Here's a gap that blindsides homeowners after a major loss: your policy pays to rebuild what you had, but building codes may require you to rebuild to current standards — which costs more. Ordinance or law coverage pays that difference.
Why it matters in Florida
Florida's building codes have tightened sharply, especially for wind. If an older home is substantially damaged, you may be required to rebuild to today's stronger — and pricier — code: impact openings, stronger roof attachments, and more.
What ordinance or law covers
- The increased cost to rebuild the damaged portion to current code
- The cost to demolish and remove the undamaged portion if code requires it
- The lost value of that undamaged portion
Who needs more of it
Owners of older homes, and anyone whose home predates current wind codes. The older the home, the bigger the potential code-upgrade gap — and base policies usually include only a small amount.
How to check
Look at your policy's ordinance or law limit (often a percentage of your Coverage A). If it's low and your home is older, raising it is usually inexpensive — and one of the smartest ways to right-size your coverage.
Frequently asked questions
What does ordinance or law coverage do?
It pays the extra cost to rebuild to current building code after a covered loss — costs a standard policy won't fully cover on its own.
Isn't that already in my policy?
Usually only a small amount. Older homes often need a higher limit because the code-upgrade gap is larger.
Is it expensive to add?
Usually no — it's a modest add-on for meaningful protection, especially on older homes.
Own an older Florida home?
We'll check your ordinance-or-law limit and make sure you're not exposed — free review.
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