Buying life insurance isn’t exactly a beachside topic. But if you live in Florida, it’s a smart move—especially with hurricanes, rising costs, and the unpredictable nature of, well, life.
Whether you’re raising a family in Mission Bay or retired near Heritage Oaks, the right coverage gives you peace of mind that your loved ones won’t be left with bills and stress if something happens to you. But getting the right policy takes more than a quick online quote.
Here’s what you should know before you apply.
Weather, Risk, and Coverage: The Florida Factor
Florida comes with its own set of risks—and insurers know it.
Hurricanes, flooding, and storm-related deaths can raise concerns for underwriters. While these risks don’t always impact if you qualify, they can influence rates and/or how long it takes for your application to be approved.
According to a report from USA Today, 34 people in Florida died directly from Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year. That number might seem low, but it directly affects how much you pay for coverage.
If you live in areas like Port St. Lucie or Melbourne, you might be asked to submit more detailed information about your health and occupation, especially if your job involves outdoor or high-risk work. This is part of medical underwriting according to an interesting article in Investopedia—a process that helps insurers determine your coverage and premiums.
| “We work with Florida families every day who are trying to protect what matters most. Our job is to help them cut through the clutter and make sure their policy fits their life—not just their location.” |
| – Stacy Murphy, Owner/Operator at Absolute Best Insurance |
Term Life Insurance vs. Whole Life Insurance in Florida
Both term life insurance and whole life policies are available across Florida, but knowing which is right for you depends on your goals.
Term life insurance gives you coverage for a set number of years (10, 20, or 30, for example). It’s usually more affordable upfront and a solid choice for families with young kids or a mortgage to cover.
Whole life insurance lasts your entire life and includes a cash value component. It builds over time and can be used as part of a long-term financial plan.
In places like Greenacres or Tamarac, where families often juggle childcare, homeownership, and elder care, a term policy might offer the right mix of affordability and coverage. But if you’re in Boca Falls or Orchid Island and thinking about legacy planning or leaving behind something more permanent, a whole life policy may be worth the investment.
| Term Life is more affordable because it covers a limited period and doesn’t build cash value. Whole life builds cash value over time. |
Medical Underwriting: How Your Health Impacts Your Application
Medical underwriting is the process insurance companies use to evaluate your health and risk level before offering you coverage. It helps determine whether you qualify, how much coverage you can get, and what your monthly premium will be.
Here’s how it usually works:
- You’ll fill out a health questionnaire about your medical history, lifestyle habits, and family background.
- Depending on the policy, you may also complete a brief medical exam—often including bloodwork, blood pressure, and a urine test.
- The insurer reviews your results, along with public health data like prescription history and past diagnoses.
No matter where you live from Tradition to Pineapple Park, we recommend gathering your basic health info before applying. That includes recent lab results, a list of medications, and your doctor’s contact info. This can help your application move faster and reduce the risk of delays.
Why Estate Taxes Matter for Florida Families
Florida doesn’t have a state estate tax—but a federal estate tax still applies. If your estate exceeds the federal exemption limit of $13.99 million for individuals, your heirs could face a tax bill. This amount is set to expire at the end of 2025 and revert to $6-7 million in 2026.
That’s where a whole life plan can be a strategic tool. Many of our clients in neighborhoods like King’s Point and Altona Heights use it as part of their estate planning. The payout can be used to cover taxes, and debts, or even maintain a family business.
| Life insurance payouts are generally tax-free. Beneficiaries usually don’t have to pay income tax on the death benefit. |
Get Personalized Help from a Local Insurance Expert
Insurance is personal. Your policy should reflect your income, age, health, and goals—not someone else’s.
That’s why at Absolute Best Insurance, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. For over 20 years, we’ve helped people across South Florida—from Tamarac to Melbourne—make sense of the fine print and find coverage that actually works.
We specialize in:
- ACA and marketplace health insurance
- Medicare and supplemental coverage
- Term and whole life insurance
- Dental, cancer insurance, and more
Our local agents are based in Boca Raton, Greenacres, Tamarac, Vero Beach, Melbourne, and Port St. Lucie, and we meet with clients in person or virtually—whatever works for you.
| “We’re not here to push a product, we’re here to help you ask the right questions and understand your options—so you feel confident in your choice.” |
| – Stacy Murphy |
Final Tips Before You Apply
Before you sit down with an agent or fill out your application, take a few steps to prepare:
- Review your coverage every few years.
Major life events—marriage, kids, a home purchase—can change your needs. - Be honest on your application.
Any misrepresentation could lead to denial of benefits later. - Don’t just focus on the monthly premium.
Look at what the policy offers in the long term—especially if you’re comparing term and whole life insurance. - Name both a primary and a contingent (backup) beneficiary.
This makes the claims process smoother if something happens to your first choice. - Ask about policy riders.
These are add-ons that can tailor the policy to your needs—like an accelerated death benefit or waiver of premium for disability. - Talk with someone who knows the local market.
Our agents live and work in the same Florida communities you do, so they understand the local insurance landscape.
Talk to Absolute Best Insurance Today
Buying life insurance in Florida doesn’t have to be complicated. It just takes the right guide.
At Absolute Best Insurance, we help Florida families understand their options, choose the right type of coverage, and apply with confidence. Whether you’re looking for affordable term life insurance or long-term protection through a whole life plan, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to talk? Contact one of our agents from Broward County to the Space Coast. We’ll help you find a plan that fits your life—now and in the future. Click here or give our team a call at for a free, no-obligation quote.
Palm Beach County: (561) 420-0280
Broward County: (954) 642-2101
Melbourne & PSL: (772) 828-2840