Florida's separate wind deductible catches many homeowners off guard. Here is how it works and what it means for screen enclosure repairs.
Published March 17, 2026 • ← Back to Blog
Most Florida homeowners know they have a deductible on their insurance policy. What many do not realize is that Florida policies often have two separate deductibles: a standard deductible for most claims and a much higher wind or hurricane deductible. Understanding this distinction is critical before you file a screen enclosure claim.
Your standard homeowners deductible is typically a flat dollar amount, usually $1,000 to $2,500. This applies to claims like theft, fire, or water damage from a burst pipe.
Your wind or hurricane deductible is different. Instead of a flat dollar amount, it is usually calculated as a percentage of your dwelling coverage, typically 2% to 5%. This percentage-based deductible applies whenever wind or a named storm causes the damage.
Here is what the math looks like for typical Tampa Bay homes:
| Home Value (Dwelling) | 2% Deductible | 5% Deductible |
|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | $6,000 | $15,000 |
| $400,000 | $8,000 | $20,000 |
| $500,000 | $10,000 | $25,000 |
| $600,000 | $12,000 | $30,000 |
Compare those numbers to a typical full pool cage rescreen, which runs $1,900 to $2,700 for standard screen. Even with significant storm damage, many screen enclosure repairs fall well below the wind deductible threshold.
Some policies distinguish between named storms (hurricanes, tropical storms with an assigned name) and general windstorms. Named storm deductibles apply only when the National Weather Service has named the event. A strong thunderstorm with 60 mph gusts that tears up your screen panels may fall under your standard deductible, not the hurricane deductible, because it was not a named storm.
Check your policy carefully. The trigger for the hurricane deductible varies by insurer. Some policies apply it only during a hurricane warning, while others apply it anytime a named tropical system causes damage in your area.
Given the high wind deductibles, filing a claim for screen enclosure damage is not always the right move. Consider these factors:
Filing a claim, even one that is fully covered, typically results in higher premiums for 3 to 5 years. In Florida's current insurance market, a single claim can add $500 to $1,500 per year to your premium. Over five years, that is $2,500 to $7,500 in additional costs on top of whatever you paid toward your deductible.
This means a $2,500 screen repair claim could cost you $5,000 or more in premium increases over time. For many homeowners, paying for routine screen repairs out of pocket and reserving insurance claims for major losses is the smarter financial move. Our article on preventive maintenance and insurance costs breaks down this math in more detail.
Knowing the exact repair cost is the first step in deciding whether to file a claim. We provide free, detailed estimates for all screen repair work in the Tampa Bay area. Request your free estimate or call us at (813) 295-1217.