Florida is a beautiful state with a great location and climate. As a result, it boasts stunning beaches, a sunny climate, and various cities with ocean views. Unfortunately, the state is subject to threats from hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. Hence, homeowners need to know how to protect their investments with homeowners insurance.

Florida leads the nation in homeowners insurance, with more than 6 million policies written. Many factors contribute to this number, including hurricanes, flooding, heavy rain, and storm surges. In contrast, the dry seasons bring strong winds and perfect wildfire conditions, which are highly probable in rural areas. The limestone ground also causes sinkholes.

Florida’s homeowners are offered a variety of benefits. It’ll protect you against losing money from your home and property damage. This way, you also have peace of mind, knowing you have prepared yourself for any unexpected event. All mortgages will require property owner insurance so you can obtain a home loan. This insurance will offer you legal protection and help you defend against liability claims.

Understanding Florida Homeowners Insurance: What You Need to Know

It is essential to get homeowners insurance in Florida. Considering all the risks, it’s necessary to protect your home and belongings. We have provided an easy guide on why it matters and what it covers.

Basics of Florida Homeowners Insurance

Florida homeowners insurance protects your residence and personal possessions in natural disasters, such as hurricanes and fires. In addition, your insurance plan will protect you from losses due to theft incidents. Florida home insurance plans will cover your house structure and belongings. You also have liability protection for injuries visitors might sufferproperty property due to weather-related issues. It’s crucial to ensure your home stays secure. Knowing what’s covered and what’s not in your policy is essential. So you can pick one that fits your needs.

Why insurance is essential for Florida homeowners?

Home insurance is crucial for residents in Florida. It safeguards their homes and finances against calamities in the state. These storms can lead to property damage that can be costly to repair without insurance coverage. In addition to protectproperty property, your homeowner insurance covers your belongings. It also has liability protection for injuries occurring on your premises. This insurance will ensure security for your family and you during troubled times. You will feel at ease after preparing yourself for whatever the Florida weather may bring.

What types of protection are provided in a homeowners insurance plan?

Your homeowner’s insurance policy will provide many types of coverage, including Dwelling Coverage, Personal Property Coverage, and Liability Protection. These different types of coverage ensure your safety and the security of your home.

Firstly, Dwelling Coverage covers the structure of your house, such as the walls, roof, and floors, in case events like fire or storms damage them. Then there’s Personal Property Coverage that takes care of your belongings like furniture, clothes, and electronics in case they’re stolen or damaged. Lastly, Liability Protection steps in if someoneproperty property is injured or you accidentally damage soproperty property. It helps with costs and medical bills.

In Florida, insurance policies often include coverage for Additional Living Expenses (ALE), which helps cover temporary accommodation expenses if your residence becomes uninhabitable due to covered damages. Many policies also offer Windstorm and Hurricane Coverage to safeguard against wind damage; however, it might be necessary to purchase Flood Insurance, as most policies do not include coverage for floods. These different types of coverage ensure your safety and your home’s security.

Key differences in Florida’s policies

A homeowners insurance policy provides coverage to keep you and your home safe and secure.

  • Dwelling Coverage: Covers the structure of your home, including walls, roof, and floors, in case of damage from events like fire or storms.
  • Personal Property Coverage protects personal belongings such as furniture, clothing, and electronics in case they are stolen or damaged.
  • Liability Protection: Helps cover costs, including medical bills, if someone is injuredproperty property or if you accidentally cause damage to someonproperty property.
  • Additional Living Expenses (ALE): Common in Florida policies, ALE covers temporary living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to covered damages.
  • Windstorm and Hurricane Coverage: Protects against wind-related damage, especially important in hurricane-prone areas like Florida.
  • Flood Insurance: Often sold separately, flood insurance is necessary since most policies do not cover flood damage.

These coverage policies protect you, your home, and your belongings.

How Does Florida Homeowners Insurance Compare to Other States?

Home insurance policies in Florida are unique compared to those in other states because of the risk of hurricanes and tropical storms and flooding issues that come with living in the Sunshine State. Due to Florida’s climate risks and vulnerabilities to disasters like hurricanes and windstorms, insurance policies often require separate deductibles for these events, distinguishing them from typical deductible arrangements found in other regions. To illustrate this point further, If a hurricane were to cause damage to your dwelling, you might face a deductible specifically designated for hurricane-related damages instead of the deductible applied for other forms of property damage.

In Florida and other high-risk areas, like regions, homeowners may need to purchase Flood Insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. Their policies typically do not include flood coverage, unlike states with lower flood risks, where such additional coverage may not be required.

Florida offers a state-supported insurance choice known as Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, which helps homeowners secure insurance from private insurers in high-risk zones. This feature is not commonly found in other states with lower storm-related risks and weather challenges unique to Florida’s landscape. Homeowners insurance in Florida provides different types of coverage to keep you and your home protected.

Common Risks for Florida Homes

Florida residents encounter dangers because of the state’s tropical climate. Its seasonal weather variations and regional characteristics prompt homeowners to make well-informed decisions regarding protecting their properties. The main risks involve weather-related occurrences such as hurricanes, flooding, windstorms, and region-specific concerns like sinkholes and wildfires. These natural phenomena affect not only a residence’s security but also insurance requirements.

Weather-Related Risks: Hurricanes, Floods, and Windstorms

Weather in Florida is unpredictable, with the state experiencing many hurricanes. This is true, especially during hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Hurricanes can cause harm by bringing winds and heavy rain. This can lead to flooding and damage to roofs and home structures. In areas where flooding is a significant concern. Moderate rainstorms that can cause substantial flooding. This can escalate into a danger when hurricanes or tropical storms hit. While less intense than hurricanes, windstorms can still pose a frequent threat as strong winds can scatter debris. This can harm houses, necessitating homeowners to take precautions to protect their homes from storms.

Unique Regional Risks: Sinkholes and Wildfires

Florida’s landscape comes with its own set of difficulties, like sinkholes. Wildfires are a concern for the safety and well-being of residents and the integrity of their properties. This is true, particularly in central Florida, where soil erosion can lead to unexpected sinkhole occurrences. This can cause harm to structures or put homes at risk. Wildfires can also pose problems to arid and forested zones. Flammable conditions can potentially lead to rapid fire spread endangerment across residential settings. Residents close to forests or other regions should stay alert to this possible danger. Homeowners can prevent this by clearing vegetation around their homes.

Seasonal Changes and Their Impact on Homeowners Insurance Needs

Changes in the weather occur as the seasons transition, and as a result, they impact the insurance requirements of homeowners. Let’s look at hurricane season as an example. It pays to include wind damage and flood protection since policies do not cover flood-related damages. During periods of low moisture content in the air, the likelihood of wildfires surges. So, homeowners must make sure they possess fire protection coverage. When hazards such as sinkholes exist in an area. Securing a policy or adding additional coverage to a standard home insurance plan might be necessary. This is because most standard policies do not encompass damages caused by sinkholes.

It is crucial to ease homeowners’ minds and ensure their homes are secure in the face of risks. Staying aware and ready for any changes during the year can help safeguard their homes effectively.

Hurricane and Flood Insurance in Florida: What You Need to Know?

Living in Florida comes with the challenge of facing hurricanes and floods. Protecting your home and finances is essential if a disaster strikes your area. In this guide, we’ll discuss the essentials of hurricane insurance deductibles. You’ll discover why getting separate flood insurance is critical for protecting against such calamities in your region. We’ll also provide insights on deciding if you require coverage based on where you live.

Overview of Hurricane Deductibles in Florida Policies

In Florida, insurance policies have a deductible for hurricanes. This is separate from the usual deductible for other home damages. The hurricane deductible is triggered specifically during a named storm. It is typically calculated as a percentage of the home’s insured value rather than a fixed amount. This is commonly between 2 and 5 percent of the home’s value.

Imagine if you have your house insured for $300k with a 3% hurricane deductible. Your policy terms and conditions state in the event of a hurricane causing damageproperty property. If this occurs, you would be required to cover up to $9000. This is before your insurance coverage takes effect to manage the remaining repair costs. This upfront deductible can often be a burden for homeowners. So it’s vital to be aware of the potential out-of-pocket expenses involved in such situations. When you first buy or renew your policy, you may have the chance to select a higher or lower deductible option for a deductible. Your monthly premiums may decrease; however, be ready to cover a sum in case a hurricane occurs. Your hurricane deductible is essential to prevent costs when filing a claim and plan. Especially for repairs in advance if you reside in a hurricane region like Florida.

Understanding your hurricane deductible can help you avoid surprises when making a claim. It can also help you budget for repairs. This is true if you live in a hurricane-prone area. In any case, planning for this expense is a smart move if you live in Florida.

The Importance of Separate Flood Insurance, Even if It’s Not Required

Homeowners have a misconception that their hurricane insurance covers all damages caused by storms. However, standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. So, getting a separate flood insurance policy is important to protproperty property. This will help prevent water damage due to rain-driven floods and storm surges.

Living in Florida means considering flood insurance outside designated flood zones. This is due to the risks posed by hurricanes and tropical storms that can cause flooding beyond high-risk areas. Flooding is a disaster across the U.S. It can strike unexpectedly in various locations. Interestingly, around a third of flood claims originate from moderate to low risk areas.

Sometimes, lenders might ask for flood insurance when your house is in an area. Even if it’s not required, it’s wise to consider getting it just to be safe. Not having this insurance if it floods will result in paying for all the repairs and replacements yourself. Just a tiny amount of water inside your home can lead to expenses. This can reach tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. So, getting a separate policy could protect you from financial troubles.

How to Assess if You Need Additional Coverage Based on Location

Finding insurance coverage for your area can significantly enhance the security of your home. Healthy research begins with evaluating the flood risk of your residence. Consult FEMA’s flood maps to ascertain whether you reside in a flood region. It’s advisable to investigate instances of flooding in your vicinity. Even if your location isn’t categorized as a risk by FEMA’s maps. It pays to know about flooding incidents impacting your neighbors or nearby communitiproperty property could still be at risk despite being outside the designated zones.

Living near the coast is a consideration when assessing risk factors for home ownership safety in hurricane areas. Properties close to the shoreline are vulnerable to storm surges. This can trigger flooding incidents in regions not typically predisposed to events. Moreover, regions accustomed to rainfall during hurricane seasons have robust measures for safeguarding against winds and floods.

Your Structure Can Affect your Rates.

When evaluating your insurance requirements, it’s essential to consider how equipped your residence is to handle weather conditions. Are you residing in a modern structure specifically built to endure hurricanes? Perhaps an older house with limited protective measures? Newer residences can have features that make them more resistant to storms. However, they could suffer significant harm from flooding and strong winds. Some insurance providers even provide perks or reduced rates for homeowners who take measures to strengthen their homes. This includes things such as hurricane shutters or reinforcing the roof.

Finally, chat with your insurance agent about the insurance options for the risks in your area. Your agent can assist you in evaluating the expenses and advantages of acquiring flood and hurricane coverage. This will provide you with reassurance and financial stability. Learning how deductibles work and realizing the importance of having flood insurance are steps to safeguard home and financial well-being. Especially in the uncertainties of Florida’s changing weather conditions. Feeling prepared will alleviate anxiety and provide. This will give you a sense of reassurance when dealing with the nature of the state’s climate patterns.

Unique Coverage Options for Florida Homeowners Insurance

Living in Florida is challenging when insuring your home since the state faces challenges like sinkholes and windstorms. It also has rules for homeowners in community associations (HOAs). Besides standard homeowners insurance plans​, many residents need to choose coverage to protect themselves from these hazards​. This includes insurance against sinkholes​ and windstorms​and coverage for HOA fees and assessments.

Sinkhole coverage: What is it and why is it important?

Sinkholes pose a threat in Florida limestone regions. The rock dissolves gradually and forms underground cavities. These will collapse into sinkholes. They harm buildings and infrastructure, such as roads and other structures. Florida faces more sinkhole activity than other states, and it’s a significant concern for numerous homeowners here in Florida. Standard homeowners insurance deals with “ground cover collapse” that kicks in only if a sinkhole renders the residence unlivable. However, standard policies do not typically cover instances of sinkhole activity that lead to structural harm.

Sinkhole insurance is an option you can add to your policy. This will cover the expenses of fixing sinkhole-related damage that will not be severe. This coverage allows homeowners to deal with wall cracks and foundation problems caused by a forming sinkhole. Sinkholes can appear unexpectedly and cause damage over time. This insurance will provide relief by ensuring that necessary repairs won’t financially strained.

Homes in the region known as “sinkhole alley” greatly benefit from this insurance coverage. This region covers Hillsborough, Hernando, and Pasco counties where sinkholes are common.
Homeowners in these risk areas must undergo a sinkhole inspection before being granted coverage. Although sinkhole coverage will raise your insurance costs, it is an investment. Primarily if you reside in an area prone to sinkhole occurrences.

Windstorm Coverage and Eligibility Criteria

Severe wind events, like hurricanes and tropical storms, pose a concern for houses in Florida. They can damage properties and homes in the area. Typical home insurance plans provide coverage for windstorms. A separate deductible can be explicitly imposed for hurricanes, which tends to be substantial. When homeowners safeguard their homes from wind-related harm, they must buy a Windstorm Policy. This type of insurance helps cover fixing your house and belongings. It will also cover damage caused by winds, like broken windows, roof damage, or structural issues.

Living in regions with high-risk conditions will call for windstorm insurance mandated by your mortgage provider if you reside there. It will be best to meet the eligibility criteria for Windstorm Coverage based on your insurer and home location. Some insurers mandate storm attributes. Examples include impact windows and reinforced doors. This will enhance a home’s resilience against windstorms. Plus, this will qualify you for premium discounts.

One can rely on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation in regions without insurance from companies. The state government backs this for coverage as a last resort option. Citizens offer windstorm policies to those who want to secure market insurance, especially in coastal areas prone to high risk. However, citizens’ policies come with their own rules. There are increased premiums because of the associated risks. To qualify for coverage, homeowners need to adhere to guidelines regarding enhancements and storm preparedness measures.

It’s crucial for people in Florida dealing with hurricane season to ensure they have insurance coverage. Or enroll in programs such as the Citizens Insurance Program. This is to safeguard against harm and minimize risks when storms hit.

Alternative options like loss assessment coverage for HOA fees

Consider choices such as including Loss Assessment Coverage for Homeowners Association fees. Living in neighborhoods with a Homeowners Association (HOA) requires residents to care for shared spaces. For instance, the HOA maintains pools and landscapes. When natural disasters occur, the HOA will ask all members to pitch in for repair costs through a “loss assessment.” This can become quite costly because of events in the area.

Loss Assessment Coverage shields homeowners from costs when the HOA requests funds. Particularly for repairs, like damage to a community clubhouse caused by a hurricane. In such situations, each homeowner may have to contribute money towards the repairs. In such situations, having insurance can cover your share of the expenses within your policy limits.
This insurance will be helpful if you reside in a neighborhood with communal spaces. Especially since the expenses for fixing these shared areas are substantial. Loss assessment coverage is typically offered as a feature of a home insurance policy and is reasonably priced. We recommend checking your homeowner’s association insurance policy to grasp its coverage details. This will determine if getting loss assessment coverage would be advantageous.

Loss evaluation protection doesn’t relate to storm damage. Homeowners associations may also levy assessments. This can be for unforeseen upkeep or liability concerns in communal areas, such as hallways or parking lots. Liability expenses will lead the HOA to impose a loss assessment. Possessing this insurance can offer a safeguard against costs arising from matters beyond the boundaries of property.

Choosing the Right Special Coverage for Your Needs

Sinkhole Protection and Windstorm Insurance play a role in safeguarding​ Florida homeowners’ properties. Living in regions prone to ground collapse, Sinkhole Coverage is highly advantageous. Windstorm Protection is essential in high-risk areas where regulations often require it. Windstorm protection is crucial for shielding your home from hurricane-related harm. Regions and high-risk zones commonly mandate it. Additionally​, Loss Assessment Coverage serves as a financial safety net for homeowners residing in HOA communities. They cover expenses incurred due to damage in shared areas.

There are things to consider when owning a Florida home.​ Namely where you live, type of home, and community setup. This will help you to decide on the coverage policies that suit you best​. It’s a good idea to talk to an insurance agent who knows about Florida risks​. They will help customize your policy to meet your needs​. While adding these different coverage options might raise your premiums​, the security they provide can be invaluable​. This is true, especially given the unique weather and environmental challenges in Florida.

Securing these coverage choices minimizes your financial exposure and guarantees adequate protection for your home and neighborhood.

Understanding Florida’s Homeowners Insurance Costs and Discounts

Florida is known for its weather and stunning beaches. However, it faces challenges like hurricanes and tropical storms that can impact homeowners’ insurance rates. It’s essential to know the factors influencing insurance premiums to lower them. Having this knowledge makes it easier to navigate insurance coverage options at rates. Here’s a simple overview of the aspects to consider.

What affects homeowners insurance premiums in Florida?

In Florida, homeowners insurance premiums are affected by factors like the location of your home, which significantly impacts costs. Residents near the coast or in a high-risk flood zone have higher premiums. This is cause insurance companies charge more due to the increased risk of hurricane or storm damage in those areas. In contrast, inland areas have lower premiums because coastal regions are less exposed to severe storms.

The age and state of your residence play a role in insurance considerations of costs. These factors also influence coverage levels, at times significantly higher for newer constructions that comply with current regulations. They often have enhancements such as sturdy roofing materials to withstand wind forces efficiently. In addition, robust wall structures provide superior protection against severe weather conditions, plus improved window designs offer more fantastic security features. This lowers the potential risks involved overall if damage were to occur. An older roof system nearing the end of its lifespan can result in heightened premiums. This is due to increased vulnerability to potential failures and damages.

Insurance providers also consider the estimated cost of rebuilding your residence in the event of a loss when determining premiums. Coverage plans for homes constructed with premium materials typically result in higher replacement costs and, consequently, higher insurance premiums. This practice aids insurers in safeguarding against substantial losses when your home requires extensive repairs or a complete reconstruction.

Available Discounts: Wind Mitigation, Security Systems, Hurricane Shutters

In Florida, there are discounts to help homeowners reduce their insurance costs. Insurance companies give these discounts to reward homeowners who take measures to safeguaproperty property, decreasing the chances of claims.

The wind mitigation discount is essential in Florida due to the region’s risks of hurricanes and strong winds. Florida mandates insurers to offer discounts to homeowners who fortify their homes against wind damage. To be eligible for this discount, you typically need a Wind Mitigation Inspection by a certified professional. Features such as impact windows or reinforced doors can make you eligible for this cost-saving benefit. Adding features that make your vehicle more resistant to wind can lead to increased savings on your insurance premium.

Discounts from security systems can lower insurance expenses. By reducing the potential for loss and damage, insurance companies may offer discounts.

Another way to reduce insurance expenses is installing hurricane shutters to prevent winds and storms in your home state. Hurricane shutters serve as an investment as they shield your windows and doors from debris during storms. This helps lessen the risk of shattered windows and water damage inside the house. With these shutters appropriately installed in your home, there’s less probability of having to file a claim for storm-related destruction. Insurance companies frequently offer discounts for this safeguard.

How home construction type impacts premiums (e.g., concrete block vs. wood)

The materials used to construct your house can significantly affect insurance costs in Florida. This is due to their varying resistance to hurricanes and other natural disasters, like winds and floods. For this reason, insurance companies adjust their pricing based on these factors.

Concrete houses of blocks usually have lower insurance rates since concrete is sturdier than wood. Concrete block walls are more resistant to wind damage and provide increased safety during hurricanes. This makes insurers view block homes as lower-risk properties. As a result, they often offer lower insurance premiums. Additionally, concrete homes provide protection against fires and are able to fend off termite infestations. This is a crucial factor in Florida’s humid weather conditions.

Wooden houses usually come with higher insurance expenses than construction materials. This is due to their susceptibility to damage from wind and water and a higher fire hazard potentiality. Insurance providers identify them as increased risks. This is because Florida’s damp climate makes termite attacks and rot make the vulnerability of these materials a frequent insurance claim.
These typical hazards result in insurers charging higher premiums for coverage against the specific risks posed by wood-frame homes.

When insuring a house, the construction features also have a say in determining your premiums. One factor is the roof design, which can significantly affect insurance rates. Houses sporting hip roofs (with all sides sloping downwards) tend to come with lower premiums. Hip roofs are better equipped to withstand winds due to their nature. This reduces the chances of being lifted off during strong wind conditions. This increased stability could decrease insurance costs by lowering the chances of extensive storm-related harm.

Choosing Wisely for Reduced Insurance Expenses

Understanding the elements that impact the price of your home insurance. It can help you make informed choices to protproperty property. You’ll also handle costs efficiently when buying a house and renovating it. Key factors, like the home location, its age, and the building materials utilized, significantly influence the insurance premiums you’ll pay.

When searching for insurance coverage options, consider taking advantage of discounts. Try Wind Mitigation Credits and Security System Discounts to decrease your premiums. Ensure you explore hurricane shutters, too, because they can effectively lower risks and protect your home. Consider investing in a concrete block house or upgrading for better wind resistance. This can save money on insurance expenses in the long run.

Choosing the spot for your house and ensuring it’s sturdy with safety features. You can feel safe knowing you’re fully protected while managing your insurance costs efficiently.

The Role of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation plays a unique role in Florida’s insurance market. Let’s break down what it is, how it works, and its pros and cons compared to private insurance companies.

What is Citizens Property Insurance, and Why Is It Unique to Florida?

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, often called “Citizens,” is a government-backed insurance company in Florida. The state of Florida created it in 2002. Its main goal is to offer property insurance to people needing help finding affordable coverage.

Florida has unique weather risks and a large coastal population, so insurance in Florida can be expensive. Some private insurance companies avoid taking on too many policies in high-risk areas. This is cause they fear significant losses and create a gap in the insurance market. This is especially true for people who live in areas vulnerable to storms. Residents of Florida receive assistance from citizens when insurance coverage is not available from the state government.

Eligibility and Coverage Options through Citizens

Citizens aim to cover people who can’t find affordable insurance from private companies. However, you don’t automatically qualify just because you live in Florida. Citizens have specific eligibility rules to ensure it serves people who need it.

To qualify, you need to prove you can’t get a policy from private insurers that costs less than 20% more than Citizens’ rate. In other words, Citizens is usually a last-resort option for people who can’t afford insurance. It provides homeowners insurance, condo insurance, and renters insurance. For homes that might be older or located in high-risk areas, Citizens offer options when private insurers might not.

Citizens offer basic coverage options for property damage, including hurricanes, windstorms, fire, and theft. However, it might only offer some of the extras some private companies do. For example, coverage for luxury items or additional liability coverage.

Pros and Cons of Going through Citizens vs. Private Insurers

Let’s examine the pros and cons of choosing Citizens over a private insurer:

Pros of Choosing Citizens:

Availability in High-Risk Areas: Citizens provide coverage where many private insurers want to avoid taking the risk. Citizens can be willing to offer you insurance if you live in an area prone to hurricanes or floods.

Potentially Lower Rates— Since the state backs Citizens, they try to keep their rates manageable. Particularly for those with limited insurance options. Citizens may have lower rates for people with few options than the limited private policies available.

Basic Coverage—Citizens provide coverage to policyholders. They offer an option for those seeking straightforward protection fproperty property without extra frills or additions.

Cons of Choosing Citizens:

Limited Coverage Options: Citizens may need to provide a broader range of coverage options with private insurers. Citizens only meet some of your needs if you want customized coverage or additional protections.

Lower Claims Capacity: The government backs a pool of funds for Citizens, but a major disaster could stress these resources. If a large-scale hurricane hits, citizens might need help paying claims quickly or in full.

Higher Potential for Assessments: Citizens have a unique funding method. In times of significant losses, citizens can add assessments (extra charges) for all policyholders in Florida. If Citizens face high losses, they may increase their premiums more than expected to help cover these costs.

Last-Resort Status: The state designed Citizens to be a last-resort option. You might not be eligible if you qualify for private insurance at a rate close to Citizens. Private insurers typically provide a range of choices and greater flexibility compared to the limited policy offerings from Citizens.

Summary

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is a unique part of Florida’s insurance market. It covers people needing help finding affordable or available insurance elsewhere. It provides essential, affordable coverage for those living in high-risk or expensive areas. Since it’s a last-resort option, it has limitations in coverage options, claim capacity, and potential extra charges in high-loss years. Choosing Citizens over private insurance depends on your risk level, eligibility, and coverage needs. Private insurance may be better if you want broad options and more flexibility. But if you need reliable, basic coverage in a high-risk area, Citizens might be your best choice.