Introduction
If you’re a Florida homeowner, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation — or maybe you’re even insured through them. What many don’t realize is that Citizens isn’t a typical insurance company. It’s a state-run, nonprofit insurer of last resort, created to provide coverage when private companies can’t or won’t.
But as Florida’s insurance market has tightened, Citizens’ policy count has grown to near-record levels — and that’s where the “depopulation program” comes into play.
Here’s what Citizens depopulation means, how it works, and what you should know if your policy is selected for takeout.
Why Citizens Exists
Citizens was created in 2002 by the Florida Legislature to ensure that homeowners could still obtain coverage when private insurers left the market after major storms.
In simple terms: Citizens was designed to be the backup option, not the first stop.
However, as insurance costs have risen and private carriers have reduced new business, Citizens’ policy count has expanded well beyond its intended purpose. The depopulation process helps move some of those policies back into the private market.
What Is Depopulation?
Depopulation is Citizens’ process of transferring eligible policies to private insurance carriers to reduce its overall exposure.
Here’s how it works:
- Private insurers (known as takeout carriers) review Citizens’ portfolio.
- If they’re interested in assuming certain policies, Citizens notifies affected policyholders.
- If the private carrier’s premium is within 20% of Citizens’ renewal rate, the policyholder must move to that private carrier. They cannot choose to stay with Citizens unless no private offer meets the threshold.
These private carriers are required to match the coverage provided by Citizens at the time of transfer, ensuring policyholders retain the same protections initially in place.
What to Do If You Receive a Depopulation Notice
If you get a letter saying your Citizens policy has been selected for takeout, don’t ignore it — but don’t make a quick decision either.
Here’s what to do next:
✅ Review the offer carefully. Confirm the carrier’s financial rating, coverage match, and any minor differences in deductibles or endorsements.
✅ Talk to your independent agent. At Tampa Bay Insurance, we’ll explain your options and help you evaluate the new carrier versus other private alternatives.
✅ Revisit your options later. We often recommend staying with the takeout company for one renewal cycle, then re-evaluating your coverage once the broader market stabilizes.
Why Depopulation Exists — and How It Can Help
The depopulation process helps Florida maintain a balanced insurance market. Citizens’ growth can strain the entire system — so encouraging private carriers to assume policies helps diversify risk and support a healthier marketplace.
For some homeowners, being moved to a private carrier can provide benefits such as:
- Access to additional coverage options or endorsements
- Potential eligibility for multi-policy discounts
- A carrier relationship that may last beyond Citizens’ intended temporary role
However, it’s important to remember that all insurance carriers in Florida — Citizens included — must have their rates approved by the state. So while a takeout carrier might offer different coverage benefits or service models, no company can guarantee “stable” long-term rates in today’s evolving Florida market.
The Bottom Line
Citizens Insurance serves an important purpose: keeping homeowners insured when the private market can’t. But when a private carrier steps forward within 20% of Citizens’ premium, policyholders are required to move — a process designed to strengthen Florida’s insurance system overall.
If you receive a takeout notice or simply want to understand your options better, we’re here to help. Our team at Tampa Bay Insurance will walk you through every detail, compare carrier options, and ensure you stay protected through every transition.
👉 Contact us today to review your policy and discuss your best path forward.