Partner at Zumpano Castro LLC: Florida homeowners will see rates reduce by 'an average of 5.6% statewide'

Sidney Needelman, partner and chair of the Insurance Defense Department at Zumpano Castro, LLC, has announced that Florida homeowners are expected to see insurance rate reductions in 2025. This development is anticipated to particularly benefit residents in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. The statement was made on LinkedIn.

"Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state-backed insurer, will reduce rates by an average of 5.6% statewide in 2025," said Needelman, Partner, Attorney, Chair, according to LinkedIn. "State officials say 75% of Miami-Dade County homeowners, half in Broward, and 19% in Palm Beach County are expected to see lower rates."

According to Insurance Business America, Citizens Property Insurance Corp., Florida’s state-backed insurer of last resort, will implement an average 5.6% statewide rate reduction in 2025. This marks a rare decrease following years of steep premium increases. Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the insurer will cut rates by 5.6% on average across the state. This reduction reflects broader stabilization in Florida’s insurance market after legislative reforms and increasing private market participation.

Regionally, significant portions of homeowners are projected to benefit from lowered premiums: nearly 75% in Miami-Dade County, over 50% in Broward County, and about 19% in Palm Beach County. BeInsure reports that "In Miami-Dade County, 75 % of homeowners will see lower rates, compared to 50 % in Broward County and 19 % in Palm Beach County." These reductions mark a dramatic turn from prior years when Citizens dominated the market amid private insurer exits.

These rate reductions coincide with a notable move away from Citizens toward private insurers. Since 2022, more than 477,000 policies have transitioned to the private market, up from just 16,408 previously. The Florida governor’s office reported that Citizens is shrinking as private competition improves. The 5.6% statewide rate drop indicates both regulatory and market pressures are reshaping the insurer’s footprint. These shifts are part of a strategic "depopulation" effort to reduce Citizens’ overexposure and encourage private-market re-entry.

Needelman has established himself as a leading authority in insurance defense law. He has practiced law for over a decade, representing insurers in complex litigation while also addressing the broader impacts of fraud on the property and casualty insurance sector. His experience combined with recognition from Super Lawyers Magazine in both 2024 and 2025 underscores his role in shaping legal strategy for insurers facing fraud, staged accidents, and inflated claims.