Home Services
& Local Tips

Florida homeowners insurance is unique — get quotes from Citizens Property Insurance and private carriers. Wind mitigation inspections can significantly reduce premiums. Flood insurance is separate and often required by lenders in flood zones.

• Citizens Property Insurance is the state-backed insurer of last resort
• Wind mitigation inspection ($150–$300) can save hundreds annually
• Flood insurance is separate from homeowners — check FEMA flood maps
• Many private carriers have left Florida; shop early and broadly
• Budget $3,000–$8,000+/year depending on location and home value

Many Palm Beach County communities have HOAs. Review the CC&Rs, financials, and meeting minutes before closing. Ask your agent for a full HOA disclosure package. Fees range from $100/month to $2,000+/month for luxury condos.

• Request the last 2 years of meeting minutes and financials
• Check for pending special assessments before closing
• Review CC&Rs for rental restrictions, pet policies, and renovation rules
• Understand what's included: landscaping, exterior, amenities, insurance
• Condo associations often carry master insurance — verify what's covered

Year-round pest control is standard in Florida. Most homeowners use quarterly service plans. Termite bonds are common and often transferable at closing. South Florida has subterranean and drywood termites — both require different treatments.

• Quarterly pest control plans run $100–$200/quarter
• Termite bonds (WDO bonds) are standard — ask if one transfers at closing
• Subterranean termites require soil treatment; drywood require tenting
• Ants, roaches, and mosquitoes are year-round concerns
• Ask neighbors for local pest control company recommendations

South Florida's climate means year-round lawn maintenance. Budget $100–$300/month for a typical single-family home depending on lot size. Many HOAs require licensed landscapers and have specific plant lists.

• Grass grows year-round — weekly mowing is standard
• Irrigation systems are common; check for proper function at closing
• HOAs often have approved plant lists and landscaping standards
• Fertilization and weed control are typically quarterly
• Hurricane season prep: trim trees and remove dead branches before June

If your home has a pool (very common in Palm Beach County), budget $150–$250/month for weekly service. Many HOAs require licensed pool contractors. Salt water pools are popular and require different maintenance than chlorine pools.

• Weekly service includes chemicals, brushing, and skimming
• Annual equipment inspection recommended (pump, filter, heater)
• Salt water systems cost more upfront but less in chemicals
• Pool heaters extend swimming season into winter months
• Check if the pool has a safety fence — required for homes with children

Florida law requires hurricane shutters or impact windows. Ensure your home is compliant and stock an emergency kit before June 1 (start of hurricane season). Palm Beach County is in a high-risk hurricane zone.

• Impact windows/doors or accordion shutters are the gold standard
• Panel shutters are less expensive but require storage and installation time
• Stock 7+ days of water, food, medications, and supplies
• Know your evacuation zone — check pbcgov.org/publicsafety
• Generator or whole-home standby generator is highly recommended