award to American Home Shield because of the high coverage limits on HVAC repairs, standard geothermal AC coverage with every policy, and opportunities to schedule HVAC maintenance for free or at a discounted rate.

How We Chose the Best Home Warranty Companies in Florida

When selecting the best home warranty companies in Florida, we looked at the various coverage options available, including coverage limits, policy tiers, standard inclusions, and extra add-ons. Because Florida homeowners may have coverage needs that differ from those of residents of other states, special consideration was given to service options that might appeal to them, such as pool and spa coverage. Cost will always be a key factor in any circumstance, and our research factored in various cost considerations to assess affordability and glean opportunities to lower overall expenses on a Florida home warranty. That may include discounts on multiyear policies, lower rates on popular add-ons, and various service fee options.

The claims process was another important consideration, and each company was reviewed to determine how repair requests could be submitted, how long customers might wait to hear a response, and how technicians may be selected. Our research also looked at workmanship guarantees to see what assurances customers may have in the event that they have an issue with the quality of covered repairs.

Before You Choose One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Florida

Home warranties can be great assets for homeowners who want to avoid the unexpected costs of repairing home systems and appliances that break down as a result of normal wear and tear. These policies do not typically cover other types of damage, however, such as what’s caused by fire, smoke, or water. Homeowners insurance policies will often cover these types of damage, though. When homeowners are comparing home warranty vs. homeowners coverage, they’ll find that it doesn’t have to be an either/or proposition. Home warranties may be ideally suited to serving a complementary role to homeowners insurance, and pairing the two together can offer a more comprehensive form of coverage for homeowners.

Home warranties may also exclude coverage under certain conditions, so it’s a good idea for homeowners to review user agreements or service contracts to check when a repair request may be denied. Poor maintenance, corrosion, rust, and excessive age may all be reasons for home warranty companies to deny a claim, depending on the terms of service.

Cost of Opting for One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Florida

How much is a home warranty in Florida? The cost of a home warranty may depend on a number of factors in Florida, starting with the baseline price of the selected policy. When searching for the best home warranty companies, Florida residents may find that average monthly rates can range from $51 to $63. Home warranty companies may set higher prices for larger properties, but the threshold for that rate hike can vary from one provider to another. Purchasing add-on services, such as pool and spa coverage, can also raise the total cost of a home warranty policy. The choice of service fees will impact a home warranty’s rate, too, as a lower service fee will result in a higher monthly or annual rate and a higher fee will lead to a lower rate. Companies may also provide discounts that can offer significant savings, such as reduced prices for customers who pay for their entire plan in full rather than in monthly installments. Given these considerations for homeowners looking for a home warranty in Florida, costs may wind up being much lower—or potentially even higher—than the expected average monthly rate of each company.

The Advantages of Opting for One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Florida

A home warranty can be incredibly helpful to homeowners under the right circumstances. By helping cover the costs to repair or replace broken-down appliances and home systems, home warranties can help homeowners prepare for the unexpected. It may be easier to budget for the monthly or annual cost of a home warranty (plus a one-off service fee) than to scrounge up enough money to pay for an expensive repair on short notice. In addition, home warranty companies may make it easier to find qualified contractors and set up repairs by contacting technicians and scheduling necessary repairs. The best home warranty companies provide plenty of other benefits that may appeal to Florida residents:

• Lengthy workmanship guarantees to ensure the quality of repairs—in some cases, for as long as 3 years.
• Specialized add-on coverage, such as for saltwater pools and geothermal AC units, to expand a home warranty’s reach.
• Generous discounts to help lower home warranty rates and make them more affordable for Florida residents.

FAQs

Tracking down the right home warranty can seem tricky at first given all of the options available to Florida homeowners. It can be helpful to address some fundamental concerns regarding these policies so customers know what to expect as far as what home warranties are, how they work, what they cost, and what they cover, among other burning questions. When searching for the best home warranty company, Florida residents may want to start by finding answers to key questions that may inform their selection.

Q. What is the average cost of home warranty in Florida?

Based on the top home warranty companies included above, Florida residents can expect annual home warranty costs to run anywhere from $516 to $744. The average cost among the best home warranty companies that service Florida sits at $620, which is only slightly higher than the national average of $600.

Q. Who pays for a home warranty in Florida?

Florida homeowners can buy a home warranty at any time if they would like to protect their home systems and appliances and cover the cost of certain repairs. Home sellers can also choose to purchase a home warranty to pay for unexpected repairs while their home is on the market or as an added incentive for potential buyers. It’s also not unheard of for real estate agents to buy a home warranty for their clients as a housewarming gift.

Q. What are the cons of a home warranty in Florida?

Unexpected claim denials can be frustrating for home warranty customers, but it’s important to fully understand the terms and conditions that come with a policy so homeowners can anticipate when a repair request could be denied. For instance, home warranty companies may not approve repairs for issues that could have been prevented through proper routine maintenance. Florida homeowners will also want to note that home warranties don’t cover water damage in many cases, although they may help cover the cost to fix the cause of that damage—repairing burst pipes or broken seals on water heaters, for instance. As such, even with those potential exclusions, a home warranty can be worth it to cover the cost of certain unexpected repairs.

Q. How long are builder warranties on newly constructed houses in Florida?

There are specific statutes dictating how long builder warranties must run on newly constructed homes in Florida. The Florida Legislature states that builder warranties should provide 3 years’ worth of coverage after construction has been completed.

Q. Do home warranties cover existing problems?

Some home warranty companies may cover pre-existing conditions—but often with a few caveats. For instance, providers may only cover such conditions if they are not evident during a visual inspection of the covered appliance or home system. In other cases, companies won’t agree to cover pre-existing problems at all, so it’s important to read the terms and conditions attached to a home warranty. Because home warranty coverage can vary from one company to another, it’s important to check what exactly is included with each policy.

Q. Do I need a home warranty in Florida?

Florida homeowners may decide that they need a home warranty if they are concerned about budgeting for unexpected expenses like repairing a malfunctioning refrigerator or furnace. A home warranty may also be useful for homeowners who worry that their appliances or home systems may be nearing their end of life and could be more prone to failure.