Issue Guide

FPE Stab-Lok panels are known to have breakers that fail to trip during overcurrent conditions approximately 25% of the time, creating a serious fire hazard. Most Florida insurers will not write a policy with this panel in place.

Zinsco panels have a known defect where breakers can fuse to the bus bar and fail to trip during an overcurrent event. This creates a significant fire risk and most insurance carriers require replacement.

Challenger panels share defects related to the Zinsco design. Breakers may not trip reliably, and bus bar connections can overheat. Most Florida carriers flag these for replacement.

Pushmatic panels use outdated push-button style breakers rather than toggle-switch breakers. These older panels are difficult to service and may not provide reliable overcurrent protection.

Fuse boxes use screw-in fuses rather than circuit breakers. While functional, they lack the resettable protection of breakers and are considered outdated. Most Florida insurance carriers will not write new policies on homes with fuse boxes.

Knob-and-tube wiring was used in homes built before the 1940s. It lacks a ground wire, uses ceramic knobs and tubes to route wires through framing, and poses a serious fire hazard — especially when covered with insulation. All Florida insurers decline homes with active knob-and-tube.

Aluminum branch circuit wiring (common in homes built 1965-1975) expands and contracts differently than copper, causing loose connections that can overheat and start fires. Some carriers accept certified remediation (COPALUM crimps or AlumiConn connectors); others require a full copper rewire.

Cloth-insulated wiring has a fabric outer jacket over rubber insulation. Over decades, the rubber becomes brittle and cracks, exposing conductors. This is a fire hazard. The 2025 Citizens form added a specific checkbox for this wiring type, meaning more homes will be flagged.

Two wires connected to a single breaker terminal that is rated for only one wire. This is a code violation that causes loose connections, overheating, and potential fire hazard. Usually a straightforward fix.

Wiring that is exposed, improperly secured, or has damaged insulation poses a shock and fire hazard. This includes wires running unprotected outside of conduit, damaged romex, or improperly spliced connections.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are required in wet areas — kitchens, bathrooms, garages, exterior, and near pools. Missing GFCI protection is a safety hazard that inspectors flag.

Burn marks, melted plastic, or scorching inside the electrical panel indicate arcing or overheating — a serious fire hazard. This typically means the panel needs to be replaced entirely.

The electrical system lacks proper grounding or has defective grounding connections. Without a proper ground path, fault current cannot safely dissipate, increasing the risk of electrocution and fire. This is a specific checkbox on the Citizens 4-Point form.

The electrical panel does not provide enough amperage for the home's current usage. The Citizens form specifically asks "Is amperage sufficient for current usage?" — if marked No, the panel needs to be upgraded to handle the electrical load safely.

Corrosion inside the electrical panel — green oxidation on copper bus bars, rusted breakers, or moisture damage — compromises electrical connections and can lead to arcing or fire. This is a specific hazard checkbox on the Citizens 4-Point inspection form.

The temperature pressure relief (TPR) valve is a critical safety device on water heaters that prevents tank explosions. The Citizens form has a specific Yes/No checkbox for its presence. If missing, a plumber must install one — or the water heater may need replacement.

Polybutylene pipes were installed in homes built between 1978 and 1995. They are known to fail catastrophically — becoming brittle and cracking from the inside out, causing sudden flooding. Most Florida insurers will not write a policy on a home with poly-b, or will exclude water damage.

Cast iron drain pipes were common in Florida homes built before 1975. They have a typical lifespan of 25-50 years and corrode from the inside out. Heavily corroded cast iron can collapse, causing sewage backups and major water damage. The 2025 Citizens form now explicitly lists cast iron as a pipe type.

Galvanized steel water supply pipes corrode internally over time, reducing water flow and potentially leaching lead. Common in homes built before 1960. Insurers flag these for replacement due to leak and water damage risk.

Any visible water leaks noted during the 4 Point inspection must be repaired before a policy will be issued or renewed. This includes dripping faucets, leaking supply lines, wet spots under sinks, or water stains indicating ongoing leaks.

Water heaters older than 15-20 years are flagged by most carriers due to increased risk of failure and water damage. The 2025 Citizens form now makes water heater age a required field. Replacement or documentation of current condition may be needed.

Non-functional shutoff valves, corroded fittings, or deteriorating plumbing connections are safety concerns that inspectors flag. Main shutoff valves must be operational.

Most Florida insurance carriers will not write or renew a policy on a home with an asphalt shingle roof older than 20 years. Citizens requires documentation of at least 5 years remaining useful life for shingle roofs over 25 years. Florida weather accelerates shingle deterioration.

Hard roofing materials (tile, clay, concrete, metal, slate) have longer lifespans but are still flagged when over 50 years old on the Citizens form. At this age, the underlayment and deck may be deteriorating even if the surface material looks intact.

If the inspector estimates the roof has fewer than 5 years of remaining useful life, most carriers will require a roof replacement or significant repair before writing a policy. This applies regardless of roof type or age.

Visible signs of active roof leaks — water stains on ceilings, wet insulation, or active dripping — are an immediate concern for insurers. The 2025 form now requires inspectors to provide narrative details when leaks are noted.

Missing, curling, cracked, or buckled shingles expose the underlayment and roof deck to water damage. Depending on extent, this may require repair or full replacement.

Asphalt shingles are coated with mineral granules that protect against UV and weather. When granules wash off (visible as bare dark patches or heavy granules in gutters), the shingle is nearing end of life.

Soft or spongy areas on the roof deck indicate water damage to the plywood underneath. This compromises the structural integrity of the roof and typically requires deck replacement in the affected areas along with new roofing material.

Insurance carriers want to see permit documentation for any roof replacement or major repair. If the roof was replaced without pulling permits, carriers may not accept the work and may treat it as if the original roof age applies.

If the air conditioning system is not operational during the inspection, it will be marked unsatisfactory. Florida insurers require a functioning cooling system. The system must be able to cool the home.

HVAC systems older than 15-20 years are flagged by most insurance carriers. Older systems are less efficient, more prone to failure, and may use discontinued refrigerant. Replacement or a detailed condition report may be needed.

R-22 (Freon) refrigerant was phased out as of January 2020. New R-22 is no longer manufactured, making it extremely expensive and increasingly unavailable. Systems using R-22 cannot be recharged cost-effectively and typically need full replacement.

A blocked condensate drain line causes water to back up into the drain pan and potentially overflow, causing water damage to surrounding areas (ceilings, walls, floors). Inspectors check for evidence of blockage or overflow.

Water damage or staining around the HVAC drain pan indicates previous or ongoing overflow. This can cause mold growth, ceiling damage, and structural issues. The drain system needs to be cleared and possibly replaced.

The inspector cannot verify the age or specifications of the HVAC system if the data plate is missing, illegible, or removed. Without age verification, the carrier may assume worst-case age and decline coverage.