What’s the Best Pet Insurance in Florida?
We researched pet insurance providers and obtained thousands of quotes to determine which companies offer the best coverage in Florida.
Our analysis revealed Lemonade as the top-ranked overall provider because of its affordable yet comprehensive coverage.
Other top-ranked providers are ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, Pets Best, Embrace and Spot. Of our top five providers, Lemonade offers the cheapest plans for dogs, while ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers the cheapest plans for cats. We also found Nationwide offers the best — and only — coverage for exotic pets.
How We Ranked The Best Florida Pet Insurance Companies
We at the MarketWatch Guides team ranked pet insurance providers in Florida based on availability and key factors that affect policyholders in the state. To inform our review, we analyzed the average age of pets in Florida, state veterinary costs, average monthly premium prices for cats and dogs, and the most reported accidents for pets in the state. Company rankings reflect affordability, coverage options, available discounts and benefits, and more. We also weighed responses to our survey of 1,000 pet owners with pet insurance nationwide, filtered by Florida residents.
How We Calculated Pet Insurance Costs in Florida
Cost data for dogs was determined by averaging sample quotes we obtained from each provider for a 3-month-old mixed-breed puppy, a 1-year-old medium mixed-breed dog, a 2-year-old golden retriever, a 5-year-old medium, mixed-breed dog and an 8-year-old small-mixed-breed dog in Tampa, Florida. We determined cost data for cats by averaging sample quotes we obtained from each provider for a 3-month-old kitten, a 1-year-old shorthair cat, a 2-year-old Siamese cat, a 5-year-old mixed-breed cat, and an 8-year-old domestic shorthair cat for the same city. 362 total quotes were collected and averaged for Florida.
We used our rating system to compare each company we reviewed and determine the best pet insurance companies in the industry. To learn more, read our full pet insurance methodology for reviewing and scoring providers.
The Best Florida Pet Insurance Companies in Detail
All of The Best Pet Insurance Companies in Florida
Here is a full list of pet insurance providers that operate in Florida that earned above a 4-star rating:
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in Florida?
According to our extensive cost collection research, the average monthly premium for a pet insurance policy in the Sunshine State is $46 per month, which breaks down to $60 for dogs and $32 for cats.
We based our averages on quotes we gathered for 10 pet types across 22 Florida pet insurance providers. Pricing varies and is based on your pet’s breed, age and exact location. For example, we found that premiums for 1-year-old mixed-breed dogs averaged $45 per month — about half the cost of premiums for 8-year-old mixed-breed dogs at $78 per month. The same held true for cats, which averaged $25 for 1-year-olds and $46 for 8-year-olds.
Cost of Pet Insurance for Dogs
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), dogs make up the majority of insured U.S. pets (78.6%). Veterinary costs for dogs are typically higher than for cats, which typically leads to higher insurance costs. According to our sample quotes, the average cost to insure a dog in Florida is $60 per month compared to $32 for cats.
Dog insurance costs can vary greatly depending on your pet’s age. We found the average cost for a three-month-old pup was $46 per month, but that increased to $63 for 5-year-olds. This occurs because as pets age, they become more likely to experience health issues and incur expensive veterinary bills, which means the insurance company is taking on a higher risk.
Here is a breakdown of the average monthly premium dogs in Florida by provider.
| Company | Dog Insurance Cost |
|---|---|
| Lemonade | $50 |
| Spot | $73 |
| Embrace | $52 |
| Healthy Paws | $43 |
| Fetch | $50 |
| Figo | $25 |
| Pest Best | $54 |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $54 |
| ManyPets | $21 |
| Trupanion | $220 |
Pet insurance costs also vary by breed. Breeds with known health problems, such as French bulldogs, can cost more to insure than historically healthy breeds or mixed-breed dogs. Our team conducted research into the most popular dog breeds nationwide and then collected cost data from Pet Insurer in April 2024 to get an idea of insurance costs for those pets in the Sunshine State.
| Breed | Average Cost | Cost with Wellness Coverage |
| French bulldog | $66 | $85 |
| Shih Tzu | $25 | $43 |
| Goldendoodle | $31 | $48 |
| Chihuahua | $21 | $38 |
| Yorkshire terrier | $26 | $43 |
| Golden retriever | $43 | $61 |
| Labrador retriever | $43 | $61 |
| German shepherd | $41 | $60 |
| Maltese | $27 | $43 |
| Pomeranian | $29 | $41 |
Dog Insurance Cost in Florida Cities
Based on data collected by our research team, we found that Fort Lauderdale is the most expensive city in California to insure a pet, and Tallahassee is the cheapest, at $47 and $30 per month, respectively.
Pet insurance costs in Florida vary by city. According to quotes we collected from Pet Insurer in April 2024.
| City | Average Dog Insurance Cost | Cost with Wellness Coverage |
| Fort Lauderdale | $47 | $58 |
| Miami | $43 | $56 |
| Hialeah | $42 | $53 |
| Orlando | $39 | $51 |
| Cape Coral | $36 | $51 |
| St. Petersburg | $38 | $49 |
| Tampa | $37 | $49 |
| Port St. Lucie | $37 | $46 |
| Jacksonville | $31 | $45 |
| Tallahassee | $30 | $45 |
Florida Pet Insurance Cost for Cats
According to our sample quotes, the average cost for a cat insurance plan in Florida is $32 per month — half the cost of dog insurance.
Pricing for cat policies depends on age, breed and location. Age is the biggest factor, with older cats costing more to insure than their young counterparts. However, breed doesn’t affect the cost as much, based on our research. We found the cost to insure a 2-year-old Siamese cat in Florida is $27 per month, but the cost to insure an 8-year-old mixed-breed cat is $46.
The table below shows the average costs of cat insurance in Florida by provider.
| Company | Cat Insurance Cost |
| Embrace | $34 |
| Spot | $33 |
| Lemonade | $30 |
| Pets Best | $29 |
| Fetch | $26 |
| Nationwide | $25 |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $25 |
| Healthy Paws | $24 |
| ManyPets | $19 |
Cheapest Pet Insurance in Florida
Our team collected quotes for 22 pet insurance companies in Florida and found that ManyPets is the cheapest pet insurance in Florida at an average of $20 per month. Your exact prices many vary based on location, pet breed, pet age, etc.
Note that the cheapest providers may not appear in our top-ranked options because of a lack of adequate coverage or availability, high deductibles or low annual limits.
| Provider | Dog Insurance | Cat Insurance |
| ManyPets | $21 | $19 |
| Figo | $25 | $15 |
| Healthy Paws | $43 | $24 |
| Lemonade | $50 | $30 |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $54 | $25 |
How Much Does Pet Insurance Save Florida Pet Owners?
Pet insurance can help cover routine and emergency veterinary costs that Florida pet owners may otherwise pay out-of-pocket. After considering the average annual cost of pet ownership versus pet insurance in Florida, we found that policyholders can expect to save an average of $314 to $614 on veterinary expenses.
Based on our research, some of the most popular dog breeds in the Sunshine State include the French bulldog, Shih Tzu and Goldendoodle. To help you better understand potential savings with a pet insurance policy, we’ve provided sample scenarios for treatments and procedures related to each breed below. Note that this is an example, and your potential savings may vary depending on your pet’s breed, age, coverage and other factors.
Frankie the Frenchie needs preventative puppy care
Shelby the Shih Tzu had a heatstroke
Gracie the Goldendoodle needs CCL surgery
Frankie, the 8-week-old
French Bulldog
Frankie had stomach issues and needs preventative puppy care. The tables below show the treatment cost breakdown with and without pet insurance.
Cost Without Pet Insurance
| Treatment | Cost |
|---|---|
| Office visit x3 | $216 |
| Vaccines/Shots | $220 |
| Neuter package (under 6 months) | $430 |
| Upset stomach issues vet visit | $265 |
| Total | $1,131 |
Source: Banfield Pet Hospital
Cost With Pet Insurance
| Pet Insurance | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual pet insurance premium | $552 |
| $250 deductible | $250 |
| 20% of $1,131 (co-insurance) | $226 |
| Total | $1,028 |
Costs collected for Tampa, Florida
Shelby, the 6-year-old Shih Tzu
Shelby suffered a heatstroke due to the hot weather in Florida. The tables below show the treatment cost breakdown with and without pet insurance.
Cost Without Pet Insurance
| Treatment | Cost |
|---|---|
| ER Exam | $150 |
| Oxygen therapy | $400 |
| Blood work | $150 |
| IV fluid therapy | $300 |
| Hospitalization | $2,050 |
| Gastric protectants | $100 |
| Pain medication x6 | $360 |
| Total | $3,500 |
Source: CareCredit
Cost With Pet Insurance
| Pet Insurance | Cost |
|---|---|
| Avg. cost of annual pet insurance | $552 |
| $250 deductible | $250 |
| 20% of $3,500 (co-insurance) | $700 |
| Total | $1,502 |
Gracie, the 11-year-old Goldendoodle
Gracie has a cruciate ligament tear and needs surgery this year. The tables below show the treatment cost breakdown with and without pet insurance.
Cost Without Pet Insurance
| Treatment | Cost |
|---|---|
| ER exam | $150 |
| X-Ray | $200 |
| Blood work | $140 |
| Cruciate ligament surgery | $4,000 |
| Pain medication | $60 |
| Physical therapy x6 visits | $480 |
| Total | $5,030 |
Source: CareCredit
Cost With Pet Insurance
| Pet Insurance | Cost |
|---|---|
| Avg. cost of annual pet insurance | $552 |
| $250 deductible | $250 |
| 20% of $5,030 (co-insurance) | $1,006 |
| Total | $1,808 |
How To Choose A Pet Insurance Company in Florida
When shopping for a pet insurance policy in Florida, considering several factors can help you choose the right policy for your pet’s needs and your budget.
Consider What Plan Is Best For Your Pet
Most pet insurance providers offer accident-only and accident and illness plans, although some have more limited or extensive coverage options. Most companies also offer wellness add-ons to help cover routine care such as vaccines and screening tests.
For Florida pet owners, we recommend getting an accident and illness plan to ensure your pet is fully covered in the event of an emergency. Here is more information about each type of common pet insurance plan:
- Accident-only: This plan covers diagnostics and treatments for pet accidents, such as a fall or broken bone, but does not cover illnesses.
- Accident and illness: A more comprehensive plan that covers diagnostics and treatments for accidents plus illnesses, such as allergies, infections, cancer, arthritis, eye disorders and more.
- Wellness: This plan reimburses you for routine pet care, such as wellness exams, vaccines and dental cleanings.
Select at Least $10,000 as an Annual Limit
The pet insurance coverage you select will largely determine your monthly premium. Most insurance providers allow you to adjust your annual coverage limit, deductible and reimbursement rate to reach a premium that suits your budget. Some providers also offer various add-ons to allow you to further customize your pet’s coverage.
With temperatures reaching over 100ºF in some areas of Florida, pets are at increased risk of heat stroke. Moreover, the hot weather can cause the pavement to heat up, which could result in burns on your dog’s paws. Having at least $10,000 in annual coverage will protect you from expensive vet bills that could result from either of these problems.
Read the Fine Print
Your chosen provider will send you an official insurance policy before you enroll your pet. Before beginning your pet’s coverage, read the policy’s fine print so you completely understand the coverage and any exclusions.
Read Online Customer Reviews
Read customer reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot for your top choices to ensure you choose a provider with a good track record.
Remember that where you live impacts the availability and cost of pet insurance, as the laws and regulations governing pet insurance vary from state to state. Before choosing a pet insurance company, ensure it provides coverage in your state and compare monthly premium costs.
Florida Pet Laws
A revision to Florida’s dangerous dog law went into effect Oct. 1, 2023, to remove county breed bans and prohibit local governments from banning specific breeds, including German shepherds and pit bulls. While the state law invalidates county-level bans, residential communities can still prohibit certain dog breeds. Different Florida municipalities have additional laws in place to protect pets and people. Here are some examples:
- Jacksonville: Pet owners may own no more than four cats and dogs, must vaccinate pets older than four months and microchip their pets.
- Miami: Residents must vaccinate pets older than 4 months against rabies and cannot tether dogs outside when the homeowner is not present. Owners must also secure pets traveling in the bed of a pickup truck.
- Orlando: Pet owners must keep dogs on a leash not exceeding six feet long. Owners must vaccinate pets older than 4 months against rabies and maintain annual animal licensing. Pet owners must clean up after their dogs in any public area or private property.
- Tampa: A pet must remain under direct control when off the owner’s property or in a public place. Pets must have access to shade, shelter, clean water and food, and have room to stand up, turn around and sit comfortably.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It in Florida?
For Florida pet owners looking for financial protection against high vet bills if their pets require unexpected emergency care, pet insurance is worth the investment. Pet owners can also invest in pet insurance to cover more routine costs, such as annual vet visits.
We find that Lemonade’s fast service, competitive rates and comprehensive coverage can benefit Florida pets. However, we recommend comparing quotes from multiple pet insurance companies to ensure you find the best fit for your pet before purchasing a policy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance in Florida
How much should I spend on pet insurance in Florida?
The average cost of pet insurance in Florida is $46. However the price will vary depending on the provider, your pet’s age and breed, and any applicable discounts. For example, most companies offer a 5% to 10% discount for having two or more pets on a single policy. You can reduce the cost of your monthly premium by customizing your policy, like choosing a higher deductible.
Do more Florida pet owners have pet insurance?
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s 2023 State of the Industry report, approximately 6.2% of Florida pet owners have pet insurance — and these numbers continue to rise every year.
Is dog insurance tax deductible in Florida?
Florida does not have a state income tax, so deductions are not available. On the federal level, dog insurance may be tax deductible if you are self-employed and your pet is a certified service or working animal that contributes to your taxable income. When deciding whether you can deduct dog insurance from your taxes, we suggest you seek advice from a tax professional.
Additional Florida Pet Owner Resources
Use the resources below to learn more about pet insurance and pet care in Florida:
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