April 30, 2025
As Florida continues to be one of the top vacation destinations in the U.S., more homeowners are turning their properties into income-generating short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. But while short-term rentals can be profitable, they come with unique risks—and that’s where short-term rental insurance in Florida becomes essential.
Whether you’re new to vacation rentals or already hosting, understanding the insurance for vacation rentals in Floridais critical for protecting your investment.
Why You Need Specialized Insurance for Airbnb or VRBO
Many Florida hosts mistakenly assume their homeowners insurance covers short-term rentals, but that’s rarely the case. Most standard policies exclude coverage for commercial use or limit protection during guest stays. That means if a guest damages your property or gets injured during their visit, your personal homeowners policy likely won’t cover it.
This is where Airbnb insurance in Florida and VRBO insurance in Florida come in. These policies are designed specifically to cover the risks associated with hosting travelers for short stays.
Types of Insurance for Vacation Rentals in Florida
1. Short-Term Rental Insurance Florida
Also known as vacation rental insurance, this type of policy covers both property damage and liability when your home is rented out. It’s tailored to hosts who rent out their property for fewer than 30 days at a time.
2. Landlord Insurance for Airbnb
If you’re not living in the property you’re renting, landlord insurance for Airbnb may be the right fit. It provides broader protection than a homeowners policy, especially when combined with riders for short-term rental activity.
3. Vacation Rental Liability Insurance
This ensures you’re protected if a guest is injured on your property and decides to sue. It’s especially important in Florida, where legal claims related to injuries on rental properties are not uncommon.
Airbnb & VRBO Host Protections: Are They Enough?
Both Airbnb and VRBO offer basic protections:
- Airbnb’s AirCover for Hosts includes up to $1 million in liability insurance and property damage protection.
- VRBO provides $1 million in liability coverage as well.
However, these protections come with limitations and exclusions. For example, they may not cover loss of income, intentional damage, or legal fees. Relying solely on platform-provided coverage can leave significant gaps.
To fully protect your property and finances, many experts recommend supplemental or standalone Florida Airbnb host insurance or VRBO host insurance.
Common Insurance Gaps to Watch Out For
- Loss of rental income if your property becomes uninhabitable
- Flood damage, which is not covered under standard policies (especially relevant in Florida)
- Guest-caused damage not covered by platform insurance
- Legal fees associated with injury claims
How to Insure a Vacation Rental Property in Florida
- Work with a local insurance agent who understands Florida’s unique property risks (hurricanes, flooding, etc.).
- Disclose rental activity to your insurer—hiding it can void your policy.
- Compare policies that combine homeowners, landlord, and commercial coverage to get the best protection.
- Consider bundling with other policies to save money while expanding your coverage.
Final Thoughts
Owning a short-term rental in Florida can be a rewarding venture, but it also brings responsibility. The right insurance for short-term rentals in Florida ensures that a minor mishap doesn’t turn into a financial disaster.
Whether you’re a seasoned host or just getting started, having a conversation with an insurance professional about your needs is the first step toward peace of mind.
Ready to Protect Your Vacation Rental?
At Secured Insurance Group, we specialize in helping property owners find the right Airbnb and VRBO insurance in Florida. Contact us today for a customized quote and let us help you safeguard your short-term rental property with confidence.
